The decision to move your aging parent into your home is one that requires considerable thought, and you are now entering the planning stage for their arrival. While you may have already started preparing their bedroom, you may have some concerns about the bathroom that can hold many potential risks for senior injuries.
Walk-in tubs are known to help with many aspects of senior care, but you may still be on the fence about whether or not you should get one. The answers to these four questions can help you decide if replacing your current tub with a walk-in style will make the transition to a multi-generational household easier.
Do They Have Mobility Challenges?
The average traditional bathtub has walls that are usually at least more than a foot high. Seniors with mobility challenges tend to find it hard to step over these ledges, and your loved one may struggle if your current tub has a wall that is even higher. A bathtub designed for people with mobility issues has a special door that keeps the water in and allows the ledge to be much lower. If your loved one struggles with walking up steps or a curb along the street, then this is an option that you need to consider.
Is Your Loved One a Fall Risk?
Mobility challenges are not the only cause for senior falls. Your loved one may be deemed a fall risk if they take medications that cause fatigue or dizziness. Seniors with health conditions such as Parkinson's may also be more likely to fall as they try to get into the bathroom due to muscle stiffness or weakness. Switching to a more accessible tub can prevent an accident from happening.
Do They Struggle With Pain or Insomnia?
Walk-in tubs for seniors come with many features that offer benefits far beyond just preventing falls. You can opt for a model that has water jets that make bath time feel more like a spa experience. These features are particularly beneficial for seniors with joint or muscle pain. Your loved one may also prefer this option as a way to help themselves relax before bedtime if they struggle with insomnia.
Are You Willing to Help With Personal Hygiene Care?
You may be busy worrying about immediate concerns, but it is also important to look toward the future when you move a senior loved one into your house. Over the next several years, your loved one can expect to experience more challenges that impact their ability to take care of their own personal hygiene. If the thought of assisting with bathing causes you concern, then a walk-in tub can help your loved one manage their own hygiene needs independently for longer.
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