Types of Handicap Bathtubs

Posted on April 5, 2010 | Category: House Trivia

If you have a physical disability then handicap bathtubs can allow you to have a real bath without having to worry about climbing over the high sides of a regular tub. It’s important to be aware of the different types of handicap bathtubs that are available though because they can be expensive and you don’t want to get the wrong one. Here are a few of the different types that you might want to consider buying.

There are two main types of handicap tub – walk in and slide in. The type that’s best suited for you depends on the severity of your disability. For example, a walk in tub is usually the best option for a disability that prevents the person from getting into a bath safely but doesn’t stop them from supporting themselves. They should always be fitted with safety bars and handles in order to make bathing as simple as possible. Handrails are also especially useful for handicap showers.

On the other hand, a slide in tub is best for people that have more severe forms of disability. The difference between a slide in and walk-in tub is that a slide in has a rotating chair allowing the person to get into the bath without having to get up. This is especially useful if the person is in a wheelchair.

The final type is a modified regular tub. Sometimes you can add features to a bath such as seats and handles in order to make it easier to use although this doesn’t solve the problem of having a high side. You could also consider modifying the tub by having a door cut into the side. This needs to be done by a professional in order to make sure that the door is safe and water tight but can be a less expensive way of making your bath tub more accessible.

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