Accidental slips and falls are a serious issue for seniors and people with disabilities. Bathrooms, and bathtub safety, are particular areas of concern. Activities like getting in and out of the tub is a simple task most of us don’t even think about. But for those with unsteady balance or diminished ability to lift their legs, that simple task becomes dangerous or even impossible.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Fortunately, there is a simple fix to make bathtub access safer and easier. A bathtub step-in conversion, also called a tub-to-shower-conversion, modifies the existing bathtub so that one can just walk in, rather than having to step in or lift their legs over a high tub wall.
To create a tub-to-shower conversion, a portion of the side of the tub is cut away, then the edges are capped with an attractive, slip-resistant form. This can be done on all kinds of bathtubs, whether they’re made from acrylic or fiberglass, porcelain, cast-iron or steel. If you want to retain the ability to have a bath, the form can be modified with a small, waterproof door that still lets someone walk in, close the door and fill the bath.
A bathtub conversion has a number of advantages:
- Doesn’t require an expensive remodel, which makes it good for the pocketbook
- Can be finished very quickly, in only a few hours
- Can be done on bathtubs made out of acrylic, fiberglass, porcelain, cast-iron or steel
Installing a bathtub step-in conversion is a positive move toward independent living bathrooms which extends the length of time people can stay living comfortably in their own homes.