Many people today are choosing to stay in their homes longer, especially after retirement. With that in mind, many are choosing to make their home a bit more comfortable, accessible, and feature rich. One such solution that people are looking into is the installation of walk-in tubs. This is a solution that has a great deal of promise, and after installation, accessibility is made much easier overall. Installing this solution in your home could very well be a great option to consider, and there are some clear-cut advantages that come alongside it.
- Safety First
A great deal of people are sent to the emergency room annually from falls in their own home. Of these falls, millions are from falling in the bathroom, especially in showers and tubs. It's for that reason why many are switching their tubs and showers to be more accessible. There are several features that come with walk-in tubs, including handrails, seats, textured flooring, and much more. This allows for easy access to the tub, safe maneuverability, and much more. Simply put, safety comes first with the installation of a walk-in tub.
- Home Value Rises
Homeowners are often on the lookout for projects that will increase the value of their home. That's the case with accessible upgrades. This becomes especially true for those that are living in an area with a lot of retirees. With a simple addition of a walk-in tub, a home can house many different generations, which is appealing to home buyers that are looking to settle into a home for many years. The appreciation in value is a stark advantage that comes with installing this type of tub.
- More Room For All
Looking at the advantages that come with walk-in tubs, you'll find that there is more room in them. After installing this solution, homeowners will be able to relax, and use the space that is available with relative ease. This is important for those that may be overweight, have to deal with accessibility issues, or simply need additional space to maneuver. There's simply more room in this solution overall.
- Relaxing Benefit
One of the major advantages that you'll find with this type of solution is that it helps with relaxation. Walk-in tubs can have jets that make for a much more relaxing bath experience. Many people pay a great deal of money for jetted tub options in hotels, and different locations. By installing this type of tub, hydrotherapy and relaxation become center stage, all in the home.
- Easy Fit Without Major Renovation
One drawback that people sometimes find to be true about tub installations is the renovation phase. People that are getting traditional solutions installed will have to deal with a great deal of construction, and demolition as well. That is not the case with walk-in tub solutions, however. Many tubs can use the existing space, or less, and can be compact overall. This will save time, energy, and money during the install process.
- Shower Solutions Available As Well
Some people may think that they are going to have to sacrifice their shower when they install a tub of this type. That's not true, however. There are tub/shower combination solutions that can fit any budget, and can allow for people of all ages to use them. This means that multiple generations can live under one roof and still utilize the tub and shower without having to deal without one or the other.
- Mobility Issues Addressed
Individuals that have mobility issues may find that it is difficult to manage bathing in traditional solutions. That's why a walk-in tub becomes even more advantageous. Those that are dealing with mobility problems will find that an easy to access tub will allow for better hygiene, bathing, and more. It's simply an easier solution to work with.
- Save On Hospital Bills
Perhaps the most compelling advantage is that of saving money on hospital bills. This is in large part for eliminating trips to the emergency room, better overall health due to hygiene, and lower medical bills as a whole.
- Low Cost Insurance
As you look over the advantages of a walk-in tub, you'll find that insurance may not cover things out right. Many private insurance companies simply don't cover this, but that is not the case for Medicare Advantage, and Medicare in general. You'll find that there are options for modifying homes for accessibility, as well as safety upgrades. You'll need to discuss this with your insurance company, but in some instances, you'll find that the costs are relatively lower, and could even get help with coverage.
Installation Notes of Walk-In Tubs
As you can see, there are many advantages that come with the installation of walk-in tubs. One last thing to note is that you'll need professional assistance with the install of these tubs. You'll need to find a good contractor that will be able to handle the details that go into the project. This includes and is not limited to electrical, plumbing, and other details that are not in the DIY spectrum. Before installation, make sure that you take into consideration cost of ownership, as well as installation fees that may arise.