Although bathing is a simple life pleasure, it is a critical part of self-care that allows you to relax, clean up and eliminate dead skin. However, for physically disadvantaged people including the elderly, disabled, and those with recurrent injuries, bathing is an uphill task.
The fear of slipping and getting hurt can deter such people from enjoying the benefits of a bath. That is where walk-in baths come in handy to help you enjoy a warm bath like everybody else. Keep reading to find out more about walk-in bath benefits.
Improve Your Health With the Following Walk-in Bath Benefits
A walk-in bath is equipped with a water-tight door that opens inwards or outwards and an inbuilt seat to help you bathe while seated. Here are ways such walk-in baths will improve your health.
1. Aids in Pain Management
A warm bath can temporarily alleviate pain by increasing blood circulation. In turn, improved blood circulation relaxes tense muscles and eases joint pain. In fact, the Arthritis Foundation reports that warm water therapy helps deal with the pain associated with conditions like back pain and arthritis1.
Walk-in baths have extra features that help deal with pain. For example, the inbuilt seat helps you to sit comfortably and avoid strain. Additionally, the baths are equipped with water and air jets that offer a gentle massage which further alleviates pain. Another effective way to relieve pain is through cryotherapy.
2. Aids in Accident Prevention
Bathrooms are prone to accidents due to factors such as slippery surfaces caused by soap and smooth flooring. In reality, 80% of bathroom injuries are caused by falls2. For physically disadvantaged people, the risk of accidents is magnified.
Walk-in baths allow you to get in without raising your legs thus reducing strain. Besides, the baths come with additional safety features to reduce the risk of slipping and falling. For instance, they have sturdy grab rails, textured floors, comfortable seats for support, and operation controls.
3. Helps to Promote an Improved Sleep Hygiene
A quality night’s sleep is paramount to everybody’s health. However, enjoying quality sleep can be a challenge when in pain not to mention the stress of getting into a regular bath. Walk-in baths come in handy to allow you to enjoy the relaxing benefits of a warm bath before retiring to bed.
Soaking for one to two hours before bed will help numb away the pain and leave you feeling fresh and calm. In addition, a warm bath has been shown to lower your core temperature. In turn, a circadian signal is sent to your brain showing that you are ready to sleep.
4. Aids in the Reduction of Stress and Anxiety
Soaking warm water has been shown to lower stress. Most people with disabilities and illnesses are more likely to experience stress and despair. With a walk-in bath, you can choose to soak yourself while seated or lying down depending on the model of your tub.
When your skin comes into contact with soothing warm water, your brain releases feel-good hormones like dopamine and serotonin. The hormones then calm the nervous system hence reducing stress. The air jets also release tiny bubbles which trigger the release of endorphins.
The heat from the bath promotes facial relaxation hence reducing tension. Besides, you can add chromotherapy lights, sweet smells, and soothing music to further aid in relieving tension.
5. Aids in Improving General Hygiene
Regular bathing is key to personal hygiene as it can help fight infections, remove dead skin and heal wounds. However, with limited mobility, personal hygiene may become a far-fetched dream. Walk-in baths allow you to walk into your bath unaided thus giving you the independency to clean up.
A bath helps you to deep cleanse hence getting rid of accumulated dead skin cells that may cause sores, inflammation, and irritation. However, you should exercise some caution while bathing to avoid getting hurt. For instance, avoid hot water and products that irritate you.
Enjoy Enhanced Health With the Above Walk-in Bath Benefits
Aside from helping people with low mobility to access baths, walk-in baths have numerous benefits. They include pain management, accident prevention, better sleep, reduced stress, and better hygiene.
Links to Sources Used
- Warm water therapy for alleviating pain https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/managing-pain/pain-relief-solutions/heat-therapy-helps-relax-stiff-joints
- Bathroom accident statistics https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6022a1.htm
