Boomers With Arthritis Do Not Want Walk-In Tubs.

Boomers With Arthritis Do Not Want Walk-In Tubs.

This blog is about an alternative to walk-in bath tubs which most Boomers do not want to even think about getting.

Many baby boomers with arthritis or injuries to their knees, hips or backs find it painful when shifting weight onto one leg and may have balance issues on one leg.  This can make it difficult and leaves them feeling unsafe when getting in and out of a soaking tub. This does not mean we need to give up a lovely soak in a bubbly tub to relax and ease body aches and pains.

I am also told so many times by Boomers that they do not want walk in tubs. We do not need a walk-in tub to indulge ourselves. There is an alternative that offers luxurious bathing that is far more attractive.
Walk-in tubs are safe and easy to get in and out of but have drawbacks. Many Boomers do not find them aesthetically pleasing.

My clients are concerned that they make a space look “geriatric ” and  wonder about how their lack of appeal will affect the future resale of their homes. Real Estate agents will confirm that they are not a selling plus, especially for younger buyers.

The biggest frustration I hear about walk-in tubs is how long it takes to fill and drain these tubs…. even those with “fast’ draining systems feel ” like they take forever” is what I’m told.

It is impossible to enter the tub after is starts to fill up…so while the water inches up your body to a desirable height you literally “chill” waiting in your birthday suit. This happens no faster than the water pressure in your home will allow and depends on the age and condition of the pipes in your home.

At the end of the bath the bather shivers in a semi-empty tub without the warmth from the water during the draining procedure.  This puts a bit of a damper on the relaxation.

A more attractive alternative is to put a drop-in bath tub into a deck with the space for a person to sit on it at the end of the tub. It is then easy to sit down and swing your legs up and over into the tub from a balanced, sitting position. 

For an easy exit from the tub choose a bath style that has arm rests carved out of the side of it so that it is possible to use them for getting out. A full tub of water makes your body very buoyant and the arm rests located above the floor of the tub are at a perfect height to be used to push on to stand up and sit back on the deck.

From the deck pivoting your legs to the floor is simple with no painful and unsteady time standing on one leg necessary. As I have illustrated, Boomers who do not want walk-in tubs do not need to get them.

Battery operated bath lifts are also available if adequate arm strength for lifting yourself out is concern. 

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A deck that includes room to sit also provides a built-in and convenient place to dry off.

Avoid locating the taps on the front of the tub so they are not an obstruction when swinging your legs into the tub.

Enhancing the deck area with plants, candles and luxurious bath towels creates the perfect spa experience. Add air jets to the tub, a bath pillow, spa music,  and some moisturizing bubbling bath products with relaxing scent, and you have a great rejuvenating, self care retreat at home.

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My arthritic knees certainly endorse a lavender bubbly hot bath with Epsom salts by candlelight ….for muscle and mind relaxation and stress release.

A soaking tub with a generous deck around it is an inviting and attractive addition to any home, whether for Baby Boomers or not. I love situations where good design can create a beautiful living space and can also make life easier.

Let me know if you would like to discuss a home spa in your bathroom and I would be very happy to   design one just for you.

Sheila Doris      A Home You Love Designs      416-266-2717