Bathing Safety Tips for the Elderly

Owing to better standards of living, people across the world, especially in developed countries, seem to increasingly prefer bathtubs to showers.

Some of the main reasons behind this is that bathtubs give a luxury feel to one’s bathroom and offer an exquisite bathing experience desired by many. In addition, it provides relaxation to a user’s mind and body and a hot bath can sooth sore muscles and joints.

Bathing Safety Tips for the Elderly

Unfortunately, injuries can also happen in the bathroom, mostly with those who are aged 65 or above. Considering a walk-in bathtub can help seniors to avoid accidental falls.

Here are some bathing safety tips to keep in mind if you don’t have walk in bathtub while caring for an elderly family member.

• Installation of non-stick coating: Both acrylic and fiberglass tubs can be extremely slippery. To prevent slip, you can treat the bathtub surface with a nonstick coating, but that can be a bit expensive. Wood bathtubs are also a great option for elderly people to take their baths.
• Installation of Grab Bars: The grab bar is an essential thing for maintaining bathing safety. It acts as a supporting tool when moving in and out of the bathtub.
• Improve accessibility: Make sure to place soap, shampoo, conditioner, towel, and other essential bathing items at arm’s reach from the tub.
• Utilize non-slip mats: Falls can be caused not only inside but also outside the bathtub. To prevent such scenario, place non slip bath mats inside the tub to give your feet some traction when you move around and in the bathroom floor to keep the surface dry. A microfiber mat is best!
• Installation of bathtub chair: Using a bathtub chain can actually help to reduce the chances of falling. It provides a secure area in a slippery bath.

More on Modern Bathtubs

Modern Bathtubs are generally available in three styles, i.e. standard, oval and corner. Standard bathtubs are usually designed in two sizes i.e. 60 x 30 inches and 60 x 32 inches, with a depth ranging from 15 inches to 18 inches. On the other hand, oval bathtubs i.e. long & soaking tubs are available up to 72 inches long with a depth of 20 inches to 24 inches.

Corner bathtubs are generally triangular in shape and are comparatively smaller than standard and oval tubs. Oval & standard bathtubs are made to provide more comfort to sit in, whereas corner bathtubs are designed to save bathroom space.

Common Materials Used in Bathtubs

Bathtub materials have a significant impact on how slippery the tub’s surface is.  It also impacts the tub’s look, feel, weight, durability, heat retention and price.

Initially, materials like wood, copper, iron etc. were used for making bathtubs. Now-a-days, several other varieties of materials are also used for the production of bathtubs like acrylic, fiberglass etc.

Following are some of the materials commonly used in many modern bathtubs:

• Porcelain Enameled Steel Tubs: It’s the most common material used for constructing bathtubs. These tubs are usually heavier than other modern tubs because of the porcelain enameled coated steel but they’re much lighter than traditional iron tubs. They are mostly only available in standard size i.e. 60 x 30 inches and are durable & inexpensive at the same time.
• Acrylic Tubs: These tubs are constructed from acrylic sheets that are strengthened with fiberglass. Acrylic is also very durable and affordable. But they are mostly popular for their versatility, lightweight and easy installation. Acrylic is less resistant to scratches than porcelain enamel steel, however, the surface can be easily repaired.
• Fiberglass Tubs: These kinds of tubs are made up of several layers of fiberglass, surface coat, and polyester resin. It has a smooth and shining finishing because of a fine layer of gelcoat. This material is less expensive than steel and acrylic but is not as durable as them.
• Enameled Cast Iron Tub: This type of tub is very durable and is made up of molded iron that is coated with porcelain enamel. They are very heavy and difficult to install. However, they possess an excellent heat retention capacity.
• Specialty Wood Tubs: Wood tubs can also be made in multiple shapes including round, oval etc. Western Cedar wood, owing to its beauty and durability, is mostly preferred for manufacturing bathtubs. Wood tubs can hold warm water for a longer period than enamel, acrylic and others.

Common Types of Bathtubs

Making the right choice of bathtub for the elderly is important. Here are few major types of bathtubs available in the market.

• Alcove Tub: It is referred as the three wall alcove design which often consists of a shower head on the top. Its style combines both form and functionality. This type of bathtub is relatively affordable and perfect for a small apartment or home with cozy space.
• Free Standing Tub: Because of its eye catching versatile look, this type of tub can enhance the bathroom design to a great extent. These ultimately classic tubs are also called claw foot tubs because they rest on four feet. There are several types of free standing tubs available in the market including modern solid base tub, soup bowl tub and others.
• Build-In Tubs: These are also called deck-mounted, platform or drop-in tubs because they include a drop in design function which helps to improve the aesthetic and flush water away from the deck or platform.
• Japanese Ofuro: These are soaking tubs that offer the kind of pleasure and peace one might get at a spa. Owing to its gentle sloping walls, design, and visual appeal, it is considered as one of the most beautiful tub designs of the modern times. This special type of Japanese tub is not usually used for bathing, rather people take a shower and then enter the tub to soak and relax.
• Undermount Tub: This type of bathtub is quite similar to build-in bathtubs. The only difference is build-in tubs are placed above the rim, whereas undermount bathtubs are installed underneath a rim.

Global Market Scenario of the Bathtub Industry

According to a report published by Allied Market Research, the global bathtub market size is projected to reach $8.9 billion with a considerable CAGR from 2021 to 2027. Furthermore, there are several bathtub market trends going on such as detoxification which makes the liver, kidney, and lungs healthier.

Meanwhile, the major players in the market are focusing on innovation and new product launches in order to offer satisfaction to the potential customers. Recently, a new digital bathtub came into the market which provides spa like therapy and chromo therapy to the user. With this drift on board, the popularity of smart bathtubs with artificial intelligence is expected to rise, which sequentially, will boost the global market of bathtubs in the near future.

Article Written by Suchita Gupta