Installing a Walk-In Shower for Aging in Place
Many older adults prefer to enjoy the comforts and privacy of their own home for as long as possible. However, aging in place grows increasingly risky as you grow older. Tripping and slipping accidents are unfortunately common, particularly in the bathroom. Many homes have a bathtub-shower combination. This popular feature, however, isn’t the safest option for aging in place. Installing a walk-in shower is a smart step to take to remain safer while aging in place.
What Is a Walk-In Shower?
A bathtub-shower combination is typically set up with a shower faucet mounted on the wall next to the tub. To enter the combination bathtub-shower, you must lift your legs over the side of the tub one by one. With reduced agility, balance and strength as you age, falling and slipping are true concerns.
This is a significant concern at the end of a shower when your feet are wet and the tub floor is slippery. A walk-in shower, however, allows you to walk directly into the shower without having to maneuver over the side of the bathtub. Often, these showers don’t have a door to work yourself around either. Shower railings can also be installed to further enhance your stability and safety.
The Benefits of a Walk-In Shower
A walk-in shower gives you several important benefits, and these benefits may allow you to age in place for a longer period of time. Some shower styles are large enough to accommodate a walker or wheelchair, which makes it easier to bathe when mobility equipment is needed. These showers also have non-slip floors to further reduce the risk of an accident.
With a safety bar installed inside the shower, you can more easily lower yourself onto a bathroom shower and pull yourself back up after you bathe. A detachable showerhead can also be installed in your new shower. This allows you to maneuver the water around you rather than twist and turn when standing up in the shower.
Is a Walk-In Shower Right for Your Home?
While a walk-in shower can be installed in many bathrooms, there are a few things to keep in mind when deciding if this upgrade is right for your home. For example, your bathroom should be large enough to accommodate a chair in the stall while still giving you space to maneuver safely in and out of the shower.
The door leading into the bathroom should also be large enough to accommodate a walker or wheelchair. Even if you don’t need these mobility devices yet, it’s possible that you may need them in the years to come. You also need to find a showerhead with a long enough hose to suit the size of your shower stall. Because standing water is a safety concern, the drain should allow the water to quickly leave the shower basin.
Choosing the Right Walk-In Shower Features
Not all walk-in showers are created equal, and selecting the right features can make all the difference in your daily comfort and safety. Consider a shower with a built-in seat or bench. This feature allows you to sit while bathing, which reduces fatigue and eliminates the need to balance on one foot while washing. A thermostatic mixing valve is another smart addition to your walk-in shower.
This valve prevents sudden temperature changes that could startle you and lead to a fall. Look for textured flooring rather than smooth tiles, as this provides better traction even when soap and shampoo are present. Adequate lighting is equally important. Bright, evenly distributed light helps you see clearly and avoid missteps. If you’re planning ahead, you might also want to include blocking in the walls during installation. This reinforcement allows you to add grab bars in different locations later as your needs change over time.
Schedule Your Shower Upgrade Today
At Daytona Benjamin Franklin, we are proud to be your trusted source for all of your plumbing needs. You can count on our licensed and insured plumbers to upgrade your bathroom with a variety of safer features, like a walk-in shower, a raised toilet and more. We’re always efficient and punctual. If there’s any delay, it’s YOU we pay. Schedule your shower upgrade with Daytona Benjamin Franklin today.
