BackAmazing New Walk-in Bathing
Article submitted by George E. Bentley, JD of The Amazing Walk-in Bath Tub Company. He can be reached at 800-688-0055, or by e-mail at George@AmazingWalkinBathtubs.com.
In 2002, my Mother fell in the bathroom and broke her hip. I was not prepared for the downward spiral her health went through following that fall. The hip injury set in motion what I now know to be a very common pattern of health problems that directly led to her dying in a nursing home in 2004.
As a result, I have spent three years interviewing hundreds of seniors and their caregivers, and researching all available products and technologies learning how to keep seniors "aging in place" safely. I researched and analyzed every walk-in tub I could find in order to learn how to determine which product was right for a given situation, which ones were high quality and which were not.
Walk-in bathing technology is, without question, the single most important "first step" to being able to live, and thrive, independently in place for as long as you choose. As we age, our strength, stamina and flexibility diminish. We eventually face a range of bathing issues that did not exist when we were young. However, our bathing environment stays the same. We don't remodel our bathrooms to incorporate technology to eliminate the dangers. Few spouses, or grown children observe the gyrations and stress that many seniors experience as they quietly struggle to bathe. We tend to ignore the problem until a senior is injured and forced into assisted bathing.
Reality #1 - Your bathroom is the most dangerous room in your home! Currently, 80% of all people in nursing homes are there due to complications from fall related injuries. Falls, sprains and scalds in traditional bathrooms account for the vast majority of these injuries.
Solution - Walk-in bathing appliances have high side walls and a door that permit bathers to enter without needing to lift their feet more than a few inches. Appropriately placed ADA grab bars provide personalized stabilization throughout this process. Once in, the bather can lower onto a raised integral seat - AND RELAX! There is no risk of slipping, falling, or trying to get up or down from floor level. Anti-scald valves, drains and accessories are within easy reach.
Reality #2 - Injury or illness can financially devastate a senior's savings and financial stability. With my Mom's hip, my parents spent over $30,000 in uninsured medical expenses, and, $8,000 or more, each and every month, IN CASH, for her nursing home care. Few seniors can afford this.
Solution - Investing in preventative bathing safety products pays for itself. Even the most expensive walk-in bathing solution can cost far less than a nursing home stay. The investment in prevention and health is crucial to thriving in older age and preserving your cherished financial resources.
Reality #3 - Few seniors have sufficient access to healthy, non-aggressive, whole-body exercise. Most diseases, like arthritis, diabetes, MS, joint problems, cancer and many others, are due to long term, low grade inflammations. As we age, we often don't have any way to exercise, and stimulate our body to help cleanse the toxins and contaminants that lead to inflammation, pain and debilitating degenerative conditions.
Solution - Medical hydrotherapy delivers sanitary, gentle whole-body massage, and can have life altering impact on a senior's health, relaxation and sense of well being. Walk-in bathtubs offer the option of hydrotherapy (not dangerous jetted "hot tubs"). Clients rave about the relaxation, pain reduction and invigorating benefits they receive from hydrotherapy.
My Mother always told me: "Knowledge is Power!" Knowledge of bathing technologies, like walk-in tubs, can empower you to take control of your intention to live independently for as long as possible.