When buying handicap bathtubs one of the main considerations is whether to get a walk-in or slide-in model. There are advantages to both and it’s vital to know and understand these before making a decision. The difference between the two centers on how the person accesses the bath – either by walking though the door or sliding around on a chair.
Probably the main consideration is whether the person using the bathtub has the ability to walk or not. If they don’t then a slide-in tub is the only option. Slide in bath tubs allow a person with severe disability to access the tub independently as long as they have a small amount of strength in the upper body. On the other hand, if the person is able to walk on their own then a walk-in tub may be just as convenient.
Slide-in bathtubs work by providing a seat on a pivot that attaches to the bath. This then allows the person to slide from a wheelchair or other chair onto the bath chair before swinging round into the bath. This means that even someone with a severe form of disability can have a bath without the need for help. Aside from this difference in accessing the bath though there is very little difference between a slide-in and walk-in.
Even if the person is able to walk into a bathtub you may still want to consider getting a slide in tub because they make the experience of bathing a lot easier. Just because a person can walk doesn’t necessarily mean that they can do it easily. Generally if the person spends a lot of time in a wheelchair then a slide-in handicap bathtub is probably the best option. Most should come with handicap showers in order for the person to have a quicker wash although you should check this before you buy.
