There are few things more relaxing at the end of a busy day than a long soak in a hot bath. As well as being a great stress-reliever, hot water has a whole host of physical benefits – in fact, hydrotherapy has been used to treat pain, tension and inflammation since the time of the Ancient Egyptians!
However, all the positive aspects of bathing are swiftly negated if your mobility is not what it once was. For thousands, the difficulty of climbing in and out of a conventional bath tub means it is simply not worth the aggravation, or the risk. If this sounds like a familiar story, a walk-in bath could be exactly what you need.
About walk-in baths
A walk-in bath is one where you can simply step in without the need to climb over the side. As you can see from CareCo’s walk-in baths, they come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but each has a water-tight door with a low threshold, allowing you to step in with ease, close the door and then fill the tub as usual. Walk-in baths often include additional safety features such as seating, a non-slip base and easy-to-operate controls. Some even have water and air jets, meaning you can enjoy a jacuzzi experience in the comfort of your own home.
Factoring in a walk-in bath makes sense if you are creating an accessible bathroom. It allows you to derive all the pleasure and benefits of a bath, while minimising the risk of a fall yet still retaining your privacy and independence.
Physical benefits of bathing
Taking a bath is about more than hygiene. Many of us battle with poor circulation as we get older. Immersion in warm water opens the capillaries close to the surface of the skin, improving blood flow and oxygenation. This in turn boosts metabolic function and helps get rid of toxins, leading to better digestion.
If you are living with a joint or muscular condition such as arthritis, the hot water provides relief by reducing inflammation. In this case, it is well worth considering a walk-in bath with air and water jets, as you can use these to target specific areas of the body.
An aid to relaxation and sleep
These are stressful times for all of us, and anything that can help us relax can only be a good thing. If you feel tense at the end of the day, it will affect both the quality and quantity of your sleep, potentially leading to a vicious circle. Taking a relaxing bath is an effective way of breaking that cycle.
As well as being a relaxing experience, the hot water raises the body temperature, causing it to rapidly cool when you leave the bath, and promoting the release of melatonin, the body’s natural sleep hormone.
Bathe in safety and dignity
Bathing is a highly personal activity. If getting in and out of a bath is risky or impractical without help, a walk-in bath could be exactly what you need to take advantage of all the benefits without compromising your dignity and independence.