3 Tips For Choosing The Right Walk-In Tub For Your School-Aged Child With A Mobility Issue

14 February 2017

Jaime Allen

If your son or daughter has mobility challenges or another disability that has made some activities of daily living difficult to accomplish without assistance, you may already know that many occupational and physical therapists recommend making modifications whenever possible to encourage their independence. Therefore, it is a good idea to invest in a walk-in tub before your child hits puberty so that he or she will be familiar with its functionality before bathing alone becomes even more important to them. In order to be sure that you are providing the most appropriate walk-in tubs for your child's current and future needs, it is a good idea to be familiar with the advice shared below.

#1-Understand Why A Bathtub With A Door Is Empowering To Kids With Disabilities 

One of the biggest issues that children and adolescents with physical disabilities often face is their ability, or lack thereof, to bathe alone. It is important to note that the severity of their disability and any expected changes to their mobility will ultimately impact your choice of a bathtub. Fortunately, the taller sides of a walk-in tub and lower point of entry can make a tub with a door a safer way for many people with mobility issues to bathe.  

Since the use of a walk-in tub can foster independence and provide privacy to kids as they are maturing towards adulthood, allowing regular and frequent access to their new adaptive device is a good way to work towards the ultimate goal of increased or total self-care when bathing.    

#2-Choose A Unit That Works Today, Tomorrow, And For Many Years To Come

If your son or daughter has a problem that will be addressed or improved upon through surgery, physical and occupational therapy, or other services in the future, you would do well choosing a bathtub that meets their current needs. One example would be your choice of seat, which is usually provided as a model that sits up straight, without the ability to recline. While you can choose a reclining seat in some walk-in bathtubs, doing so is not always the best choice if you expect that in the future, your child will want to be able to sit normally.  

#3-Consider Units With Extra Large Drains

One common complaint about the use of walk-in tubs in recent years has been that they take too long to drain. Since the door cannot be opened or closed with water in the unit, it only makes sense that draining it quickly is a good choice. Therefore, it is a good idea to be sure that the model you ultimately choose has a large drain and plug that your child will be able to safely access, being sure to allow for their physical limitations.

In conclusion, a walk-in tub is an ideal way to provide your child with the ability to learn how to safely bathe alone. Since a bathtub with a door is a big investment, it is best to apply the above advice when you are making this important decision. Contact a company like Twin City Stair Lifts to learn more.

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