Accessible bathtub
Accessible bathtubs are
Many accessible bathtubs are available with
Walk-in bathtubs
Walk-in bathtubs have either an inward-opening or cap-like fitted door, descending to near ground level to allow a person to enter the tub without climbing over its side; the door is self-sealing.[1] Most walk-in bathtubs also have a chair-height seat, but some, which are the same basic configuration as a standard bathtub, do not have any seat. In some instances an inward-opening door may be considered a disadvantage because emergency access is impossible, since the pressure of the water on the door is holding it closed.[citation needed] However, the advantage is that an inward opening door is "self-sealing" due to the pressure of the water inside the bath assisting in maintaining a water-tight seal. Outward-swinging doors are equipped with a special seal so that they will not leak. These types of doors also facilitate access for users who need to perform a lateral transfer from a wheelchair in order to gain access to the bathing area. Other tubs have side walls that raise and lower,[4] while others have doors that slide into the wall of the tub.[2]
Some bathtubs categorized as "walk-in" actually require a low step-in, as they have higher seats and outward-opening doors that enable a person to simply sit on the seat and pivot and swing his or her legs into the tub. This type of walk-in bathtub can be helpful to wheelchair users and to others with mobility impairments.
Walk-in tubs take up a similar amount of space in a bathroom as a traditional bathtub. This allows for a quicker installation and simpler alignment of the water drains.
There are also smaller walk-in tubs that offer front and side entry for a less-than-standard space.
See also
- Accessible housing
- Accessible toilet
- Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
- Bathroom emergency pullstring
- Grab bar
- Transfer bench
- Visitability
References
- ^ a b c "Accessible housing by design—Bathrooms". Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Archived from the original on 2008-05-13. Retrieved 2010-03-06.
- ^ a b "Bathtubs". AARP.org. 1 February 2004. Retrieved 2010-03-06.
- ^ "A Tub You Can Really Get Into". British Columbia Institute of Technology. 2 December 2008. Archived from the original on 23 March 2010. Retrieved 2010-03-06.
- ISBN 978-1-932603-33-0.