6 Ways a Walk-in Shower Prevents Injuries

6 Ways a Walk-in Shower Prevents Injuries

Turning an old bathtub/shower combo into a beautifully tiled walk-in
shower looks great. What's even better is that it can prevent injuries.

Converting an existing bathtub into a walk-in shower is a signature service

of Scottsdale, Arizona-based Gainey Flooring Solutions, experts in these
remodels for over 25 years. Here, owner Bruce Berey shares the top six
reasons installing a walk-in shower increases daily peace of mind for older
adults and their families.

1. Eliminates stepping over the tub wall

Stepping into a combo tub/shower can be awkward, even for younger folks.
Standing on one foot, shifting weight, and finding your balance requires a
degree of coordination. And then you have to repeat the process getting
out, when you and the bathtub are wet. Researchers have found that
balance begins to decline at around age 50, and becomes worse with age.
Walking into a shower, instead of climbing over a bathtub surround,
instantly diminishes the risk of falling.

2. Puts shower controls within easy reach

In a typical shower/tub combo, adjusting water temperature often means
stretching over the tub surround to reach the controls, or even climbing
into the tub itself. Installing a walk-in shower means you can have the
controls placed immediately inside the shower door for easy access before
you even step in.

3. Creates a non-slick surface that prevents slipping

By their nature, bathtub interiors are smooth, which is fine when you're
sitting in the tub, not so fine when you're standing. The non-slip tiles and
grout used on walk-in shower bases provides a more textured surface that
significantly enhances stability.

4. Provides support with a grab bar

Grab bars are to showers what railings are to staircases. They provide
steadiness and security when getting in or out of the shower, retrieving a
bar of soap, or scrubbing a foot.

5. Reduces awkward balancing with shower seats and hand-held fixtures
Whether because of an injury or a mobility issue, there may come a time
when standing in the shower becomes difficult. To the rescue: a built-in
shower seat and hand-held showerhead, items that are also critical should
someone require assistance in bathing. The good news is that these are
great accessories regardless of the user’s physical needs. A built-in seat
makes leg-shaving easier and acts as a generous ledge for bath products,
and a hand-held showerhead is a game-changer when washing kids and
dogs.

6. Eases bathroom cleaning

Cleaning a bathtub can do a number on your back and knees — you have
to lean over the tub to scrub the base and walls, and the deeper the tub,
the greater the difficulty. By contrast, cleaning a walk-in shower means
stepping inside and spritzing the walls.

To see dozens of stunning before-and-after
walk-in shower conversions, visit our online gallery. To schedule a free consultation with owner Bruce Berey, call 602-989-8255.