Walk-in tubs and showers are designed to improve safety and accessibility for elderly and disabled individuals. They offer easy entry and exit through doors with low curbs, as well as grab bars and seats for stability. This allows people with limited mobility to bathe independently safely. The document also discusses automatic door openers, larger models like the "Big E" tub, and how accessible design can help prevent falls and allow seniors to remain in their homes safely.

1. Universal DesignUniversal Design
SpecialistsSpecialists
http://http://www.universaldesignspecialists.comwww.universaldesignspecialists.com//

2. Walk in Tubs – For the Safety ofWalk in Tubs – For the Safety of
Elderly and Disabled PeopleElderly and Disabled People
 Walk in tubsWalk in tubs offer the best solution for seniors and handicapped people. Theseoffer the best solution for seniors and handicapped people. These
accessible tubs offer safety, security and of course comfort for the people withaccessible tubs offer safety, security and of course comfort for the people with
limited mobility. They are designed in such way that they offer complete safety andlimited mobility. They are designed in such way that they offer complete safety and
convenience as a result of their in-swing or out-swing doors and low curb entry.convenience as a result of their in-swing or out-swing doors and low curb entry.
When users opt for aWhen users opt for a handicap bathtubhandicap bathtub they reduce the possibility of falling orthey reduce the possibility of falling or
slipping as a result of the barrier free access and safety considerations built intoslipping as a result of the barrier free access and safety considerations built into
eacheach walk in bathtub.walk in bathtub. These specialized units assure a much higher safety level forThese specialized units assure a much higher safety level for
older users with reduced strength and mobility. One of the main reasons to installolder users with reduced strength and mobility. One of the main reasons to install
walkin tubswalkin tubs in a bathroom is to prevent the accidents so often prevalent as onein a bathroom is to prevent the accidents so often prevalent as one
ages.ages.
Why to opt for Walk in Tubs?Why to opt for Walk in Tubs?
Regardless of age, ability or disability, it is important to focus on the safetyRegardless of age, ability or disability, it is important to focus on the safety
measures in your bathroom as bathrooms are responsible for the majority ofmeasures in your bathroom as bathrooms are responsible for the majority of
accidents in all homes. People suffering from limited mobility may really findaccidents in all homes. People suffering from limited mobility may really find walkwalk
in tubsin tubs to be an enormous help with bathing. The wide range ofto be an enormous help with bathing. The wide range of handicap tubshandicap tubs
available today typically include built in grab bars and a non-slip floor for addedavailable today typically include built in grab bars and a non-slip floor for added
stability. They are available with either an in-swing or out-swing door and onestability. They are available with either an in-swing or out-swing door and one
particular manufacturer even offers a very unique sliding door. Mostparticular manufacturer even offers a very unique sliding door. Most handicaphandicap
bathtubsbathtubs include wheelchair height seats that allow for easier transfer in and out ofinclude wheelchair height seats that allow for easier transfer in and out of
the bathing zone and avoid the need to try and stand up from the low positionthe bathing zone and avoid the need to try and stand up from the low position
typically with standard bathtubs.typically with standard bathtubs.
Cont.Cont.

3. For a user with limited reach or mobility, the simple act of opening or closing a door may not be possibleFor a user with limited reach or mobility, the simple act of opening or closing a door may not be possible
and one may not always have assistance from others to do so. It is also not desirable to always have toand one may not always have assistance from others to do so. It is also not desirable to always have to
depend on others for this assistance. For this reasondepend on others for this assistance. For this reason automatic door openersautomatic door openers can offer a viable solution incan offer a viable solution in
assisting with this daily task. Anassisting with this daily task. An automatic door openerautomatic door opener is easily installed and requires minimal annualis easily installed and requires minimal annual
maintenance and years of reliable performance assuming one purchases a quality unit.maintenance and years of reliable performance assuming one purchases a quality unit.
AA handicap door openerhandicap door opener offers unrestricted entry and exit from both residential and commercialoffers unrestricted entry and exit from both residential and commercial
establishments by way of a simple wall mounted or hand held push button or remote control. Theseestablishments by way of a simple wall mounted or hand held push button or remote control. These
controls send a signal to handicap door openers to open the door and once the unit times out the doorcontrols send a signal to handicap door openers to open the door and once the unit times out the door
will close.will close.
Taking a shower may prove a real challenge to anyone with restricted mobility. Fortunately the industryTaking a shower may prove a real challenge to anyone with restricted mobility. Fortunately the industry
has responded and this is no longer an issue.has responded and this is no longer an issue.
Walk in showersWalk in showers andand handicapped showershandicapped showers offer a variety of features to meet the requirements ofoffer a variety of features to meet the requirements of
disabled and senior users. Some suppliers offer adisabled and senior users. Some suppliers offer a roll in showerroll in shower without a curb that permits wheelchairwithout a curb that permits wheelchair
access as well as a no-step entry. In commercial applications anaccess as well as a no-step entry. In commercial applications an ADA showerADA shower is required which includesis required which includes
min clearances for disabled users. In all cases amin clearances for disabled users. In all cases a handicapped showerhandicapped shower provides a number of advantagesprovides a number of advantages
which include safe entry and exit, an accessible seat, grab bars and a non slip surface some of which arewhich include safe entry and exit, an accessible seat, grab bars and a non slip surface some of which are
not always available with standard showers.not always available with standard showers.
Walk in tubsWalk in tubs andand walk in showerswalk in showers provide the ultimate safety choice when bathing in any bathroom andprovide the ultimate safety choice when bathing in any bathroom and
help prevent dangerous and often life threatening falls.help prevent dangerous and often life threatening falls.
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4. Improve Your Bathroom with Secure andImprove Your Bathroom with Secure and
Comfortable Handicap ShowersComfortable Handicap Showers
Enjoying a hot shower in the morning or later in the evening before going
to bed can rejuvenate one and can be highly relaxing for mind, body and
spirit. But imagine being unable to take a shower because of some
disability and having to depend on others for this simple task. Many of us
can’t ever consider being so dependent on others that we could not bathe
ourselves. Nevertheless, there are many elderly or disabled people who
have to rely on others for taking a shower regardless of if they like it or not.
Having handicap showers installed in their homes would help make them
independent and when recuperating do so with safety, confidence and
dignity.
Designed specifically for people like them these barrier free showers are
fabricated with exclusive safety features and incorporate special seats for
easy transfer and sitting while showering, curb free access which effectively
eliminates the need to step over a potential obstacle entering or leaving
the bathing zone and handicap grab bars for added support when needed
Cont.

5. Also known as aAlso known as a walk in showerswalk in showers oror wheelchair accessible showerwheelchair accessible shower, they are often larger than the conventional, they are often larger than the conventional
showers so as to accommodate people dependent on wheelchairs. Due to the lack of any curb on entering theyshowers so as to accommodate people dependent on wheelchairs. Due to the lack of any curb on entering they
permit a user who is dependent on a wheelchair or walker to roll into the shower and either transfer to a seatpermit a user who is dependent on a wheelchair or walker to roll into the shower and either transfer to a seat
installed in the shower or bathe using a waterproof chair.installed in the shower or bathe using a waterproof chair.
TheseThese ada shower stallsada shower stalls typically include special features such as anti-scald faucets, lever type hand controls totypically include special features such as anti-scald faucets, lever type hand controls to
allow people with dexterity issues to operate them with more ease and hand held shower heads with longerallow people with dexterity issues to operate them with more ease and hand held shower heads with longer
hoses to facilitate bathing in a seated position. It is a combination of these features that have madehoses to facilitate bathing in a seated position. It is a combination of these features that have made walk inwalk in
showersshowers safer and more secure when compared to the conventional units.safer and more secure when compared to the conventional units.
As we age or become less mobile a fear of accessing a conventional step over bathtub often becomes an issue.As we age or become less mobile a fear of accessing a conventional step over bathtub often becomes an issue.
Many falls occur each year in the bathroom as a result of difficulty in making what was once a simple transitionMany falls occur each year in the bathroom as a result of difficulty in making what was once a simple transition
yet many people still enjoy the pleasure of submerging in warm water when bathing.yet many people still enjoy the pleasure of submerging in warm water when bathing. Walk in bath tubsWalk in bath tubs areare
designed for this purpose as they reduce the typically high step over necessary to something more manageabledesigned for this purpose as they reduce the typically high step over necessary to something more manageable
and safer for most users so that one can simply walk in or out without difficulty or risk of injury as long as theyand safer for most users so that one can simply walk in or out without difficulty or risk of injury as long as they
are able to step over a low curb.are able to step over a low curb.
TheseThese handicap tubshandicap tubs include a fixed seat at a comfortable height and watertight door, either out-swing or in-include a fixed seat at a comfortable height and watertight door, either out-swing or in-
swing depending on the specific need. The step over ranges between 4-7 inches depending on the modelswing depending on the specific need. The step over ranges between 4-7 inches depending on the model
selected which is substantially less than the typical 14-23 inch step required for a conventional model. There isselected which is substantially less than the typical 14-23 inch step required for a conventional model. There is
an assortment of options available including water and or air jets, neck rest pillow, aromatherapy,an assortment of options available including water and or air jets, neck rest pillow, aromatherapy,
Chromatherapy and a heated seatChromatherapy and a heated seat
With these innovativeWith these innovative walk in tubs and showerswalk in tubs and showers, the user can comfortably sit at a height that makes it easy to, the user can comfortably sit at a height that makes it easy to
get up and leave the bathing zone without the need to raise their entire body from a lowered reclining positionget up and leave the bathing zone without the need to raise their entire body from a lowered reclining position
typically with standard tubs.typically with standard tubs.
Make the bathing experience, manageable, comfortable and safe with qualityMake the bathing experience, manageable, comfortable and safe with quality handicap showershandicap showers oror walk inwalk in
bathtubsbathtubs in your home.in your home.

6. Bariatric Bathing OptionsBariatric Bathing Options
Best Bath Systems in Idaho offers some unique bathing choices for bariatric users who often struggle toBest Bath Systems in Idaho offers some unique bathing choices for bariatric users who often struggle to
find large enough options to accommodate their bathing needs.find large enough options to accommodate their bathing needs.
ForFor walk in tubswalk in tubs that can be designed by athat can be designed by a bathroom designerbathroom designer into almost any large enoughinto almost any large enough handicaphandicap
bathroombathroom oror universal designuniversal design project they developed the Big E appropriately named after Emmette Luterproject they developed the Big E appropriately named after Emmette Luter
of Mississippi, a dealer who sells more accessibleof Mississippi, a dealer who sells more accessible handicap bathtubshandicap bathtubs to large users than any of their otherto large users than any of their other
dealers. Substantially bigger than most otherdealers. Substantially bigger than most other walkin tubswalkin tubs it includes the following features:it includes the following features:
The Big E model XTW6035 is 45% wider than a standardThe Big E model XTW6035 is 45% wider than a standard walkin tubwalkin tub and includes their largest door with aand includes their largest door with a
24” clear walk through space. It is made of a luxurious fiberglass Gelcoat surface and secured to a welded24” clear walk through space. It is made of a luxurious fiberglass Gelcoat surface and secured to a welded
steel base for added strength. A molded three-sided skirt makes thissteel base for added strength. A molded three-sided skirt makes this handicap bathtubhandicap bathtub impervious toimpervious to
twisting and warping and includes a limited lifetime warranty. While most competitors only offer atwisting and warping and includes a limited lifetime warranty. While most competitors only offer a
lifetime warranty on their door seals, Best Bath’s warranty covers the entirelifetime warranty on their door seals, Best Bath’s warranty covers the entire walk in tubwalk in tub..
Another unique aspect of this bathing unit is their patented moveable hinged seat that provides aAnother unique aspect of this bathing unit is their patented moveable hinged seat that provides a
recessed stepping area with a hinged seat plate creating an alcove for more space in theirrecessed stepping area with a hinged seat plate creating an alcove for more space in their walk in bathtubwalk in bathtub
when entering or leaving.when entering or leaving.
Jetted models include a Syllent pump, the quietest pump on the market which includes a 10 year factoryJetted models include a Syllent pump, the quietest pump on the market which includes a 10 year factory
warranty. It is designed with a heat recycling feature that maintains water temperature and eliminates thewarranty. It is designed with a heat recycling feature that maintains water temperature and eliminates the
need for an expensive in-line heater and additional wiring.need for an expensive in-line heater and additional wiring.
Cont.Cont.

7. Other unique features of the Big E walkOther unique features of the Big E walk walk in bathtubswalk in bathtubs include a second drain for faster water draining,include a second drain for faster water draining,
a heated seat with a 30 minute timer for added comfort during fill and drain times and an optional ozonea heated seat with a 30 minute timer for added comfort during fill and drain times and an optional ozone
sanitation system to eliminate any possibility of bacteria build up. This model can be designed as asanitation system to eliminate any possibility of bacteria build up. This model can be designed as a walk inwalk in
tub showertub shower should the need be for both bathing functions in one model. It also includes a bathtub grabshould the need be for both bathing functions in one model. It also includes a bathtub grab
bar for added support while entering or leaving the bathing zone area.bar for added support while entering or leaving the bathing zone area.
For more info see http://www.universaldesignspecialists.com/walk-in-tubs/best-bath/best-bath-big-e-walk-in-For more info see http://www.universaldesignspecialists.com/walk-in-tubs/best-bath/best-bath-big-e-walk-in-
tub-60-x35-x40-soaker.htmltub-60-x35-x40-soaker.html

8. Preventing Senior FallsPreventing Senior Falls
According to AARP nearly 90% of seniors want to stay in their homes as they age which is no surprise.According to AARP nearly 90% of seniors want to stay in their homes as they age which is no surprise.
Since 2011 and for the next 20 years, around 10,000 seniors will turn 65 every single day of the year. InSince 2011 and for the next 20 years, around 10,000 seniors will turn 65 every single day of the year. In
fact by 2030 our senior population is expected to reach 72 million which will represent 1 in 5 Americans.fact by 2030 our senior population is expected to reach 72 million which will represent 1 in 5 Americans.
The most substantial risk and threat to living independently at home are falls. Falls are the leading causeThe most substantial risk and threat to living independently at home are falls. Falls are the leading cause
of injury-related visits to the emergency room in the U.S. and represent the cause of 75% of the accidentalof injury-related visits to the emergency room in the U.S. and represent the cause of 75% of the accidental
deaths in people over 65. Falls also resulted in 85% of the non fatal hospital injuries for people 65 anddeaths in people over 65. Falls also resulted in 85% of the non fatal hospital injuries for people 65 and
over.over.
Fortunately there is a lot of that can be done to make homes safer for seniors in preventing falls andFortunately there is a lot of that can be done to make homes safer for seniors in preventing falls and
handicap bathroom designhandicap bathroom design has become a major consideration for seniors living with disabilities. Thishas become a major consideration for seniors living with disabilities. This
aspect is often also considered with sustainable home design.aspect is often also considered with sustainable home design.
Beginning on the outside of the home safe entry into and out of the home is tantamount. If stairs areBeginning on the outside of the home safe entry into and out of the home is tantamount. If stairs are
present and the senior is able to negotiate them without issue, hand rails can be installed to match thepresent and the senior is able to negotiate them without issue, hand rails can be installed to match the
homes décor that offer added stability. When stairs are a challenge,homes décor that offer added stability. When stairs are a challenge, stair chair liftsstair chair lifts, platforms lifts and, platforms lifts and
elevators are all options limited only by individual budget.elevators are all options limited only by individual budget. Automatic door openersAutomatic door openers also known asalso known as
handicap door openers are a wonderful option for both interior and exterior doors.handicap door openers are a wonderful option for both interior and exterior doors.
When a pool is present in the home anWhen a pool is present in the home an ada pool liftada pool lift can make all the difference in safely entering andcan make all the difference in safely entering and
leaving the pool.leaving the pool.
Cont.Cont.

9. Bathrooms are singularly responsible for more accidents than any other place in the home and as a resultBathrooms are singularly responsible for more accidents than any other place in the home and as a result
walk in tubs & showers have become very popular. A walk in shower also known aswalk in tubs & showers have become very popular. A walk in shower also known as handicap showershandicap showers
(with no curb) allow for access without needing to step over something. There are also wheelchair(with no curb) allow for access without needing to step over something. There are also wheelchair
accessible showers that allow access in a wheelchair or with a walker.accessible showers that allow access in a wheelchair or with a walker. Walk in bathtubsWalk in bathtubs andand handicaphandicap
tubstubs allow safe access while stepping over a low curb through en entry door. Regardless of the selectionallow safe access while stepping over a low curb through en entry door. Regardless of the selection
of barrier free showers or walkin shower they all provide more safe access than standard units and help toof barrier free showers or walkin shower they all provide more safe access than standard units and help to
avoid dangerous falls.avoid dangerous falls.
There are many types ofThere are many types of bathroom safety barsbathroom safety bars. In the bathing zone,. In the bathing zone, bathtub grab barsbathtub grab bars offer addedoffer added
support in hundreds of colors and finishes to match your personal décor. The same goes for othersupport in hundreds of colors and finishes to match your personal décor. The same goes for other
handicap grab bars in other locations. Toilet safety rails that fold up and out of the way when not in usehandicap grab bars in other locations. Toilet safety rails that fold up and out of the way when not in use
add tremendous safety value around the toilet area. Many choices of bathroom safety bars are alsoadd tremendous safety value around the toilet area. Many choices of bathroom safety bars are also
available such as the Superpole for support in getting up or in and out of your ada shower stall.available such as the Superpole for support in getting up or in and out of your ada shower stall.
Comfort height toilets which are higher than standard toilets installed with color coordinatedComfort height toilets which are higher than standard toilets installed with color coordinated toilet grabtoilet grab
barsbars offer safe use in the toilet area. A qualified bathroom designer can include all the necessary items inoffer safe use in the toilet area. A qualified bathroom designer can include all the necessary items in
your bathroom design, rendering it both safe and attractive for years to come.your bathroom design, rendering it both safe and attractive for years to come.
In the kitchen area and even inIn the kitchen area and even in small kitchen designssmall kitchen designs there are some fantastic choices for safe access.there are some fantastic choices for safe access.
When reach is an issue, adjustable height kitchen cabinets are an option. If sitting is necessary whileWhen reach is an issue, adjustable height kitchen cabinets are an option. If sitting is necessary while
cooking acooking a height adjustable sinkheight adjustable sink and adjustable height cooktop are all options. Here again an experiencedand adjustable height cooktop are all options. Here again an experienced
certified kitchen designercertified kitchen designer can assist you with all the options available today.can assist you with all the options available today.

10. Bathrooms are singularly responsible for more accidents than any other place in the home and as a resultBathrooms are singularly responsible for more accidents than any other place in the home and as a result
walk in tubs & showers have become very popular. A walk in shower also known aswalk in tubs & showers have become very popular. A walk in shower also known as handicap showershandicap showers
(with no curb) allow for access without needing to step over something. There are also wheelchair(with no curb) allow for access without needing to step over something. There are also wheelchair
accessible showers that allow access in a wheelchair or with a walker.accessible showers that allow access in a wheelchair or with a walker. Walk in bathtubsWalk in bathtubs andand handicaphandicap
tubstubs allow safe access while stepping over a low curb through en entry door. Regardless of the selectionallow safe access while stepping over a low curb through en entry door. Regardless of the selection
of barrier free showers or walkin shower they all provide more safe access than standard units and help toof barrier free showers or walkin shower they all provide more safe access than standard units and help to
avoid dangerous falls.avoid dangerous falls.
There are many types ofThere are many types of bathroom safety barsbathroom safety bars. In the bathing zone,. In the bathing zone, bathtub grab barsbathtub grab bars offer addedoffer added
support in hundreds of colors and finishes to match your personal décor. The same goes for othersupport in hundreds of colors and finishes to match your personal décor. The same goes for other
handicap grab bars in other locations. Toilet safety rails that fold up and out of the way when not in usehandicap grab bars in other locations. Toilet safety rails that fold up and out of the way when not in use
add tremendous safety value around the toilet area. Many choices of bathroom safety bars are alsoadd tremendous safety value around the toilet area. Many choices of bathroom safety bars are also
available such as the Superpole for support in getting up or in and out of your ada shower stall.available such as the Superpole for support in getting up or in and out of your ada shower stall.
Comfort height toilets which are higher than standard toilets installed with color coordinatedComfort height toilets which are higher than standard toilets installed with color coordinated toilet grabtoilet grab
barsbars offer safe use in the toilet area. A qualified bathroom designer can include all the necessary items inoffer safe use in the toilet area. A qualified bathroom designer can include all the necessary items in
your bathroom design, rendering it both safe and attractive for years to come.your bathroom design, rendering it both safe and attractive for years to come.
In the kitchen area and even inIn the kitchen area and even in small kitchen designssmall kitchen designs there are some fantastic choices for safe access.there are some fantastic choices for safe access.
When reach is an issue, adjustable height kitchen cabinets are an option. If sitting is necessary whileWhen reach is an issue, adjustable height kitchen cabinets are an option. If sitting is necessary while
cooking acooking a height adjustable sinkheight adjustable sink and adjustable height cooktop are all options. Here again an experiencedand adjustable height cooktop are all options. Here again an experienced
certified kitchen designercertified kitchen designer can assist you with all the options available today.can assist you with all the options available today.