Is A Walk In Shower Better For You Than A Walk In Bath?

It is often debated whether a shower or a bath is the better option. This question takes on a new angle when it comes to people with mobility issues. However, the good news is that a walk-in shower bath can combine the best of both worlds.

The debate on showering versus bathing can take on many angles, often ones that are not directly related to issues like mobility.

 

What Are The Pros And Cons When Choosing Between Baths And Showers?

General pros and cons include:

• Baths are better for moisturising the skin, whereas showers can leave it drier
• A long soak in the bath can be particularly good for relaxing muscles
• Warm baths can promote good blood circulation
• Showers are better for cleaning because the continuous water flow carries dirt away
• Baths tend to use more water, at around 80 litres each, while a five-minute shower uses 40 litres
• However, long showers can end up using more water
• A quick shower uses less energy than a bath

This is a long list and highlights some very different concerns. There is an obvious difference in the key benefits and this may reflect lifestyle priorities. For example, someone who has less time on their hands will want to shower quickly rather than have a long soak in a bath.

Practical factors will also play a role, especially the constraints that a small bathroom may impose, leaving too little space for a bath.

In that instance, you will have no choice but to opt for a shower. However, in other cases the choice remains and it is a wider choice than the strict either/or character of the bath v shower debate.

 

What Factors Should Older People Consider When Choosing Bathing Facilities?

Many of the above factors will be relevant to those with mobility issues as much as anyone and in some cases, more so. For example, those with musculoskeletal issues may find a long soak in the bath containing salts that eases muscle pain is very therapeutic.

Equally, older people will, by definition, tend to have more time on their hands for a long soak.

However, that doesn’t mean all older people and those with mobility issues will always prefer a bath over a shower. Convenience, cleanliness and concerns about water use are all reasons to choose a shower.

These debates could go on and on, or you could simply have a walk-in shower bath.

This provides you with the combined option to approach cleansing and bathing in whatever way you want. If you need a long soak to ease muscle pain, you can. If you want a quick cold shower (but not freezing!) to cool down in the heat, you can.

Crucially, the walk-in element enables you to enjoy both flexibility and easy access. This means that users will never have any difficulty getting into the facility. This combination provides maximum flexibility and helps maintain independence in the home.

Rather than engage in the bath v shower debate, you can make the decision for yourself every day, benefitting from custom-designed means of access and using the facility according to your needs and requirements at any given time.