When making bathroom adaptations, it is not always possible to have both an accessible shower and a bath. The bathroom is often the smallest room in the house, and the extra space required for mobility aids means that often, householders will have to decide whether to install a bath or a shower. This can be a difficult choice! Here are some points to consider.
Water and energy consumption
With several areas of England currently under drought conditions, and soaring energy bills, the first question many people will consider is efficiency. In terms of water use, it seems that a shower wins out, if you tend to spend 10 minutes or less showering. A full bathtub takes about 50-80 gallons of water, whereas a ten minute shower uses about 25 gallons.
You can also buy low-flow shower heads which reduce your water consumption even further, and make hardly any difference to the quality of the shower. However, the answer depends on a lot of variables, such as how big the bathtub is, and how full you like it to be.
People with long hair may also need longer than 10 minutes in the shower to fully wash and condition their hair. Also, some people like to shower twice a day, whereas most people will only have time for one bath. So, there really is no straightforward answer.
The same goes for energy consumption. While it takes more energy to have a full hot bath, compared to a 10 minute shower, it again boils down to how full and capacious the bathtub is, and how long you spend in the shower.
Health and hygiene
Some people prefer the idea of a shower, because the dirt and oils are immediately rinsed of the skin and down the plughole. However, if the user has just undertaken light activities, then a bath is just as beneficial. It’s really just down to personal preference.
However, when it comes to the therapeutic benefits of soaking in water, a bath can be more advantageous. Older people who suffer from arthritis, or other aches and pains, may find that a longish soak in a warm bath is very soothing. This is because the warmth encourages tight muscles to relax, by increasing blood flow to the area.
For those who suffer from skin complaints such as eczema and dermatitis, bathing in dermatological oils can be really helpful. This is because the heat encourages the pores of the skin to open, and absorb the lubricating substances for a deep layer of moisture which boosts the skin’s hydration.
Mental and emotional wellbeing
Most people find that a shower is an invigorating and refreshing experience, which sets them up for the day. It boosts the circulation and makes us feel more alert, especially if you are brave enough to have a cold shower!
On the other hand, the therapeutic benefits of soaking in warm water have been known since ancient times. It can lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the body, putting us in a calm and happy frame of mind, where we feel ready to tackle anything.
If you are interested in finding out more information about mobility bathrooms, call us on 01491 411041 or visit our website.
