The degree of physiological loss and the presence or absence of disease are important considerations when designing and developing products and devices that may be of assistance to older people. It also is important to consider the effects of such losses or limits on an older person's abilities to perform the tasks of daily living. Obviously, the degree of help needed by an older person varies depending on the type and severity of the condition.
Handicap accessible walk-in bathtubs provide seniors and disabled individuals with confidence and independence. Walk-in bathtubs have many features to help improve access and the bathing experience for the user. Fill time is a key factor when deciding on a walk in baths since the user is in the tub before it fills. Manufactures now offer different ''quick fill'' systems that increase the flow of water and reduce filling time. Maintaining water temperature is also important. Grab rails are an important factor in the safety of a walk in bath. Having a slip resistant floor is also important while looking at a walk-in bathtub. Some walk in baths offer the option of a rubber mat to help improve grip. Some walk in baths can be fitted with a safety seat to help accessibility and use. Quick Drainage time is crucial as the user will be in the bath as it empties. If a bath takes to long to empty the user may suffer from the cold, especially if they are elderly. Some walk in baths can now be fitted with dual drainage systems that can half the time the bath takes to empty. Some walk-in bathtubs offer a hydrotherapy system which creates a Spa / Jacuzzi effect using jets mounted around the bath. These systems can be beneficially for some medical conditions or simply to ease aches and pains.