Aging in place can be a challenge, as changes in mobility can make living in your home suddenly dangerous. Dimly lit hallways, unsecured rugs, and uneven paver stones can all increase your chances of falling, which can rob you of your independence. There are ways to make the rooms in your home safer, but no room deserves your attention more than the bathroom.
The bathroom is the most dangerous room in the home, with 235,000 people visiting emergency rooms each year because of injuries sustained there. More than one-third of those happen while bathing or showering. Many seniors and their families install walk-in tubs to mitigate this risk. In this article, we’ll explore walk-in tubs, including what makes them different from other tubs and showers, the different types, and how to determine if you need one.
What makes a walk-in tub unique?
Walk-in tubs are unique compared to traditional tubs because they are designed to make getting into and out of the bathtub as safe as possible. Instead of requiring users to climb over the tub wall, walk-in bathtubs have swinging doors. You open the door, step over a minimal threshold, and close the door behind you. These doors feature a watertight seal so you can fill the tub once you’re securely inside.
Walk-in tubs also contain a built-in seat that allows users to sit comfortably while bathing without having to climb into and out of the deep basin of a traditional tub. Most tubs are large enough to submerge your body up to your chest. Some models have extra space so you can lean back and submerge your entire body up to your neck. They include a handheld showerhead, which makes it easy to wash your hair from a seated position.
Walk-in tubs are also distinct from walk-in showers. While walk-in showers offer a safer way for seniors to bathe that also doesn’t require stepping over a high wall, there is no option to soak. On the other hand, walk-in bathtubs allow users to immerse themselves, which can help ease joint and muscle pain.
Types of walk-in bathtubs
All walk-in tubs have a swinging door and a built-in seat, but there is still a lot of variability in the types of tubs available. In addition to the traditional walk-in tub described above, there are other options with features that accommodate certain needs.
Wheelchair-accessible tubs feature an L-shaped door that exposes both the footwell and the seat of the tub. This design makes it easier for a wheelchair user to slide out of the wheelchair directly into the tub seat before swinging the door shut.
Tub and shower combos offer the best of both worlds. They feature a basin-style tub with a swinging door and a traditional overhead showerhead. With this design, you can sit down to take a bath or stand to take a shower. These tubs also include a handheld showerhead you can use while sitting.
Walk-in tubs are also available in different sizes. Some tubs feature wider doors and a more spacious interior for people with larger body sizes. Conversely, if you don’t have a lot of room in your bathroom, you might consider a walk-in tub specifically designed for small spaces.
Special features of walk-in tubs
Walk-in tubs are equipped with safety features to make bathing more manageable and less dangerous. In addition to the low entry that eliminates the need to step over the bathtub wall, all walk-in tubs feature at least one grab bar, although most have more than one. They are carefully placed around the tub to make getting in and out easier and safer. Walk-in tubs also have nonslip flooring.
Some tubs have special features that make bathing not only safer but also more relaxing and enjoyable. In addition to the traditional soaker tub, you can choose a jetted tub or a tub with hydrotherapy, enabling you to target specific areas of the body with soothing water jets. Jetted and hydrotherapy tubs can be beneficial for seniors with sore muscles or arthritis, but they typically cost more than traditional soaker tubs.
Additional features you can find in some walk-in tubs include:
- Heated seats.
- Inline heaters to keep the water warm.
- Aromatherapy, which disperses essential oils throughout the bath.
- Chromotherapy, which uses lights for a soothing effect.
- Ozone sterilization to keep the tub clean.
- Dual-drain and fast-drain systems.
- Bidet jets.
- Headrest pillows.
Who is a walk-in tub for?
Among the signs that a walk-in tub is right for you or a loved one, the biggest one is concern about falling in the bathroom, either now or in the future. If you aren’t as sure-footed as you once were, if it’s challenging to get into and out of your current tub, or if you worry about mobility changes in the future, you might want to consider a walk-in tub.
A walk-in tub can also benefit those who struggle to maintain good hygiene due to mobility issues. The handheld showerhead lets you wash your hair and shoulders from a seated position, and soaking in the water can help you cleanse hard-to-reach places.
Walk-in tubs are also a good choice for those who want a luxurious bathing experience. Specialty features like jets, aromatherapy, and chromotherapy can provide a spa-like feel in your own home.
Important considerations
Using a walk-in tub comes with many benefits, like a decreased risk of falling, ease of use for those with mobility needs, and the medical benefits of hydrotherapy, but there are some considerations to be aware of before you take the plunge and get a walk-in tub.
Cost is the biggest consideration. Even the most affordable walk-in tubs cost around $2,000, and tubs with special features can cost much more. Having the tub professionally installed comes with even higher costs. Knowing your budget before you start shopping can be helpful so you don’t end up paying more for features you don’t need.
You should also consider your current and future needs. For example, if you currently use or think you will use a wheelchair in the future, you might want to install a tub with an L-shaped door. If you anticipate others moving into your home to care for you at some point, you might want to add a walk-in tub to your bathroom without removing your existing shower or choose to install a walk-in tub and shower combo.
One of the most overlooked considerations is the direction the door swings. Some doors swing inward, which can be an excellent option for people with small bathrooms, but it can make it difficult to swing the door shut once you’re in the tub. There are also options for doors that swing to the left or right. Take into consideration the layout and measurements of your bathroom to ensure that you choose a door that will open properly.
Find the right walk-in tub for you
Though a walk-in tub provides safety and other benefits, it’s a considerable investment that you should take time to research. Check out our list of the five best walk-in tubs to learn more about cost, features, and how to choose the right tub for you.
