Your Complete Buyer’s Guide to Accessible Bathing—From Bath Strips to Walk-In Tubs
Updated for December, 2021
Accessible bathing is extremely important because bathtubs and showers pose dangers to people of every age. No matter how healthy or athletic you are, a slip, trip, or fall can happen at any time, and any accident carries the risk of an injury. But no one is as much at risk as the elderly—and not only because they are necessarily more likely to fall.
Table of Contents
- Making Bathing Safe
- Products to Make Bathing Safer—Fast
- Fast, Easy Solutions to Bathtub Fall Risks
- Products That Make Bathing Easier
- When You Want a Complete Solution
- What Are Walk-In Tubs?
- Wheelchair Accessible, or Just Accessible?
- Types and Features of Walk-In Baths
- Major Walk-In Tub Brands, Their Prices, and Where to Get Them
- Confused? Consider Calling the CAPS
- It’s Bathtime!
For older adults, recovering from a fall can be difficult and sometimes impossible. More than 300,000 people are hospitalized each year from broken hips, and 95% of these fractures are the result of a fall, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Overall, 80% of falls happen in the bathroom, according to NewsUSA, quoting a National Institute on Aging statistic. Considering that a quarter of all Americans 65 and older fall each year, this means every senior stands a significant chance of experiencing a fall—and that the risks are even higher in the bathroom.
Making Bathing Safe
Fortunately there’s a whole industry devoted to making bathing easier for seniors. And the products on offer don’t just make bathing safer: they also make it easier for people with disability issues—whether because of age or illness—to maintain their own hygiene despite their challenges. And some higher end products, like walk-in tubs, offer even more; they provide therapeutic treatments such as spa bathing, whirlpools, and water massage that can help those who suffer from arthritis, circulation problems, Parkinson’s disease, gout, neuropathy, or restless leg syndrome relieve the symptoms of their illnesses in the comfort and privacy of their own homes.
In this article we’ll look at the entire range of bathing accessibility products, with items that will fit any budget and any time frame you have to work in. Whether you just want to make your bathtub safer quickly or want to take advantage of all the therapeutic benefits of a walk-in tub, we’re here to guide you through your options.
As we look at the range of choices for making your bathroom more accessible, we’ll address three scenarios: first, we’ll address the person who wants to make quick and easy changes fast, second, the person who may have a little more time or money to spend, but is still looking to work quickly or on a budget, and third, the person who wants to find a complete solution, and is willing to pay a little more or take a little longer to get it.
Note, though, that the three situations aren’t mutually exclusive. If you’re concerned about bathroom safety, you may want to address fall risks first and then look for something more permanent later; if you’re already sold on a walk-in tub or similar product, you may still want to take some simpler steps while you shop around or wait for installation. The choice is yours, and there’s a world of products out there to choose from.
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If you’re a senior, or if you’re someone who cares for a senior, you may know that it’s rare for a catastrophic fall to happen without warning. Someone at risk of falls will likely know it or show signs of that risk before the worst happens. They may have trouble keeping their balance. They may have trouble getting up from a chair or couch. And they may have actually fallen a couple of times but avoided serious injury.
If this describes you or the person you care for, then the time to intervene is now, before a disabling or fatal fall. Fortunately, though, when it comes to bathing, there are quite a few products you can use to make the process safer, many of which can be put in place immediately without help from a professional. These products won’t make the bathtub 100% safe, and they may not make it easier for someone with mobility issues to bathe themselves, but because they’re inexpensive and easy to do—whether you do them yourself or hire a handyman—they make great first steps.
Many of these products are available at local DIY stores or medical supply retailers, and some smaller items may even be available at your local drugstore. Most of these items are also available online from Amazon and a few specialty retailers.
Types of Accessible Bathing Accessories
Bath Tape
One of the least expensive safety products is also the easiest to install. Bath tape, (also known as tub and shower treads, anti-slip discs, or bath strips) simply add more friction to bathing surfaces, making it harder for a senior to slip and fall while in the bath or shower. They come in self-adhesive strips, disks, or rolls of tape. They can also be used in a variety of settings beyond the bathroom, including wooden floors, linoleum flooring, or any surface in the home that someone is likely to slip on.
Where to Buy—Hardware stores, online
Cost—less than $10, in most cases
Installation—DIY, handyman
Grab Bars
If you’ve ever been in an accessible public restroom, these bits of hardware may be familiar to you: they’re simply bars firmly attached to the wall (unlike towel racks, which aren’t designed to carry a person’s weight) that allow adults to keep themselves steady while entering or exiting the tub, or keep themselves upright if they begin to slip. And while they may seem like a simple solution, they are also highly effective. Don’t be put off by the industrial-style grab bars you may have seen, either. Several manufacturers offer grab bars that are just as sturdy but that are also tastefully designed. If you’re leery of hiring a handyman, or don’t like the idea of drilling holes in your bathroom tile, there are also self-adhesive versions and grab bars and handles that work via suction. It’s another easy modification that can pay off in vastly improved bathroom safety.
Where to Buy—Hardware stores, medical supply, bath supply stores, online
Cost—$25-$70, depending on the style, and plan on $30 or so per grab bar for installation.
Installation—DIY, handyman
Bath Chairs
You or the senior you care for may have no trouble climbing into a tub, especially if bath tape or grab bars have been installed. And it’s possible you’ve got a simple shower stall for bathing, so there’s no high threshold to get over. But even those who have no trouble getting into the bath can have issues remaining upright while taking a shower. A bath chair is a simple solution: these waterproof chairs (or stools) give someone a place to sit while they use a shower or hand shower to get clean. This simple solution comes with a variety of features, including arm rests, suction cups to keep them in place, seat backs (or not), and cushioned surfaces, so be sure to shop around before you buy to make sure you get a bath chair that suits your needs. The best part is that bath chairs are widely available, can come fully assembled, and can be easily installed by the user.
Where to Buy—Some drug stores, medical supply stores, online
Cost—$30-$60, depending on the features included
Installation—DIY
Transfer Benches
One step up from the bath chair is the transfer bench, which is designed for those who do have problems getting into a tub. These benches are built to hang over the edge of a bathtub, allowing someone using a wheelchair or a walker, or who may have difficulty clearing the threshold of their tub, to sit (or transfer themselves from another seat), bring their legs over the bathtub wall, and then slide into position. Just like bath chairs, these useful accessories come with a variety of features, including padded seats and suction cups for no-slip use, and just like bath chairs, several varieties can support over 350 pounds.
Where to Buy—Medical supply stores, online
Cost—$40-$70, depending on features
Installation—DIY
Last update on 2021-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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| Product | Where to Buy | Cost | Installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bath tape | Hardware store, online | Less than $10, in most cases | DIY, handyman |
| Grab bars | Hardware, bath or medical supply, online | $25-$70, plus $30 per grab bar for installation, if needed | DIY, handyman |
| Bath chairs | Some drug stores, medical supply stores, online | $30-$60, depending on the features included | DIY |
| Transfer Benches | Medical supply stores, online | $40-$70, depending on features | DIY |
One thing that that all these products have in common is that while they are inexpensive and easy to install, and while they do make the bathtub safer for those at risk of a fall, they may not make it easier for someone to keep themselves clean. For the most part, too, they won’t allow someone who wants to take a bath to get themselves fully immersed in warm water. So what if you have issues with mobility, and you want a more complete solution? Read on to find out.
If you’re interested in complete bathing solutions that offer a full range of therapeutic benefits then you’ll want to look into walk-in tubs
Products That Make Bathing Easier
Off-the-shelf items like grab bars and bath chairs can make it safer for you or your loved ones to bathe without fear of a devastating fall, but there’s more to bathing than just staying safe. And even if you’ve already taken some steps to make your bathtub safer, you may feel that you now have time to think about a more permanent solution.
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Note, though, that these products and solutions are more expensive than the off-the-shelf, do-it-yourself products we’ve discussed so far. Many also require some help with installation, whether from a handyman, plumber, or contractor. Still, as we get older, we never give up wanting to maintain our independence, and being able to wash ourselves in a shower or bathtub is a priceless privilege.
What Are Some Accessible Bathtub Features?
Handheld shower
For those who already feel safe in their shower or bathtub but who might have difficulty standing, a handheld showerhead can be a godsend. And while it’s easy enough to find DIY conversion kits at your local hardware store, it’s important to keep in mind that someone with mobility issues might also have difficulty holding on to, or manipulating a handheld showerhead. Fortunately, there are specially designed showerheads that allow those with arthritis, Parkinson’s, or other debilitating illnesses to wash themselves with ease, featuring easy-grip handles or showerheads that attach to the hand. These specialized showerheads can also ensure that a person with mobility issues can take advantage of other features like water massage.
Where to Buy—At hardware stores, but to find true easy-grip and ADA-compliant showerheads, you may want to try online.
Cost—$80-$140, plus $60 to $100 for installation, if needed
Installation—DIY, handyman, plumber
Lever Taps
In the same vein as the handheld shower, replacing knob-type bathtub or shower taps with lever or easy-grip taps can make a big difference for those who have trouble manipulating smaller objects. Fortunately, too, today’s manufacturers offer ADA-compliant taps with many of the same finishes and designs as their standard taps, meaning that installing them in your bathtub won’t create a weird and unsightly blend of fixtures.
Where to Buy—Hardware stores, bath supply stores, and online
Cost—$30-$90, depending on manufacturer, plus $60 to $100 for installation, if needed.
Installation—DIY, handyman, plumber
Sliding bath chairs
A more expensive, but also far more helpful version of the ordinary bath chair or transfer bench, sliding bath chairs make it even easier to go from a seated position outside a tub or shower to a seated position on the inside. The usual set up for these chairs are a set of rails or tracks that the seat rolls back and forth on, giving elderly users who might have trouble moving their body weight along a bench a friction-free way to get into the bath.
Where to Buy—Medical supply stores, online
Cost—$150-$300
Installation—DIY, Handyman
Bathtub Cut-Outs
A high-walled tub is an automatic falling hazard; lower the threshold, and it becomes easier for someone to step in and out. Some tubs (see our section on walk-in tubs below) are designed with a low threshold to provide easier access, but an ordinary tub can be converted to make the wall into a step—allowing someone to get in at much lower risk of falling, and possibly eliminating the need for a transfer bench or other accessory inside the tub.
If you’re handy and have the right equipment, you can buy a DIY kit online; if you’d rather have an experienced contractor do the work (which involves cutting out a portion of the outside wall of the tub and cementing a attractively designed insert on the new, lower threshold), you can find outlets online that will hook you up with local businesses trained for the purpose.
What’s more, these cutouts come in versions that include a swinging door or an insert that the bather can put in place after they enter, which will allow them to use the full height of the tub to bathe. An innovative new way to make tubs accessible, bathroom cutouts are definitely worth a look for someone seeking a more permanent solution to an inaccessible bathtub.
Where to Buy—Some online retailers offer DIY kits; manufacturer sites will put you in touch with contractor
Cost—$325-$500, with installation costing an additional $200-$250, if needed.
Installation—DIY, if you’re experienced, but probably use a contractor
Bath Lifts
If you’re not familiar with bath lifts, then today’s version is definitely worth a look: usually they consist of a seat—sometimes with a reclining back, and sometimes with hinged flaps that allow the user to slide in from the side of the tub—that gradually lowers into the water, and then rises up again when the bather is finished. Sometimes the chair is operated via a wired controller, but versions with waterproof remote controls are available as well. Many models of bath lifts are sleek and attractively designed, and many models are portable, too, so that they can be removed from the bath when not in use or even taken on the road. These devices definitely make bathing safer, and they’re a boon, too, to those who want to be able to immerse themselves in water and to those whose mobility problems may keep them from bathing as often as they’d like.
Where to Buy—Online
Cost—$150-$600, depending on model
Installation—DIY
Standard Shower
While many opt for a more complete solution, such as a walk-in tub, some people who are worried about accessibility and independence may choose simply to swap out their existing bathtub with a shower stall—and then add accessories like grab bars, a shower stool, and handheld showerhead to make it more suitable for someone at risk of falling or with mobility problems. Some upscale showers can be expensive, but if you’re on a budget, putting in a low-threshold standard shower—provided you make the right modifications afterward—might be the way to make bathing easier while reducing the risks of falls.
Where to Buy—Hardware stores, bath supply stores, online
Cost—Starting at $400 for the most basic model, plus installation costs starting at around $300
Installation—Contractor
Last update on 2021-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Converting an existing bath or shower to a safer or easier to use version doesn’t change the fact that most bathtubs and showers aren’t designed with older bathers in mind.
| Product | Where to buy | Cost | Installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Handheld shower | Hardware stores, online | $80-$140, plus $60-$80 for installation, depending on model | DIY, handyman, plumber |
| Lever/easy-grip taps | Hardware stores, online | $30-$90, depending on manufacturer, plus $60-$100 for installation | DIY or handyman (if replacing handles only), plumber (if replacing entire faucet |
| Sliding bath chair | Medical supply stores, online | $150-$300 | DIY, handyman |
| Bathtub cut-out | Online | $325-$500, plus $200-$500 for installation | DIY, contractor |
| Bath lifts | Online | $150-$600, depending on model | DIY |
| Standard shower | Hardware stores, bath supply stores, online | Hardware stores, bath supply stores, online | $400 for the most basic models, plus installation costs starting around $300 |
This second set of accessories and modifications can make it easier for someone with mobility issues to take a bath or shower—and they also, for the most part, make bathing safer. But age doesn’t just bring problems with mobility or fall risks; it can also bring with it the sorts of problems that soaking in a tub (and especially in a tub with features like a whirlpool or a spa bath) can help with, problems like arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, circulatory issues, and others. What’s more, converting an existing bath or shower to a safer or easier to use version doesn’t change the fact that most bathtubs and showers aren’t designed with older bathers in mind. If you’re interested in a more complete solution, then you may want to consider some of the broad range of products that go under the heading of walk-in tubs.
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Maybe you’ve already taken steps to make your bathtub or shower safer and more accessible. Perhaps you’ve got a little more money to spend, and you want to make sure you get exactly the bath or shower you need to age in place successfully. Or maybe you’ve got a particular condition, like arthritis, neuropathy, or restless leg syndrome, that could be helped with a whirlpool or spa bath. In any of these scenarios, a walk-in tub (or walk-in shower) may be the best and most complete solution to your bathing needs.
What Are Walk-In Tubs?
A walk-in tub is more than just an ordinary bathtub with a door. The best models are specifically designed to accommodate people who might have trouble sitting or standing while still providing all the advantages of a hot bath. This means:
- Grab bars in easy reach, already attached to the walls of the bath or built into the body
- A specially designed seat, usually built into the body of the tub
- Taps within easy reach, usually set up from the start to be used even by those with mobility problems or arthritis
- A leak-proof door in the side or front that swings inward or outward, permitting the tub to have an exceptionally low threshold (in the 3”-4” range) for easy access.
Walk-in showers are similarly designed; they replace the door with a water-resistant barrier like a shower curtain or sliding glass door, but they generally include permanent bath chairs (some built in to the body of the shower) and taps and showerheads meant to be used by someone in a seated position.
Walk-in tubs generally provide more than just accessibility and safety, however. Depending on the model you buy, they can come with a full range of therapeutic options in addition to the health benefits of simply being able to soak in hot water. Because they allow a safe, easy way to achieve full immersion, walk-in tubs can:
- Ease muscle tension
- Relieve stress
- Prevent and address pain in muscles and joints
- Promote circulation
- Make stretching easier
- Reduce the effects of chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia
- Provide support for injured or painful joints
Wheelchair Accessible, or Just Accessible?
If you’re looking into a walk-in tub, however, you need to keep in mind that “accessible” means different things to different people. In particular, what’s accessible to someone who’s able to walk and simply worried about safety may not be accessible to someone who has trouble staying upright, or who relies on a walker or wheelchair. Here’s a quick look at what kinds of walk-in tubs and showers fit with what kinds of users.
Last update on 2021-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Showers
As mentioned above, walk-in showers are very much like standard showers, except that they usually have a very low threshold and come with many of the most important safety features—such as grab bars, no-slip surfaces, and seating—built in. But while the low threshold makes these showers much more accessible for those who can walk easily, it’s still a barrier for those in wheelchairs. If you’re hoping for a wheelchair-friendly shower, your best bet will likely be a roll-in shower, in which the floor is almost entirely flush with the bathroom floor.
Walk-in Bathtubs
The biggest difference among walk-in tubs (apart from the amenities you choose to have included) is how the bather enters. Most models have an inward-opening door; this is what allows for the low threshold that gives the tub its name. Unfortunately, this type of door isn’t really accessible for those who use wheelchairs, since they’ll have to lift themselves up (and probably rely on their legs) in order to get over the threshold. In this case, you’ll want to go with an outward-opening door, which exposes the side of the built in seat, or with a rising-wall tub, which exposes the entire side of the tub, to make seat-to-seat transfer easier.
Therapeutic Features
If you’re interested in a walk-in tub, it’s likely that you don’t just want better safety and accessibility; you’re also interested in all the ways it can improve your current bathing experience. If that’s the case, you may want to familiarize yourself with the sorts of therapeutic features that walk-in tubs sometimes come with.
Soaker Tubs
There’s plenty of benefits to be had simply by having a hot bath now and then. If that’s all you’re after, you’ll want to look for the simple, straightforward soaker tub models offered by many major manufacturers. Especially when equipped with fast fill faucets, a fast drain, and heated surfaces, these types of tubs provide a great way to safely and easily relax in the bath.
Spa Baths
For many manufacturers, spa systems mark the first tier of therapeutic features. Spa baths force bubbles into the water, creating a more gentle effect that increases your body’s buoyancy and stimulates the skin.
Hydrotherapy
Often referred to as whirlpool baths, hydrotherapy tubs force water through jets in the side of the tub for a more forceful massage than you’ll receive from an air-driven spa. One key here is the placement of the jets: many manufacturers place them strategically in the back of the seat and along the back of the legs to boost the therapeutic effect on some of the areas where we store the most tension.
Chromatherapy
While this feature doesn’t necessarily confer the same physical benefits of a spa bath or a hydrotherapy tub, many find it especially relaxing to have lights in the tub that tinge the water a particular color—or that cycle through a variety of colors. This is a feature that you’ll see in higher-end tubs, but it often comes standard in tubs that offer hydrotherapy.
Aromatherapy
As the name implies, aromatherapy scents the water or the air around the tub in order to provide herbal benefits (such as from lavender or peppermint) or simply to make the experience more pleasant. Like chromatherapy, aromatherapy is usually something only seen in higher-end tubs, but it will often come standard in tubs that offer the full range of other therapeutic functions.
When you’ve decided on the features you want in a walk-in tub, it’s time to actually start shopping for them.
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Types and Features of Walk-In Baths
| Types of walk-in baths | Full immersion | Wheelchair accessible | Therapeutic features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walk-in Shower | |||
| Roll-in Shower | |||
| Inward-opening door Tub | |||
| Outward-opening door Tub | |||
| Rising wall Tub |
Where to Buy a Walk-in Tub or Shower
There’s as wide a variety of ways to buy a walk-in tub as there are shapes and types of tubs, and choosing which avenue to pursue may depend on your personal inclination or budget.
Buying Direct From the Manufacturer or Dealer
A few brands of tub, most notably SafeStep, are set up to have you contact a centralized call center; this call center will, most often, refer you to a local dealer who will send a representative to talk to you about what you’re looking for in a tub, look over the installation site, and give you a personalized estimate that will include the cost of the tub and the cost of installation. This can be the most simple and straightforward way to get a tub, but it also means that you’re expected to use the dealer or manufacturer recommended installer, even if you have a preferred contractor of your own.
Buying From a Box Store or a Showroom
If you’re open to a variety of manufacturers, or if you want to go and have a closer look at the models available before you decide to purchase, you might want to think about buying from a box store (such as Lowe’s or Home Depot) or visiting your nearest home and bath store to see the models they have available. If you purchase from one of these types of retailers, you can opt to have them do the installation—or you can go with a trusted contractor you already know or that you’ve found on your own. This may also help you keep costs down, especially since box stores in particular give you the opportunity to choose among a few brands. But note that some manufacturers will only provide warranties on the labor provided by their own or their chosen installers, so be sure you know how you stand in that respect.
Buying online
By “online,” we mean from online retailers such as Amazon (or through the online versions of Lowe’s, Home Depot, and other retailers), rather than going through a manufacturer’s website. While prices can be lower if you shop online, and you’re likely to see a wider variety of models and brands available than you would at a brick-and-mortar retailer, buying online also means that you may have to find your own installer (though Lowe’s and Home Depot—and now Amazon—will connect you with contractors who will do the work). It also means that you may put one more level of accountability between you as the consumer and the person you need to contact in order to take care of any problems that arise. If your door seal starts to leak, who will you contact? The installer? The retailer? The manufacturer? Make sure you’re clear on these questions before you click the “buy” button.
- Wherever you shop for your walk-in tub, here are a few things to keep in mind. Once you’ve closed the door of a tub, you’ll need to stay in there until the tub fills, and you’ll also need to stay in as it empties. Some higher-end models of tub have fast fill and fast drain features that can cut your waiting time significantly (and some also provide heated seats to make the wait more pleasant), but if this seems like too much to ask, and you don’t want to pay more for the additional features, you might want to consider a walk-in shower instead.
- In part because of the volume of water required, and also in part because of the time it takes to fill, it’s possible that a walk-in tub will increase your need for hot water beyond the capacity of your water heater. As you speak to salespeople and installers be sure to go over this point. As we’ve mentioned, a truly wheelchair accessible tub will need a door that opens outward or a rising wall entrance. If you hope to transfer from a wheelchair to bathe, look for these type models or consider a roll-in shower.
- Most manufacturers offer models of walk-in tubs that are designed to fit in the footprint of standard tub. Some, though, also offer models that don’t. If you’re shopping for a tub that you hope to swap out with your existing tub, be sure to confirm that your new walk-in tub will fit in the footprint of your old one.
- Most models with a side door come in left- or right-handed door versions. As you shop, think carefully about how the tub will fit in with the rest of your bathroom, and what door arrangement will suit you best.
- For the more advanced features, you should look into whether or not the air and water jets are self-cleaning. Do they run through a purge cycle? Is the tub’s interior plumbing microbe resistant? Ask your salesperson or representative about these issues.
- Warranties are crucial. Does your tub come with a lifetime warranty, or will it eventually expire, leaving you holding the bag? The most important warranty to check for is the door seal, because the tub will be useless if it fails and begins to leak. Most walk-in tubs offer a lifetime warranty on the seal. Don’t buy one that doesn’t.
For the elderly and low-income, it may be possible to qualify for funding to add a walk-in tub to your bathroom.
Major Walk-In Tub Brands, Their Prices, and Where to Get Them
| Manufacturer | Price Range | Where to Buy | Installation Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safe Step | Starting at $9000 | Manufacturer | Manufacturer recommended installers |
| American Standard | $3500-$11,000 | Manufacturer, online retailers, box stores, showrooms | Manufacturer recommended installers, retailer/dealer installs, third-party contractor |
| Jacuzzi | $5000-$8000 | Manufacturer, dealers | Manufacturer recommended installers, |
| Kohler | $4000-$10,000 | Manufacturer | Manufacturer recommended installers |
| Ella | $2250-$7000 | Manufacturer, online retailers, box stores, dealers | Retailer installs, third-party contractor |
| Ariel | $2000-$4000 | Manufacturer, online retailers, box stores, dealers | Retailer installs, third-party contractor |
| Meditub | $1500-$5000 | Dealers, online retailers | Retailer installs, third-party contractor |
| Universal Tubs | $1500-$5000 | Online retailers, box stores | Retailer installs, third-party contractor |
Costs
Of course, one of the biggest issues you’ll confront as you shop is the relative expense of a walk-in tub or shower. But while they do tend to be more expensive than a standard bath (tubs from a nationally recognized manufacturer can run from $3500 to $8000, and can get even more expensive depending on the additional features you choose), the value a tub provides can outweigh the expense. To begin with, the cost of a walk-in tub that provides therapeutic benefits needs to be compared to the cost of similar tubs. If you buy a whirlpool or hot tub designed for those without mobility problems, it’s already going to be more expensive than your standard bathtub. And if you need those therapeutic functions, being able to use them safely and without requiring help may be a godsend. On the subject of safety, the CDC estimates that the average cost for treating a fall is $30,000. Compare that to the cost of a walk-in tub, which offers a complete and effective system to ensure safety and ease of use even without the more luxurious options, and you can see that safety and peace of mind can actually cost less than an event that will happen to at least a quarter of older Americans every year. If you’re still concerned about the expense of a walk-in tub, you should also know that there are some resources available to help people pay for one. After all, it’s in society’s interest that people be able to remain independent and healthy for as long as possible, and bathing is a big part of both. The following options have the highest likelihood of providing assistance purchasing a walk-in tub, so make sure to explore them before paying out of pocket:
The U.S. Department of Agriculture
The USDA sometimes pays for walk-in tubs. For the elderly and low-income, it may be possible to qualify for funding to add a walk-in tub to your bathroom. Veteran aid: Although it is not common, those who have a medical need for a safety tub related to military service may be able to get partial or full coverage for a tub. It’s worth checking with the local V.A. office to find out.
State assistance programs
Again, depending on where you live, your state may offer funding dedicated to senior health. Check with your state’s Department of Health and Safety to learn more.
Nonprofit groups
Some nonprofit or nongovernmental organizations may assist people in low-income communities with installing a walk-in tub to save on installation costs. However, they typically will not cover the cost of the tub itself, so you still need to come up with the money.
Rebates
As mentioned, you may qualify for a rebate from the manufacturer after installing a tub. Make sure to compare all manufacturers to get the best deal. Tax deductions: In some cases, if the tub is a medical necessity, it may be possible to deduct the cost of the tub and installation on your tax return. You will most likely need a note from a medical professional to prove that it is medically necessary.
Financing
Almost all walk-in tubs, if not all, offer financing options. Depending on where you buy the tub or shower, you can probably get financing through the manufacturer, the dealer, or the retailer. No matter what type of tub you hope to buy, it’s always worth looking into financing and coverage options before you make the purchase. In order to get some of the costs covered, you will need to get the right information and fill out paperwork, so never make the mistake of buying first and trying to get money back later.
Installation
Once you’ve decided to purchase a walk-in tub or shower, all that remains is installing it. The considerations involved in installing a walk-in tub are similar to the issues involved in any change to your bathroom, but of course many manufacturers will encourage you to work with their preferred installers, and many consumers appreciate the added convenience of not having to shop around for a contractor. At the same time, however, if there’s one consistent problem that crops up in consumer reviews of walk-in tubs, it’s issues related to installation. So whether you’re going with your own contractor, with the in-house or preferred contractors supplied by your retailer, or with the one recommended by the manufacturer, here are some things to consider and some questions to ask to make sure the process goes smoothly.
Who’s responsible? Even before you buy your tub, you need to be clear who’s responsible for problems related to installation. If you’re hiring a contractor on your own, of course, that contractor will be responsible, and it’ll be on you to make sure they take care of any problems that arise. Where it gets complicated, however, is when a manufacturer suggests a local affiliate as their installer. So before you make the purchase, ask: if there’s a problem with the installation, will the manufacturer’s customer service department make sure it gets addressed? Is the contractor’s work guaranteed by the manufacturer? Going with a recommended installer should make the process easier, not harder, so it’s crucial that the manufacturer stands behind any work that needs to be done.
Who will install? It doesn’t hurt to find out exactly who will be doing the installation—and then do some homework. Does the company have a website? Does it have online reviews? If you can do this research, you may very well be able to face the installation with a lot more confidence and less stress. On the other hand, if you find red flags as you do research, you’re within your rights to ask for another installer. All of this goes double if you’re hiring the contractor: look for reviews, get references, and check out more than one firm. You’ll be glad you did.
How long will the installation take? Unforeseen problems are a staple of any work done in the home, but the installer should have a ballpark idea of how long it’s likely to take. A standard timeline, in fact, is one day for removal of an old unit and another day for installation of the new one. Beyond the time required, you’ll want to get a commitment to a date of installation: another common complaint among consumers is installers who have to put off the installation date, sometimes more than once. If a preferred installer does postpone, you should alert the manufacturer or retailer: life happens, and sometimes the job before yours may take longer than expected, but it’s also wise to demand reassurances that no more delays are coming.
Will you need any additional work? Sometimes installing a walk-in tub really is as easy as swapping out your old unit. But as we noted above, sometimes a new water heater may be needed. Sometimes some additional work may need to be done to integrate the tub seamlessly with the rest of the bathroom. Make sure you ask about these and other issues—and get clarity especially on whether the cost for any unforeseen work will be your responsibility, the installer’s, or the retailer’s or manufacturer’s.
Confused? Consider Calling the CAPS
CAPS stands for Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist, a designation awarded to certified designers and builders by the National Association of Home Builders. These designees have proven themselves to be experts in the field of modifying homes for people who hope to age in place. If you want to make your home, or the home of someone you care for, safer and more accessible as they grow older, consider looking for a local CAPS designate at the NAHB’s searchable database. These experts can help you make your bathroom—and your home—the perfect place to live for the long haul.
It’s Bathtime!
Remember, if you’ve noticed that you or someone you love is having problems with falls, the bath may rapidly become one of the most dangerous parts of the house. And whether you decide to take some quick and easy steps to ward off the danger, or you decide to think long-term and go for the more complete solution, doing nothing is not an option. Your safety—or the safety of the senior in your life—may depend on it. And the value of the added independence and health that comes from a safe, accessible bathing space can’t be measured in money.
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