We take a lot of things for granted in our youth, only for them to become unique challenges as we age. One such mundane-activity-turned-minefield is bathing. For many of us, it was something we did essentially every day for the bulk of our lives. Then, little by little, that simple routine became a major risk to our health.
Feelings of embarrassment aside, slipping and falling is a major risk for seniors, and falls in the bathroom are both more likely and more dangerous (increased trip hazards like wet floors, more opportunities for close encounters with hard surfaces).
Walk-in tubs and showers represent a handy solution to some of these issues. But are they worth the added expense? And if so, how do you find a brand and model that will meet your needs?
We obviously can’t give you an unequivocal answer here, but we can certainly provide some additional context and information. So let’s get started.
Why Walk-In Tubs and Showers for Seniors?
You’re in good company if you feel embarrassed, frustrated, or even indignant about the idea of potentially needing to make adjustments for accessibility’s sake. It might help to keep in mind that most of these struggles are not unique to seniors.
Anyone who’s ever had to step over a toddler gate can tell you how hazardous even small hurdles can be (and how catastrophic a tumble can feel, even for newly minted adults). So it’s no wonder that the ridge of a standard tub could present problems for seniors climbing in and out. Beyond that, most tubs sit very low to the ground, added to the difficulty even further.
As for showers, they have the opposite problem. You might not have to deal with sitting, basically, on the ground. But you do have to deal with not having a place to sit. If you can stay on your feet for 10–15 minutes, that’s not too big a challenge. But not everyone can, especially in the steamy environment of a hot shower.
Between the less-than-ergonomic positions, the potential for becoming compromised by the heat, the trip hazards, and the overall lack of handrails in most cases, it’s easy to see why just about anyone outside of the narrow scope of “peak health” might have at least occasional problems with normal tubs and showers.
Where seniors stand out in this regard is in the added risk factors. Unlike, say, an expecting mother, a retiree is facing these risk factors more consistently over a longer period. And unlike a younger individual with vertigo, the risk of serious injury is much higher due to the way our bodies become less resilient with age.
So why not just use a regular tub or shower? Well, you’re more likely to fall, more likely to injure yourself if you do, and the injury is more likely to be a serious one.
Oh, and not for nothing, but regular bathroom fixtures are less comfortable.
Here’s the bottom line: you can think of this as a concession to the inexorable march of time, or you can think of it as a luxury.
How to Shop for a Walk-In Bath or Tub
With all of that out of the way, we’re ready to tackle the subject of shopping for a new bathing solution, from discussing the available options to what to expect on price, and beyond.
Bath vs. Tub: Understanding Your Options
As you might expect, your two options for walk-in facilities are tubs and showers. What might be less clear are what each of them requires, and what they entail.
A walk-in bath setup allows you to sit and soak as you would in a typical bath, but with the added advantage of allowing you to sit up as though you were seated at a table. Between the walk-in design and the support bars, getting in and out is much easier, and much safer. Most come with detachable shower nozzles for added ease, and many come with jet functions, adding to the comfort and therapeutic benefits.
Walk-in showers, in comparison, are a bit more minimalistic. In most cases, walk-in showers for seniors are functionally identical to others of their type. That said, some very common modifications for use by seniors include a shower seat, a detachable showerhead, and shower grab bars.
Choosing between a tub and a shower can be tricky, as lining up all of your considerations for a better fit often proves a struggle. Bathing in a tub is often more comfortable, more soothing, and more relaxing to use, and it makes it easier for caregivers to assist if needed.
Showers can be designed to fit in a smaller space, tend to be easier to install or retrofit, and tend to be less expensive. They may prove easier for wheelchair-bound individuals to use by themselves (though that will vary depending on the particular shower/tub options you’re comparing).
Your primary boundaries in this decision will be the space you have available, and the flexibility you have in your budget. Should those two considerations prove easier to address, it’s really up to personal choice.
Material Matters and Installation Considerations
Even once you’ve decided on a shower or tub, you’ll still need to decide what kind of installation you’re looking for.
The simplest, least expensive, and most expedient option is retrofitting an existing installation, though this is usually only an option with walk-in showers (modifying the entry, adding a seat, swapping the faucet, etc.). But if your circumstance can allow it, and your budget or timeframe can’t handle much else, it’s a solid choice.
Next in both complexity and price are prebuilt tubs and stalls. Often built from fiberglass, these mass produced products are designed to suitably fit in a majority of home installations, though they won’t be one-size-fits-all. They still have to be installed, likely including the removal of the previous build, but installation is faster than a custom build.
Finally, you have built-to-order solutions. These might involve some prebuilt products, but will always include an appreciable amount of custom modifications to the space around it at the very least. In the case of fully customized installations, expect to see facilities made entirely of tile or stone, spacious designs, and in many cases impressive aesthetics. This will take the most time, and be the most costly option.
Bathing on a Budget
So, how much is this going to run you?
That’s a tough question. At time of writing, the most cost-effective options available still tend to run over $1,000 for materials and labor. More often, you can expect to spend something in the range of $4,000–$7,000 on the build by the time you’re done. For those with the resources to justify it, full-scale remodels and custom installs can easily run as high as $20,000.
If the financial burden is a bit of a barrier for you, you should know that some suppliers offer financing options, in some cases including the installation. Similarly, depending on the specifics of your medical and/or home insurance, you may be able to apply for help covering the cost.
Ensure a safe, happy home for your loved ones using the resources provided on our site. With the right information and careful consideration, you can make the best choice for your loved one’s care and well-being.
