Walk In Bath Tubs For Seniors

How To Save Money On Walk

Purchasing a walk-in tub and paying for its installation represents a significant investment. Although the cost of walk-in tubs can be steep, its a necessary expense in some cases to ensure your safety or that of a loved one while bathing.

The good news is, with a little research and creativity, you can save money when buying a walk-in tub. Read on to see your options.

See What Our Customers Have To Say:

“Recently, I purchased one of your Safe Step Walk-In Tub and want to say how pleased I am with it. I called for someone to visit me and explain the benefits of your tub. Your staff arranged an appointment and were very thorough in explaining the features. Previously, I have had several other companies approach me, but none had all the features or a lifetime warranty. Your installers arrived at the time they said they would, worked very quickly and amazinglycleaned up afterwards. The work was done the same day and I am enjoying the results. I am over 80 and I had a terrible time with my knees cooperating to exit easily. Since falls are the very worst of seniors fears, my family and I were concerned.”

Eileen M.

“My Safe Step Walk-In Tub has been my most important purchase in years. Upon consulting my physician and going over my poor sleeping habits due to pain, I explained that even the 2-3 baths I was having a night did not seem to be doing the job. The staff set everything up with me and my family, and then we met at my house to go over which models of tub would suit my needs. They took all the measurements and recommended the walk-in tub for me. The staff at Safe Step was in constant contact, and it made this a tremendous experience for me. In the evening I soak in the tub and let all of the gentle jets provide all of the soothing comfort, releasing all that body tension, cramps and pain in my legs, knees and allowing me to have all those hours of beautiful sleep.”

They Help You Regain Your Independence

Adolescents and seniors are much more alike than we tend to believe. These two age groups fear one thing: losing their independence.

As you enter your senior years, you might fear that you will lose all sense of privacy and freedom. If you do, then you’re not alone in your fears. Studies show that older adults fear losing their independence. In fact, more seniors fear being caged in and watched over 24/ 7 more than dying.

If you want your loved one to live life to the fullest, a walk-in bathtub should be among your top considerations. After all, a walk-in tub adds a layer of freedom to their daily lives.

These tubs come with safety features that drastically minimize the need for assistance during bathing time, letting seniors retain their independence. This difference can mean the world for those who value their private time.

Recommended Reading: Apartments For Seniors For Rent

Does Medicare Or Insurance Cover Walk

Original Medicare usually wont cover walk-in tubs because they’re not considered durable medical equipment. However, in rare cases, Medicare will provide some assistance if the tub is considered an absolute medical necessity and the beneficiary has a written prescription for it.

Many Medicare Advantage plans, also called Medicare Part C, cover walk-in tubs as a supplemental benefit that Original Medicare doesn’t cover. All Medicare Advantage plans are required to cover everything Original Medicare covers, and most Part C plans offer extra benefits that aren’t covered by Part A and Part B, such as prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, fitness and wellness club memberships, transportation and more.

Woodbridge Whirlpool Tub B

For those who are looking for comfort and luxury, they may find refuge in the Woodbridge Whirlpool bathtub. You can use it a completely transform your bathroom into a little a delightful place without further costs.

The manufacturer designed this product using acrylic materials that will enhance the décor of your bathroom.

The wall is firm since that designer reinforced it with Ashland resin and fiberglass materials for longevity.

Or even better, the designer used double walls design with enhanced insulation to retain the heat temperatures of the water.

Interestingly, the bathtub has ten jets mounted on the surface, which are useful in massaging.

This is a good feature for people with disabilities or the elderly who may need a regular massage.

The product has a button that will regulate the pace of the ripple. You can also use the underwater lamp to bring light to the bathroom.

Also, a senior citizen of this bathtub will enjoy the longevity and comfort that comes with it.

The buyer will enjoy a five-year warranty. Furthermore, there is a one-year warranty on specific plumbing parts.

The friendly return policies and extended warranty will cushion the buyer from any making extra costs on maintenance.

Pros

You May Like: Best Fitness Tracker For Seniors 2021

How To Install A Walk

Most bathrooms aren’t designed for walk-in tubs, so typically, professional installation is needed. Depending on the size of your bathroom and the new tub, you may also need to do a bit of renovation, but that will vary from home to home. This is an extra cost and step that you’ll need to keep in mind before purchasing a walk-in tub.

During the typical installation process, certified installers will remove and dispose of your old bathtub and install your new walk-in tub. The company should also take care of all the plumbing and electrical work necessary to install it. Most often, your existing plumbing and electrical lines work just fine for your new tub, which helps avoid expensive renovations. However, installation can vary depending on your bathroom, the installation’s speed, and building permit costs.

All walk-in tubs will require a secondary drain in the door to be certified. Non-certified plumbing fixtures may affect the cost of your insurance, so we’d recommend the second drain. Before getting a tub, you should make sure your chosen model complies with local building and plumbing codes. You can do this by getting a quote from a professional company.

Common Walk In Tub Faq’s

Some of the most common questions about buying a walk-in tub.

What is the average cost of a walk-in tub installed in 2022?

A new walk-in bath tub costs around $10,000 for the product, installation materials and labor. As with any home-improvement, senior care or bathroom project, the materials and cost of installing a walk-in tub can vary based on the product or brand you choose and the current condition of the bathroom. Some customers are able to qualify for insurance or Medicare assistance in specific situations making the tub very affordable and a great upgrade to your homes value. Always consult a benefits expert to see if you can qualify for helping paying for the cost of a walk-in bathtub or shower.

Will Medicare pay for a walk in tub?

While the cost and price of a walk-in tub is not typically covered by Medicare, you may be able to get some type of reimbursement after youve purchased the tub and had the walk in tub installed in your home. In 2022 walk in tubs for seniors are more common than you would think. In order to get any reimbursement, you generally must file a claim with Medicare and have a written prescription from your doctor regarding your need for a walk-in tub. According to Medicare, you wont get reimbursement for your walk-in tub claim if the supplier doesnt have a Medicare number, even if the walk-in tub supplier is a large or well-known bathtub brand or walk-in tub company. Source:

How much are walk in tubs for seniors?

Recommended Reading: Yoga For Seniors With Arthritis

Before You Buy: 6 Tips For Purchasing A Walk

1. Consult with your physician. Find out if a walk-in tub is a safe and helpful choice for you or your loved ones specific medical conditions. Which features and benefits are essential for you? Which should you avoid?

2. Consult with a senior aging specialist and/or an occupational therapist. A certified aging-in-place specialist is someone who specializes in home modifications for older adults. They can provide insights into the logistics and safety of your walk-in tub purchase. Your local area agency on aging can connect you to someone with this expertise.

Occupational therapists are medical professionals trained to help with home modifications, as well as provide hands-on training as seniors adapt to changes in their home environment. Contact the American Occupational Therapy Association or your states occupational therapy association.

3. Establish your walk-in tub budget. You may choose to consult with your financial planner to determine what you can afford. Explore different financing options, and, again, check with your local area agency on aging about Medicaid or VA assistance.

4. List your must-haves. Pre-shop online to find the tub that matches your list, then follow up with a manufacturer or dealer as questions arise.

6. Ask your contractor the important questions. Gros-Daillon recommends these questions as a starting point:

Meditub Mt3060wilws Retrofit 30 By 60 By 38

• Features Auto Drain technology that quickly drains water from the tub in less than 60 seconds
• Advanced watertight walk-in tub door system left side inward swinging door for ease of entry into tub inward door swing for exiting tub
• Safety features include 17-Inch high ADA compliant contoured seat, color matched grab bar and non-slip floor
• Includes magnetic access panels to allow internal entry and easily access electrical and plumbing connections when unit is installed
• 75-Gallon maximum water capacity or operating level

Check Latest Price

Product Details

Reviews From Real Customers

You May Like: Free Phones For Hard Of Hearing Seniors

Gelcoat Value Series 30×52

American Standard is one of the leading makers of bathtubs and walk-in tubs in the world. As leaders in the industry, American Standard offers only top-quality bathtubs designed with the user in mind. Here are the key features of this amazing tub:

• A leak-proof outward-opening door seal makes getting into the tub so easy, while also lessening the risk of injuries.
• Quick Drain® copyright 2020 technology rapidly pumps water out of the tub in just 2 minutes, guaranteeing that no additional plumbing is needed to make bathing faster.
• Built-in safety bars and non-slip flooring ensure that you have a safe step into the tub.
• A built-in chair in the tub allows the user to sit comfortably with enough legroom to enjoy the bath.
• Hi-gloss Gelcoat with easy-to-use buttons, a handheld showerhead, and a polished chrome drain makes bathing feel like a complete luxury.

The Gelcoat Value Series 30×52 should give you peace of mind and a sense of independence while bathing. Priced at only $5,942, it is one of the most affordable and best walk-in tub options on the market. The Gelcoat is packed with convenient features that should make bathing at home a breeze.

Types Of Walk In Bathtubs

Soaker Bathtubs

A soaker tub is a basic walk-in bathtub model. It lacks hydrotherapy jets and is less expensive in general than other models with additional features. A soaker tub is only equipped with a showerhead and a grab bar.

Bariatric Bathtubs

As the name implies, a bariatric tub is a walk-in tub specifically designed to be used by larger people. Like other bathtub types, a bariatric tub can be customized with luxury inclusions to the users taste and preference.

Walk-in showers

Walk-In showers are the ideal option for individuals who prefer the use of showers in their baths. Furthermore, walk-in tub companies also include a seat in some models for additional ease and overall user safety.

Wheelchair accessible tubs

A wheelchair-accessible tub is designed to facilitate easy transport of the user from a wheelchair into the bathtub. These tub types are usually equipped with an outward swinging door as these door type makes the bathtub more wheelchair accessible.

Hydrotherapy Bathtubs

A hydrotherapy tub has several luxury features like air and water jets that help in the circulation of water and maintain heat within the bathtub. These tubs can be used to aid in the relaxation of stiff joints and muscles and overall, give users a spa-like experience.

Hydrotherapy bathtubs that use water jets are known as whirlpool tubs while those with air jets are known as air bathtubs.

Don’t Miss: Fall Alert Systems For Seniors

The Warranty Of Walk In Tubs For Seniors

As each manufacturer will have their own policies in place. However, many manufacturers offer a limited lifetime warranty on their products, which can provide peace of mind for seniors who are looking to purchase a walk in tub. It is important to read the fine print of any warranty before making a purchase, as some warranties may only cover certain parts or components of the tub.

See If You Qualify For Usda Funds

The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers Rural Repair and Rehabilitation grants and loans to help low-income people who dont qualify for other financing to modernize and upgrade their homes, including the addition of walk-in tubs. You can visit their website to find out more details and fill out an application.

Don’t Miss: Government Benefits For Seniors Over 65

Save On Installation Fees

If you have a plumber or other handyman in your network of family and friends, you may be able to save thousands on installation fees by purchasing a walk-in tub from a home improvement store or an online retailer such as Wayfair or Amazon. These companies sell only the tub and dont usually include installation.

Keep in mind, though, that whoever installs your new tub should have experience with both plumbing and remodeling to do the job right. You dont want problems with leakage or parts failure due to faulty installation. But if you trust their expertise and skills, this can be a great cost-saving measure.

Will I Need A Bigger Water Heater

Walk-in tubs typically use more water than standard bathtubs, and you may need a large water heater to make sure you dont run out of hot water before the tub is full. Check with the manufacturer to see what size water heater they recommend for the model youre interested in.

Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.

Don’t Miss: Senior Apartments Las Vegas Nv

What Type Of Walk

Walk-in bathtubs come in various different types, from simple soaker walk-in tubs to the walk-in bathtub and shower combos. They primarily differ in how complex they are soaker tubs are simple to use and install while advanced ones with hydro and air jets are quite tricky to install on your own .

In turn, there are different prices for each type of walk-in tubs. The cost of walk-in bathtub installation goes up the more complex the type of walk-in bathtub is. Here is a list of different tub types:

1. Soaker Tub

Of all the bathtubs you can walk into, the soaker walk-in bathtub has the most simple and basic design. This also makes it the most affordable walk-in tub because it doesnt have all the extra luxurious features like water jets or heated seats. However, it does have all the necessary safety features that are usually the main reason for buying a walk-in soaker tub. The most important point is to protect our elderly and seniors and in that soakers tubs are not outdone by other more advanced and expensive walk-in tubs.

As you can see from the photo below, soaker walk-in tub has a low step-in threshold and watertight doors. Do notice that on this tub model the walk-in bathtub doors are of standard size this is too narrow for a wheelchair access :

Albeit being the most budget-friendly walk-in bathtub, the soakers are designed to be sturdy and durable. For example, they are made out of reinforced fiberglass and can even come with super-fast draining pipes .

Why You Can Trust Our Expert Review

Our Reviews Team recommends products and services we believe provide value in the lives of our readers. Weve spent more than 400 hours conducting in-depth research on walk-in tubs to give you the most accurate review. To make these selections, we:

• Consulted with three walk-in tub and geriatric care experts
• Mystery shopped nine walk-in tub brands
• Researched the design, features, and customer service of the top walk-in tub manufacturers
• Read hundreds of verified customer reviews

Don’t Miss: Help For Seniors Home Repairs

Akdy 67 Bathroom Smooth Glossy Acrylic Bathtub

You can distinguish this bathtub from the rest due to its high capacity to hold a large amount of water.

The bathtub uses double-wall insulation to technology that will maintain the water temperature for an extended period.

The bathtub has a free-standing design, which enables it to fit in any bathroom perfectly, and will definitely be good for seniors or handicapped seniors.

Moreover, the ergonomic shape of this product will align to the body curve of the user. One will not strain to use it while enjoying a leisurely bath.

The materials used to construct this bathtub are purely acrylic. The bathtub has a whitish finish, which makes it appear stylish. As a result, it will also add to the décor of your bathroom to give it an elegant look.

The bathtub can comfortably hold 79 gallons of water. Such will favor those elderly individuals who like to spend quality time while taking a bath. They will enjoy more water to float as the design enhances your bathing experience.

The AKDY 67 Bathroom Smooth Glossy Acrylic Bathtub comes with the correct feature to make it functional.

The sturdy design of this product makes it to be both chip and scratch-resistant. Furthermore, the bathtub has dirt resistance properties.

Pros

Cons

Living A Healthy Life

As we age our bodies start to dictate what we can & cannot do. There are lots of ways seniors can live a healthier life by improving on what we can do.

Are walk-in tubs worth the money?

Being able to bathe safely & comfortably without assistance is worth a lot to most walk-in tub owners.Having easy access, whirlpool jets, a heated backrest, and the health benefits that come ownership makes it worth every penny.

What do walk-in tubs sell for in Alberta?

The cost for a walk-in tub in Alberta ranges from about $2,500 to $20,000. The costs vary depending on the size, type, brand, level of customization and selected features and difficulty in installation.

Features that affect cost of walk-in tubs in Alberta

Just like any other product, walk-in tubs vary in cost. Do you want a tub with all the features and benefits or just the econo model? Here are some Features & Benefits that affect the cost of a walk-in tub in Regina.

Are walk-in tubs covered by Medicare?

Medicare doesnt consider walk-in bathtubs to be durable medical equipment and will not cover the cost of the tub or installation except in a few extreme cases where a person is totally disabled. For details see Saskatchewan Health Benefits.

Are walk-in tubs tax deductible?

Consumers Guide to Purchasing a Walk-in Tub in Alberta

Things you need to consider when looking to purchase a walk-in tub in Calgary, Edmonton or anywhere else in Alberta.

Also Check: Best Driver For Seniors 2021