Category: Cost

One of the biggest issues you face as you age is staying safe in the bathroom.  The combination of water, steam, slippery tile, and hard surfaces creates an environment where you’re at extra risk for falls and injuries. In fact, bathrooms are so dangerous that roughly 235,000 people go to the emergency room every year with bathroom-related injuries!

So when even people with normal balance and mobility have to be very careful in this part of the house, seniors have to be EXTRA careful.

And that’s also why we are taking care of the best walk-in tub reviews – just to help you choose between the best there is to offer in today’s walk-in tub market.

Walk-in bathtubs are one of the most innovative inventions for people who want to age comfortably at home. They help people to maintain their privacy and independence. They have a host of safety and comfort features that help you maneuver in and out of the tub without assistance and with way less risk of injury.

If you’re shopping around online for the best safe bathing options, you’ll be aware of how many walk-in tub options are out there. It can be pretty difficult trying to figure out which one will suit your needs the best.

We’re going to look at a few of the factors that buyers look for when choosing a tub, and what you should expect to pay. We also investigated some of the top-rated tubs that have the most sought-after features in the marketplace.

What To Look For in a Walk-In Tub

Homes often need to be remodeled in various ways to accommodate the physical needs of occupants of various mobility levels.

The importance of independent bathing for seniors is well-documented.

But what factors should you consider when you’re looking for ways to make bathtime safer?

• Safety is probably the #1 reason that you want a walk-in tub installed. The safest bathtubs for seniors have low step-in thresholds, are ADA compliant, and have slip-resistant floors and seats. They should have firm well-placed safety grab bars, and temperature control features to avoid burning or chilling.
• Style and size of the bathtub are important concerns in shopping for a walk-in tub. If you need a specialized tub for bariatric or wheelchair-bound users, or your bathroom is small, or you want a convenient tub-shower combo model, make sure to pick a manufacturer with a wide range of style and size options.
• Therapeutic features are sought-after by many buyers. Even if you’re otherwise healthy, getting older means your joints and muscles can take a beating just from everyday activity. Hydrotherapy is proven to be very helpful in relieving stiffness, or chronic pain from inflammation. Features like aromatherapy and chromotherapy can help to promote relaxation and mental health. Walk-in tubs with these luxury spa features don’t come at a budget price, but they’re effective in treating a host of body and mind conditions.
• Water heater capacity should be considered when you’re thinking of installing a big new tub that uses lots of hot water. If you live in a family house with other members who bathe and shower, this is of extra importance.

What can you expect to pay?

Big-box retailers like Home Depot and Lowes will have a range of walk-in tubs with your exact specifications, at a lower price than you’ll find with a specific manufacturer. However, bear in mind that big stores don’t include installation in their pricing.

The cost of having a tub installed in your bathroom, depending on the scope of the job, can easily double the price tag.

The general price range of walk-in tubs is as follows:

The Top 6 Walk-in Tubs To Consider

We’ve put together six of the top brands and styles of walk-ins on the market in our list below.

1. American Standard Walk-in Tubs

American Standard is a well-known brand that has supplied kitchen and bathroom fixtures to the American public for over 140 years. Their walk-in tubs are some of the top sellers on the market. They have received lots of positive customer reviews, and very few complaints from the Better Business Bureau.

American Standard tub prices are around the middle to high range of the market. They range from $4,750 for a soaker to over $11,000 for a combo whirlpool tub with luxury features. While not one of the most expensive tub ranges, they can still be too pricey for many buyers.

Here are the pros and cons for one of American Standard’s most popular tubs.

American Standard Gelcoat Premium Series 30×52

PROS

• Outward opening door
• Suitable for bariatric users
• ADA-compliant grab bars
• One-touch control system
• Dual massage system
• Chromotherapy
• Aromatherapy
• Quick draining
• Self-cleaning system
• Commended by the Arthritis Foundation
• A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau

CONS

• Freight costs for return shipment
• Sewage system might need modifying for quick drain function

2. Boca Walk-in Tubs

Boca tubs have several great features which make them a top market seller. First off, they are built with an innovative frameless design that allows them to sit deeper in the bathroom floor. Because of this feature, they have a super-low step-in height of 3” – much lower than the industry standard of 6″- 9″.

The tub doors open inward but designed with a curve, so you can avoid having your legs squeezed when you get in and out of the bath. The tub drain system allows the tub to drain completely in under 3 minutes, and there’s an automatic self-cleaning system installed which minimizes bacteria and mold growth.

We especially like Boca’s two-seater tub. Who says you can’t enjoy a soak or whirlpool with a companion, just because you’re in a safety tub!

Diamond Elite Two-Seater Walk-in Tub

PROS

• Extremely low threshold
• Curved inward-opening door
• 32″ width
• ADA-compliant grab bars
• Bidet in seat
• Dual air and water massage system
• Chromotherapy
• Aromatherapy
• Quick draining
• Self-cleaning system
• Heated seat and backrest
• Two seats for fun and water saving!

CONS

• No prices on website
• Extra plumbing required
• Large water heater required
• Large and bulky, needs manpower to install
• Needs strong floor for weight

3. Kohler Walk-in Tubs

Kohler is a US manufacturing company renowned on 6 continents for its bathroom and kitchen products. Its premier tile ranges are particularly popular with discerning householders worldwide.

With the company’s stellar global reputation, it stands to reason that their walk-in tubs are considered a luxury item. Of course, they have a luxury price-tag to match! At least you’ll be able to arrange a beautiful bathroom remodel to match your brand-new tub…

Kohler offers a varied range of bathtubs, from simple tubs to luxury baths with whirlpool and hydrotherapy features. They customize their tubs, so you’ll get exactly the size and style you want.

The Kohler Elevance walk-in tub has a unique rising side wall that eliminates the need to open and close a door.

Kohler Elevance Walk-in Tub

PROS

• Extremely low 3” threshold
• Curved inward-opening door
• Bariatric models available
• ADA-compliant grab bars
• Dual air and water massage system
• Chromotherapy
• Aromatherapy
• Quick draining
• Self-cleaning system
• Heated seat and backrest
• Wheelchair friendly rising sidewall design
• Matching bathroom wall & tiling options

CONS

• No prices on website
• Quoted price of over $9,000 excluding installation

4. Premier Care In Bathing Walk-in Tubs

Premier Care In Bathing is the UK’s industry leader in safety tubs and showers. Their range of products also has high sales and a great reputation in other countries, thanks to consistent quality and style.

Premier Care has an extensive range of tubs with innovative features and great versatility, which make them one of the higher-rated and most popular brands.

Bathrooms in the UK and Europe are generally fairly small, as many houses were built before it was customary to have a bathroom indoors. In more modern times, bathrooms were added on to the property, or built in an existing subdivided space in the house.

Even extensive modernization and remodeling can’t magically increase the size of the room, however. Bathroom appliances need to be scaled down to fit, and Premier Care has managed to create tubs that fit neatly into a smaller space, without skimping on comfort and luxury.

The Oasis walk-in tub is a perfect example of this innovative design. It’s one of the most compact tubs available, while also having a great deal of depth. It also has an optional shower canopy, so you can choose between bathing or showering in safety and comfort.

Premier Care Oasis Compact Walk-in Tub

PROS

• Compact size
• Outward-opening door
• 5″ depth
• Optional shower canopy
• Dual air and water massage system
• Chromotherapy
• Heated seat and backrest

CONS

• No prices on website

5. Safe Step Walk-in Tubs

Safe Step is a Tennessee-based manufacturer which has become a leader in the safety tub and shower industry. They have a reputation for good customer service. They offer lots of rebates, discounts and tailored financing options. On top of all this, they also have a program that donates tubs to people in need.

Safe Step doesn’t have prices on their site, like most walk-in tub manufacturers. However, they include professional installation in their quotes, which makes it easier for you to budget for your new tub.

As many seniors are happy to age at home with other family members, combination shower-tub baths are becoming more popular. A combo shower-tub gives you and other householders a choice between having a shower or a bath. It saves space in the bathroom, and provides a safe and convenient bathroom experience.

Safe Step’s Hybrid tub is a perfect example of this combo style walk-in tub.

Safe Step Hybrid Shower-Tub Combo

PROS

• Overhanging shower head
• Foot massage jets
• Extra wide door
• Bidet in seat
• Dual air and water massage system
• Chromotherapy
• Aromatherapy
• Quick draining
• Self-cleaning system
• Adjustable headrest

CONS

• No prices on website

6. Universal Walk-in Tubs

Universal tubs have a range of luxurious and therapeutic features like whirlpool jets and chromotherapy. They are also right in the middle-of-the-pack when it comes to price, so you’ll be able to get that luxury spa experience for less.

Universal makes a highly-rated tub for people who have very limited mobility. It’s a slide-in tub allows a wheelchair-bound person to move easily from chair to a built-in seat.

The seat is the same height as a standard wheelchair, and the door opens outwards completely away from the seat. This tub has a higher than standard step-in threshold, so it’s not designed to be a safe walk-in tub. It’s used specifically for wheelchair access.

Universal Wheelchair Access Tub

PROS

• Affordable price – starts under $4,000
• 42″ tall
• Extra wide door
• Air massage system
• Chromotherapy
• Aromatherapy

CONS

• High step-in threshold
• One-year warranty on parts

What else should you know about walk-in bathtubs?

• Are walk-in tubs expensive? This is a difficult question to answer, as there are many styles and brands on the market. You can expect to pay anything between approximately $2,000 and $8,000 just for a basic tub, without installation. The installation costs, including electrical and plumbing connections, are often around $2,000. If you’re planning on an entire remodel of your bathroom, expect your costs to increase even more.
• Do you need a walk-in tub? If you have any kind of mobility issues, related to age, disability or injury, you can benefit from a walk-in tub.
• Is a walk-in tub better than a walk-in shower? A walk-in shower is very convenient, especially in a family home. However, a tub with a safety seat and grab rails is safer.
• What are the health benefits of walk-in tubs? Deep soaking can relax body and mind, while whirlpool jets help to massage away aches and pains.
• What are the safety benefits of walk-in bathtubs? These tubs have anti-slip floors and seats. The seat offers support so you don’t have to lie or stand in an awkward position. Safety handles help you to balance when either entering or exiting the tub.

If you’re advancing in years, you probably know all about loss of balance and mobility. Bath time can be pretty daunting when it’s a little tricky to move around. There’s a lot of hard corners and slick bathroom tile to deal with!

It should come as no surprise that a walk-in bathtub is a fantastic addition to your home if you want to age independently, and with grace, for as long as possible. But what are the downsides of a walk-in tub installation?

Walk-In Tub Installations

When most people think of a walk-in tub, they picture something permanently attached to the bathroom wall and tiled in. They imagine that the tub installation was expensive, took a long time, and disrupted the household. It’s an incredible thing to have in your home, but pricey and immovable. And if you’re selling your home, you’ll have to leave your prize bathtub behind!

Many seniors live in a home with family members of various mobility levels, or have a small bathroom. The prospect of a messy and inconvenient remodel that takes up space and time is probably not something that fills you with joy.

So is there an option for people who want the safety and therapeutic benefits of a walk-in tub, but not the hassle that comes with it?

The answer is yes! You can purchase a portable walk-in tub.

Portable Walk-in Tubs

A portable bathtub is a fantastic innovation. It doesn’t need a messy installation. It can be used as soon as you get it into the house. It’s a space saver that can be moved into position when you want to use it, then stored out of the way when you’re done. It can be packed up and put on a truck if you move house.

The tub can be connected wherever your plumbing is installed. Have a great view from your kitchen or laundry room? Nothing’s stopping you from enjoying a bath in those spaces if you want to.

Portable Walk-in Tub Features

There are a few safety features you should expect from any good-quality specialized bathtub. Some of these features are a low threshold, a leak-proof door, slip-resistant floor and seat, and ADA-compliant grab bars and fittings.

The main difference between a portable and tiled-in walk-in tub is the castor wheels. The bath moves on these durable wheels, that can be locked with a mechanism that stops the tub moving while you’re getting in and out. So you can choose a good spot for your bath, lock the wheels, and you’re all set.

Another unique feature of the portable walk-in tub is its quick-connection water box. It’s not a vital feature of the tub, but it eliminates the need for adjusting the temperature and flow rate of the water from the faucet. If you want to control the water temperature and pressure from the unit’s built-in dials, then it’s worth the extra $110 cost.

Heavenly Walk-in Tubs

There’s currently only one American brand of portable walk-in tub on the market – Heavenly. The price of these portable bathtubs ranges between $6,000 and $10,000, depending on whether you opt for a standard space-saving soaker, or a luxury tub loaded with hydrotherapy features.

Heavenly tubs come in the following variants: the portable soaker tub, the Petite portable hydrotherapy tub, and the Deluxe portable hydrotherapy tub. Each bath has different functionalities to suit every bather.

Below you can see the different sizes and features of the various tub models:

Portable Soaker Tub

• Dimensions: 29” wide x 52” long x 39” tall
• Wheels on the base for easy moving
• 7” – 8.5” step-in threshold
• Left or right-sided door
• Inward-opening door
• Quick connection water box

Portable Petite Hydrotherapy Tub

• Dimensions: 26” wide x 49” long x 32” tall
• Wheels on the base for easy moving
• 7” – 8.5” step-in threshold
• Left or right sided door
• Inward-opening door
• Quick connection water box
• 10 water massage jets
• 8 air massage jets
• 2 minute drain time
• Built-in bidet

Portable hydrotherapy tub

• Dimensions: 29”wide x 52”long x 39” tall
• Wheels on the base for easy moving
• 7” – 8.5” step-in threshold
• Left or right sided door
• Inward-opening door
• Quick connection water box
• 10 water massage jets
• 8 air massage jets
• 2 minute drain time
• Built-in bidet
• Extra-long power cord, water and drain lines

Heavenly Tubs Prices

A portable walk-in tub won’t suit a shoestring budget, but it’s not terribly expensive either. You should take into consideration what you’ll be saving on installation costs.

Model	Starting Price
Portable Soaker	$6,495
Petite Hydrotherapy	$6,695
Portable Hydrotherapy	$7,995

If you’re thinking of buying a walk-in tub, it’s easy to see that the most notable feature of the Heavenly tub is its portability and convenience. But rest assured that it doesn’t skimp on safety and luxury features.

Walk-in bathtubs are a fantastic option for people who want to age comfortably at home, and maintain privacy and independence. If you’re scouting around online for the best safe bathing options for your home, you’ll know by now how many types of walk-in tubs there are. It’s enough to make your head spin!

We’re going to look at some of the factors that buyers look for when selecting a tub, and at the best-rated tubs that have the features they look for.

What To Look For in a Walk-in Bathtub?

Safety

This is the main reason to have a walk-in tub installed in your home. The combination of decreased mobility and balance with slippery bathroom tile can be dangerous for the elderly.

A specialized bathtub for elderly people should have a low step-in threshold, ADA compliant slip-resistant floor and seat, safety grab bars, and temperature control features.

Therapeutic features

are also an important factor for many buyers. The aging process can take a toll on joints and muscles, even for fit and healthy seniors.

Hydrotherapy has been shown to alleviate chronic pain from inflammation or injury, and stiffness. Other features, like aromatherapy and chromotherapy, help to promote relaxation and mental health. Tubs with these luxury spa features can be pricey – but aren’t you worth it?

Affordability

This is definitely something to consider when buying a walk-in tub. Many seniors are on a budget, or have medical bills and other extra expenses to consider. An expensive installation, perhaps coupled with a bathroom remodel, can be a very daunting prospect for many.

Size and Style

The size and style of the bathtub are obviously important concerns. Do you need a bariatric tub, or a deep soaking tub for a tall person? Are you wheelchair-bound, and therefore in need of an extra-wide door for easy entry and exit? You should look at tub manufacturers with a wide range of size options.

The 3 Best Walk-in Bathtub Brands for Seniors

We’ve picked out a few options based on the features you should consider as per the above list. We also looked at brand trust, user experience, and specific tub reviews.

American Standard Walk-in Tubs

American Standard is a highly respected brand name in walk-in bathtub solutions. They have supplied kitchen and bathroom fixtures to the American public for over 140 years. In fact, over three-quarters of U.S. homes already have American Standard products and fixtures installed!

American Standard walk-in bathtubs come in various models. They offer deep soakers, air and water massage tubs, and dual massage system tubs with both air and water jets. They also offer luxury features like chromotherapy.  A big plus for this supplier is that they offer free installation if you buy directly from them, and not through a third party retailer.

American Standard also offers tubs with wheelchair access. Bathers who use a wheelchair need a wide outward-swinging door, so they can move with ease from chair to tub seat. Independent bathing is made easy and safe!

Price-wise, American Standard is around the middle to high range of the market. They range from $4,750 for a soaker to over $11,000 for a combo whirlpool tub with luxury features. They don’t come cheap, so this might be off-putting for some buyers.

One of American Standard’s top sellers is the Gelcoat Premium Series 30×52-inch outward opening door tub. It features a combination air spa and whirlpool massage system. It retails at $8,430 and is the perfect blend of safety, luxury and brand reliability.

Clarke Walk-in Tubs

Looking for a safe tub to suit a bariatric user, with all the luxury features you could want, and at a reasonable price? Then a Clarke walk-in tub might be the one for you!

Clarke was one of the first companies in the US to manufacture shower bases and sinks out of acrylic, as opposed to fiberglass. Acrylic is more durable and easier to keep in great condition, so you can expect to save on tub maintenance costs. This is an advantage for a bathtub for elderly folks who don’t want the hassle and expense of constant maintenance.

The Wellness range comes in various tub sizes. Buyers can choose between a compact tub for a small bathroom, bigger sizes for deeper soaking, and tubs for taller and larger body types. Buyers can also choose their preferred luxury hydrotherapy options.

The Rejuvenate model from Clarke is a super-spacious tub that’s perfect for bariatric or very tall users.  It’s a spacious 32” wide x 60” long x 33” tall, and retails from $5,520.

A great safety feature of Clarke tubs is the comfort gauge with alarm. It’s a temperature display that has an audible safety alarm that’s triggered if the water temperature moves out of pre-set parameters.  This is a big plus for elderly or disabled users who might not realize in time how hot or cold the water is.

Tub King Walk-in Tubs

Whether you’re shopping around for your own economically-priced tub, or looking for a bathtub for elderly relatives that won’t break the bank, Tub King offers a small but versatile range that will suit you.

You can buy a tub with a dual air and water massage system from as little as under $3,000. Tub King is a US-based manufacturer, so there’s none of the risks associated with buying a low-priced tub from overseas e-commerce companies like Alibaba.

Tub King has won the Best of Jacksonville award from the Chamber of Commerce 4 times since they began. They are accredited by the Better Business Bureau and received an A+ rating in July 2015.

The one drawback of a Tub King bath is that the company doesn’t offer an in-home assessment or installation service. They will undertake to recommend licensed plumbing contractors in many areas, however. 

“Aging in place” often means designing your home to suit your needs as you age. This includes features to assist your mobility in everyday life, like an access ramp for the front door, large-button phones, a walk-in tub and shower combo, and many other features specifically designed to assist seniors and people facing mobility issues.

Bathrooms can be particularly dangerous for older folks. Confined spaces and slippery surfaces pose risks for people with mobility, balance and health issues. And stepping into a standard bathtub or shower requires stable balance and high leg lifts, often on damp bathroom tiles.

For these reasons, walk-in tubs have become the go-to option for people wanting to make their bathrooms safer. Walk-in tub and shower combo systems are a popular option for a number of reasons.

Walk-in Tub and Shower Combos

Most walk-in bathtubs feature a handheld showerhead that you can attach to a wall fixture, if you want to use your tub as a stand-up shower. In this case, you would also need to install a shower curtain or full shower enclosure around your tub – unless you’re OK with your bathroom constantly swamped in shower water!

A more convenient option for people wanting the dual tub and shower functionality is to buy a walk-in tub that’s already fitted with a shower surround and/or curtain. This type of walk-in tub and shower combo can be installed in one session, without any fiddly or messy extra details to worry about.

Depending on what type of walk-in tub you buy, you’ll have all the luxury spa functions of the tub (hydrotherapy, deep-soaking, chromotherapy etc.), plus the added benefit of a quick refreshing stand-up shower.

Who should buy this combo?

If you live at home together with family members of various mobility levels, the combo option can be a great space-saver. It’s suitable for seniors and the disabled, AND normally-abled people.

If you’re a senior with fairly good balance and mobility, the stand-up shower gives you the option of a water-saving shower, together with the benefits of low step-in threshold and safety grab bars.

You’ll be able to sit down during your shower, any time you feel the need. And of course, you’ll be able to have a long, luxurious sit-down soak or whirlpool bath whenever you want the therapeutic benefits.

Tub-Shower Combo Features

Most walk-in tub and shower combination models feature shower heads that you can hold by hand while sitting – or that you can fix to a wall-mounted stand. Walk-in tubs with shower options are available from all major brands.

The tubs have a wealth of safety and convenience options that you should expect from any quality specialized safety bath system. Most walk-in tubs already come with a showerhead. This option also allows you to stand up. It adds versatility to your bathing experience, but might be difficult to navigate with limited mobility.

Combo tub therapy features (depending on the tub brand and model you select):

• Air massage therapy stimulates and nourishes your skin, leaving you feeling ultra-refreshed and clean.
• Water jets give you a deep tissue massage, ideal for aching muscles and joints.
• A showerhead allows you to relax under a luxurious fall of water.
• A handheld shower want enables you to cleanse yourself in specific body areas, or rinse out your bath after use.
• Right- or left-hand door opening allows you entry in the most convenient direction for the space you’re in.
• Inward-swinging doors save on space and won’t bump inconveniently into other appliances in your bathroom.
• The ADA compliant 17″ slip-resistant seat lets you relax in your bath, or sit down in the shower – whichever you choose.

Tub-Shower Combo Prices

Depending on the brand, you can expect to pay between $2,500 and $6,000 for a walk-in tub with shower enclosure and shower head. If your chosen tub has luxury whirlpool features installed as well, you can expect to pay upwards of $8,000. For a budget option, there are combo tubs available online for as little as $800.

These are generally available from overseas e-commerce retailers, and come with the usual issues attached to imported purchases.

Don’t expect any service or component issues to be resolved quickly – you’ll probably have to wait weeks for your problems to be addressed!

Conclusion

A walk-in tub and shower combo is a great option for buyers with various family members living at home, as they save on space. Bathers also get the option of a full luxurious bath or a quick shower, depending on requirements.

These combos come in a number of models and prices from various major retail brands. The downside? You can expect a fairly extensive remodel of your bathroom, compared to a normal walk-in tub installation.

For some people, one of the most important things to have in the home is a handicap bathtub. Not only does it offer safety and independence – but it can also restore dignity and improve you or a loved one’s overall quality of life almost instantly.

Handicap Walk-in Tubs

There is a multitude of handicap bathtubs to choose from. In fact, the selection can be a bit overwhelming once you start to take a look at what’s on offer. So, before you actually go ahead buy a handicap bath, there are a few considerations.

How Do I Find The Best Handicap Bathtub For Me?

Finding the best tub for your particular needs will depend on your unique circumstances.

For example, if you are unable to walk, naturally, a walk-in tub will probably not match your particular needs.

You’re much better off considering a wheelchair accessible tub, or even a slide-in model bathtub.

Having said that, there are a number of other factors to consider:

1. Quality: The best walk-in tubs are manufactured in the United States.  Don’t buy cheap imitations. Only deal with locally trusted brands.
2. Building code: Handicap bathtub installations are a big job, so professional installations are the only way to go.
3. Hydrotherapy: Do you need therapeutic spa jets to stimulate and sooth?
4. Chromotherapy: Do you require the relaxing and therapeutic effect of underwater LEDs that help to set the mood?
5. Size and Type: Size matters. Do you need a bariatric tub that can handle more weight? How much space do you have to work with? Do you require an inward or an outward swinging door?
6. Safety: Does the tub carry the necessary safety certifications? Does it come standard with safety features such as ADA compliant seats, non-slip surfaces, and a safety grab bar?
7. Guarantees: Always look for the lifetime warranty.
8. Budget: This is arguably the biggest deciding factor. Luckily, you can still find luxury and affordability without sacrificing quality when it comes to handicap bathtubs.  Walk-in tubs can range anywhere from $3,000 for a basic “soaker ” with no massage features all the way to $10,000 and more for one with all the bells and whistles. To renovate a bathroom for disability, this will usually cost around $7,500 – $9000 for a typical bathroom remodel.

Pros and Cons of a Handicap Walk-in Tub

Walk-in tubs offer many benefits, but they do not come with their own share of problems.

Installations

• Con: Walk-in tubs require professional installation. The size of the tub makes it difficult to get through doorways, and some bathrooms struggle with enough space.
• Pro: On the flip side, professional installation will ensure that your tub is correctly installed and functioning as it should. Moreover, professional installations ensure that you comply with all regulations and building code.

Noise Levels

• Con: Walk-in tubs can be noisy, with the sound a water pump echoing in the bathroom. For some, this might be too distracting to bear.
• Pro: On the other hand, running motors and pumps are what drive the therapeutic massage jets, with benefits that greatly outweigh the downside of some noise.

Fill Times

• Con: Handicap bathtubs take long to fill. You have to be seated with the watertight door closed before you can begin to fill it with water. Equally, draining the tub can take some time, leaving you seated in the chair as you patiently have to wait for all the water to disappear.
• Pro: Some top of the range walk-in tubs from trusted brands such as Safe Step, Universal, and American Standard offer tubs with the latest technology that allows handicap bathtubs to fill in record time. Walk-in tubs with an outward swinging door also have the option of opening in cases of emergency. Although you will flood the bathroom, the person inside the tub can receive the necessary assistance.

Heavy on Water

• Con: A normal bathtub can take on average 25 to 45 gallons of water. The average walk-in tubs take anywhere between 40 and 80 gallons of water.
• Pro: However, the benefits hydrotherapy in the comfort of your own home, which speeds up the healing process for seniors and others facing mobility problems, is irreplaceable.

3 Reason Why Most People Buy a Handicap Bathtub

One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to buying a handicap bathtub.

Similarly, people buy handicap bathtubs for different reasons.

Some of the most common reasons people consider a walk-in tub include:

1. Afraid of falling

Unfortunately, bathroom accidents are all too common. More than a third of all seniors fall in the bathroom annually while trying to step over the 18-inch rim of the bath. This makes a walk-in tub with its many safety features a very attractive proposition.

2. Unable to bath alone

Being unable to bath oneself can be more than just embarrassing and frustrating. For most people, bathing on their own terms goes without saying, but for many, a handicap bathtub is the only way to enjoy a private, unassisted bathing experience.

3. Unable to remain in the home

The reality of being forced to leave home because unassisted bathing isn’t possible drives many to consider a handicap bathtub. Walk-in tubs are perfect for ageing in place and with this bathroom addition, facilities won’t be your only option.

Worried about a loved one

Nothing can offer more peace of mind than knowing your loved can enjoy a safe bathing experience with dignity in the comfort of their own home.  For many, the chance of offering a loved one their much-needed independence is priceless.

One of the first questions we get asked is whether or not the installation of the walk-in tub will be covered by Medicare and Medicaid. The short answer is, no…BUT…there are some exceptions. And it’s important to keep in mind also that Medicare is not your only option.

Why Won’t Medicare Cover a Walk-in Tub?

Although it might be deemed a medical necessity for some people, especially seniors and others with limited mobility problems, original Medicare does not categorize walk-in tubs as durable medical equipment (DME) most of the time. Another reason is the fact that it involves a physical change to the home, rather than an addition.

Having said that, there are some situations that might still qualify for some coverage, providing it is an absolute medical necessity.

How To Qualify for a Medicare Walk-in Tub

If you are eligible for Medicaid, and you have a prescription for your doctor stating that it is an absolute necessity, your state might offer programs that have financial assistance for a walk-in tub. And while it is not a guarantee, there is a slim chance of some financial support from Medicare Part B.

Medicare Plan B

Part B of Medicare provides coverage for necessary and preventive services. This includes a second opinion before surgery, ambulance services, clinical research, mental health, and also DMEs, provided you have the necessary documentation from your physician.  Only your doctor will be able to highlight the medical need for a walk-in tub, which can make you eligible to receive reimbursement for a portion of the price.

Patients rarely receive coverage for it, however, and the cost of installations are not covered either. Also important to remember is the fact that reimbursements only takes place after the initial order of the walk-in tub has been made. The paid invoice can then be submitted along with your prescription and other supporting documents from your physician including dates and signatures, and a clear diagnosis as to why the walk-in tub should be considered. Medicare really needs to be completely satisfied that the tub is a medical necessity before they will accept any claims.

What Are My Other Options?

Medicare Advantage Plan – Part C

Medicare currently has numerous options for their Advantage Plan, including Parts A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M and N. The part that should be of particular interest and offers the best chance of receiving some form of reimbursement for the installation of a necessary walk-in tub is Part C.  This part stipulates that private companies approved by Medicare may offer to cover the cost of a walk-in tub .

Medicaid Supplemental Healthcare Benefits

As of 2019, Medicaid offers new supplemental healthcare benefits, which is very similar to the Medicare Advantage Plan. Instead of being a single Federal program, there are many State programs which are governed by a multitude of different rules that include Medicaid HCBS waivers. You should examine the benefits of your state’s Medicaid waivers to establish your options for installation of a walk-in tub.

VA Benefits and Grants

Although it is impossible to say with surety that the VA will assist with paying for a walk-in tub, or any sort of home modification to your home for that matter, they do have a number of programs that might be able to assist and worth checking out. These include:

• TRICARE and CHAMPVA
• Home Modification Grants
• Veterans Directed Home and Community Based Services (VD-HCBS)
• VA Aid and Attendance, Housebound and other Pensions

Tax Deductions

You might be able to claim a tax deduction on your walk-in tub, but this will depend on a few things and has to be for treatment or prevention of disease and not merely beneficial for general health.

However, should the tub be purchased for medical safety reasons, it can be considered a medical expense and homeowners could make a claim under the Dependent Care Tax Credit.

So, although Medicare does not unequivocally cover for the installation of a walk-in tub, there are several acceptions and several options to explore that could help pay for the installation of a walk-in tub.