Age often comes with a lack of mobility and an ever-increasing risk of falls and other accidents that could have serious consequences. As someone with elderly parents, I’ve thought long and hard about ways that I could improve their quality of life while preserving their independence.
In the home, one of the highest risk areas is the bathroom. Stepping into and out of the tub can be particularly dangerous. One slip can lead to a fall and a visit to the emergency room.
When researching the best walk in tubs for elderly, I was pleasantly surprised to find that there were extensive options available. Not only are there numerous safety features offered by different manufacturers; there are also plenty of additional features that can make bathing more convenient and enjoyable.
We all want the best for our families, particularly for our parents. The following are the best options that I’ve found. These suggestions will help if you’re looking for walk in tubs and shower combos for an elderly person whose safety matters to you.
The Best Walk in Tubs for Elderly – A Quick Guide
One of the first challenges you will face is deciding on the safety and comfort features that are needed in a tub. I recommend talking to your parents to get an understanding of what they see as their biggest challenges in the bathroom. Some may find that it’s climbing into and out of the bath, while others will find that the standard flat design simply doesn’t work. There are plenty of options out there, including safety tubs with doors for senior citizens, and sit down baths with integrated seats.
- The first thing to do is your research, and I hope that this article is a great resource for you moving forward. I spent countless hours looking at tub designs, reading reviews, and listening to experiences from my family and friends. Research will help you make the best decision.
- Wants and needs are very different, but they’re both important. As a baseline, make sure that all the needs are met. If your parents need a walk in tub with a door, then don’t compromise. However, additional features like heaters, jets, and massagers should be secondary. Aim for a fully-featured solution, but make sure the needs come first.
- Set a budget range but understand that you might have to spend a little more to get what you need. Even when looking at your initial options it will be clear that a lot of research, development, and manufacturing knowledge goes into bathtubs for elderly. You can expect to pay more than you would for the average remodeler’s bathtub.
- Don’t forget to consult a plumber and renovation specialist if you choose a DIY tub. The type of tub that can be installed will be determined by the space and plumbing that is available. If extensive renovation or remodeling is needed, you’ll have to factor this into your budget.
- Don’t go directly for the first tub that catches your eye. There’s always the chance that you’ll find a better option. It could take a couple of weeks or even a month before you settle on the best tub. Waiting to explore all your options means you won’t miss out on a great deal with the features that you need.
With an idea of how to go about your search, you can start by reviewing what I have found to be the best choices for 2021. Each of the following tubs has impressed on a unique level, and one might just be the perfect option for you.
My Top Pick for the Best Rated Walk in Tub Shower Combo
When reviewing the best modern walk in tubs manufacturers, Kohler was a name that constantly stood out. If you’ve ever remodeled or built a home, you might already be familiar with this company. Founded in Kohler, Wisconsin in 1873, tubs and other products are still made in the company’s hometown today.
Kohler Walk-In Bath
Kohler has a reputation for impressive designs, reliability, and long-lasting durability. As one of the largest plumbing product manufacturers in the world, the company also has extensive installation experience, and they offer free in-home quotes and consultations. This was particularly important for me, especially as I lack the DIY installation skills to install a senior tub myself.
The Kohler Walk-In Bath features a low step for easy entry, and when comparing models this one really stands out. Many walk ins are marketed as being easy to enter and exit, but this company is the only one that I’ve found to push for the absolute lowest possible step-in height.
Features that helped make the Kohler my top pick include:
- An extra wide door entry for easy access.
- Handles on both the interior and exterior of the bath, to improve accessibility.
- Faster draining than the average walk in.
- Water and air massaging jets.
- Hand shower integration.
- An extra wide seat that is also deeper than the average walk in, making it easier to relax in the tub.
- Ergonomically placed controls that are easier for the elderly to access.
In addition to these features, Kohler also offers bath wall installation as part of its service. This can allow you to make a full shower/bath enclosure with the right material selections. The walk in tub could be combined with a wall-mounted showerhead for the ultimate convenience.
Kohler’s combination of features, a consulting and installation service, and its reputation gives me complete confidence in the brand. Of course, it’s not the only option out there, and I still have a few more to share as you get started on your own search.
The Best Step in Tub for Seniors with Shower Enclosure
A sit in tub might not be practical for all members of the household, even when a hand shower is integrated. To solve this problem, some manufacturers create hybrid systems that incorporate a step in design with a traditional showerhead. These are ideal for retrofitting and can be used with shower curtains or full enclosures depending on your design needs.
Safe Step Hybrid Tub
The Safe Step Hybrid Tub is one of the few all-in-one products that is actually marketed as a hybrid.
Like Kohler and several of the best modern walk in tubs manufacturers, Safe Step offers a fitting and installation service. This is perfect for people who don’t want to deal with a third party contractor. The features of the tub are comparable to any top brand on this list. The addition of a full standing shower adds extra value and flexibility for a shared bathroom.
The features that most impress about the Hybrid Tub are:
- Water cleaning feature.
- Quick-release drain.
- Wide door for easy access.
- Anti-scalding technology that prevents burns.
- Anti-slip surfaces make the bath safer for people of all ages.
- Air massaging and hydro jet system.
- Foot massaging jets.
- Rainfall showerhead that provides a high-end feel for stand up showering.
- Can be retrofitted to a standard tub space, reducing installation cost.
- Adjustable headrest is a nice feature, albeit not entirely necessary.
Safe Step products are made in America, and the company is known for its quality standards. The lifetime warranty and professional installation will give you confidence that your purchase will last for years.
The Best Sit Down Bathtub for DIY Installation
In addition to having trouble getting in and out of a bath, seniors may find that the low sitting position of a standard tub creates further problems. Sitting down and standing up in a flat bottom tub can be difficult, painful (depending on any health conditions), and potentially dangerous. The best sit down bathtubs overcome this problem by integrating seats directly into the design.
Many of the best walk in tubs have integrated seats, but this particular model from Universal Tubs is appealing to me for a unique reason. This is a brand that is available from most home improvement stores and through online suppliers. If you are considering a DIY installation, then this could be the ideal option for you.
Universal Tubs HD Series 54 in. Walk-In Whirlpool Tub
The Universal Tubs HD Series 54 in. Walk-In Whirlpool Tub offers great sizing with the safety features that you would expect in a bath for seniors.
Standout features include:
- An energy-efficient friction heater for comfortable bathing during any season.
- Auto drain system.
- Removable maintenance panels.
- Attractive styling for a modern bathroom.
- Water jet massaging system.
- A stainless steel frame to ensure product durability.
- Integrated seat for comfortable bathing.
- Option to use as a tub or sitting shower with the integrated showerhead.
- Safety reach grab bar.
- Designed for an alcove installation.
The only real downside with purchasing a Universal Tub is the lack of an installation service from the manufacturer. However, that’s also why I find it to be uniquely appealing. If you have DIY experience or are comfortable hiring your own contractor, this won’t be a major problem.
The Best Oversized Walk in Tub for 2021
Out of all the options on the market, Independent Home stood out for producing some of the best oversized walk in tubs. The Access Walk In Bathtub was particularly noteworthy, due to its size and wheelchair accessibility.
Independent Home Access Walk In Bathtub
This model provides plenty of space yet only takes up the footprint of a standard tub. This will make it easier to retrofit in an existing bathroom.
The elements that stood out include:
- Relative ease of installation that can be completed in a single day.
- Design that makes it simple to slide in from a wheelchair.
- Oversized 37.5” door with the option to extend to 40.0”.
- Easy lever handle for the elderly in wheelchairs.
- Options for hydrotherapy, jet whirlpool, and an air/water massaging system.
Independent Home is a trusted brand and there are hundreds of consumer reviews online where you can see just how positive the feedback has been. In addition to the features offered by its oversized yet small-footprint tub, it was also impressive to find:
- A $1500 installation certificate available to people purchasing an Independent Home product.
- The company is very transparent in the information provided. It offers links to reviews and consumer case studies that cover its range of products.
- On the company’s website, there is extensive information about sizing and features that can help the decision-making process. If like me, you need to compare oversized walk in tubs for the first time, you’ll find this information to be invaluable.
Independent Home impressed with both its products and the information provided on its website. If you have been searching for oversized walk in tubs companies, then this is a great one to start with. The abundance of consumer reviews is truly helpful when deciding on your purchase.
The Best Places to Find Walk In Bathtub for Seniors
Walk in bathtub for senior reviews offer real-world insights that could help you to make the right decision for your next purchase. Although Amazon doesn’t have the most extensive range of walk in tub offerings, I have found that their limited product selection and associated reviews are still useful. At the very least, they help you to understand the needs and thought processes of the average buyer.
Major home improvement retailers like Home Depot include review scores on their product pages. Some oversized walk in tubs companies also allow consumer reviews on their sites, although I’ve found that a few of the larger companies lack this feature.
A consumer and business group like the Better Business Bureau is a good place to look up brands that you are interested in. Although the site doesn’t offer specific product reviews, it can help you to understand a brand, how it interacts with its customers, and how it resolves customer service disputes.
If you find a model that you’re interested in, search the code on Google or Bing and you will usually find several consumer and professional reviews. Read more than one, because opinions and experiences can differ significantly from person to person.
Take the Time to Find the Best Walk in Tubs for Elderly
Think of sit down baths as investments. Your purchase will help to protect and improve the lives of the people who matter most to you.
I’ve suggested some of the best walk in tubs for elderly that I’ve found on the market today. Your own research will reveal more models to consider. Refer to my quick guide steps and you’ll have a much easier time finding modern walk in tubs manufacturers that are perfectly suited to your needs.
