Reports indicate that many older adults are reluctant to have their caregivers or loved ones give them a bath. Most prefer to bathe alone. Unfortunately, bathrooms are quite hazardous, and statistics show that 80% of all falls among those aged over 65 happen in the bathroom. If you're having trouble getting a senior in your care to take a bath, consider upgrading to a walk-in tub shower combination.
As the name suggests, these are senior-friendly walk-in tubs equipped with a walk-in shower. This setup restores one's independence and privacy by giving him or her the freedom to bathe alone while minimizing the risk of bathroom-related accidents.
Price: $6,464
The Finestra Walk-In Pure Air by Jacuzzi offers unique features that compensate for the high price tag. Turn on the chroma therapy lights for some soothing electromagnetic pulses as the tub's air jet system pummel every aching part of the body.
Price: $5,692
The Dual Massage Walk-In Tub by Ella is a fully-loaded option that comes with both air and hydrotherapy whirlpool jets, thermostatic handheld showerheads, and a self-cleaning system.
Price: $4,850
What sets this tub apart from any other walk-in tub and shower combination on the market is its compact, easy-to-install body. You can set this up anywhere as long as the tub's enclosed sides are pressed against framed walls. This tub is ideal for small apartments and mobile homes.
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The Hybrid Tub is a popular hydrotherapy tub that features 10 powerful jets, foot massagers, and a personal bidet. Safe Step manufactures all tubs domestically for better quality control.
Price: $2,277
Not everyone wants a modern walk-in tub that offers a wide range of high-tech features in their home. If you want something simple, try this option by American Standard. It's a standard soaker tub that offers basic safety features, is easy to install, and can easily fit into existing bathtub spaces.
Building a senior-friendly bathroom goes beyond installing walk-in tubs. Visit the Senior Strong website to learn more about what devices and fixtures are a must for dexterity-impaired older adults.
Medicare covers Durable Medical Equipment (DME), which includes physician-prescribed pieces of equipment that serve a therapeutic purpose. Unfortunately, the original Medicare plan does not classify walk-in bathtubs as DME. However, Medicare Advantage (Part C) also covers devices that provide health-related supplemental benefits. This section has a much broader scope.
Statistics show that the average American household spends around $4,000 to $8,500 to have a walk-in tub and shower combination built. Installation costs vary based on multiple factors, such as:
Brand: Research shows that Kohler offers the priciest safety tubs on the market today, while Ella by Ella's Bubbles showcases a good line of quality yet inexpensive options.
Size: Models that eat up a large bathtub space are pricier than smaller alternatives.
Features: Expect multi-feature tubs to cost more. Standard soaker bathtubs only cost around $2,000. Meanwhile, hydrotherapy whirlpool tubs would set you back by at least $5,000.
Social Security automatically enrolls individuals to Medicare Plan or Plan B. Unfortunately, these only cover DME. If you want your policy to cover your new tub's installation, upgrade to Medicare Plan C.
The most popular walk-in tub brands you'll see in stores include Kohler, Jacuzzi, Ella by Ella's Bubbles, American Standard, and Safe Step. These are all brands that exceed the market's quality standards.
Walk-in tubs are an excellent addition to any independent home. They're ideal not just for elderly adults, but also for any patient suffering from dexterity, flexibility, and mobility challenges. Some of the benefits they offer include:
Easy Access: The flexible doors on these tubs allow easy entry and exit. This feature greatly reduces the risk of falls since there's no need to lift your leg over a high bathtub ledge.
Independent Bathing: Independence is crucial to older adults. Giving them the freedom to shower and bathe alone would exponentially boost their overall confidence.
Better Safety: A walk-in bathtub has all the accessibility features a senior would need to bathe alone without compromising safety, from the shower seat down to the nonslip flooring.
These are just some of the best walk-in tubs available on the market. Feel free to explore other tub and shower combinations that might suit your household's specific needs and demands. There's no need to limit yourself to popular options. The overall goal is to find walk-in tub and shower combos that would elevate and improve your elderly loved one's bathing experience.
Looking for more devices to improve senior quality living? Senior Strong has multiple resources on safety products for older adults—check them out today!
