My father, who lives with me, has his own bathroom here. Unfortunately, it was a bathroom that contained a combination tub/shower with a glass door. Because my father has difficulty with his balance and also has some neuropathy, we knew we needed a different set-up for him. It was dangerous for him to step over the side of the tub and I also had visions of him falling through the glass door. Changing the tub into just a shower would require major plumbing changes, so we looked into and purchased one of the newly advertised walk-in bath tubs.
These bath tubs are advertised as being great for elderly, disabled or mobility-impaired individuals. They are made of fiberglass or acrylic, are found in sizes ranging from 48″ X 28″ to 60″X32″ and are said to fit any bathroom. If the bathtub area is too big, there is an “extension kit” which essentially adds a shelf area to the tub. They each have a seat installed and there is also the option of choosing one that is complete with a hydrotherapy unit (we chose this option because my father has both arthritis and leg muscle cramps). The cost for these units can be in the thousands, so it is a fairly expensive purchase but can be one that enables a person to continue to live at home rather than in an assisted living facility.
Having experienced the walk-in tub for over 6 months, I am going to say that it was not the right choice for my father, but it may be a good choice for other senior citizens.
The positive aspects of it were the built-in anti-slip seat, the anti-slip tub floor, the low-level entry, the temperature control (it does not allow the temperature of the “hot” water to be hot enough to burn), the height on the sides of the tub which helps to keep my father from falling, the ease of cleaning the “unit” and the hydrotherapy.
The negative aspects of it are that it is an almost claustrophobic bathing experience when using the shower curtain, as the bathing area is very small. Additionally, if your bathroom is such that an extension (or shelf) is required, the shower curtain must sit on the inside of the tub making an even smaller bathing area.
This is definitely not a product that will enable a person with dementia to have more independence. It’s much too technical. Once entering the tub, there is a special lever that must be pulled in order to make the tub water-tight. My father is confused by the hand-held shower sprayer (doesn’t realize that it can be left hanging in its casing) and several times, I have heard him turn on the hydrotherapy jets without having any water in the tub (is a burnt-out motor in our near future?). He also forgets (with short-term memory, that means 2 minutes later) that the shower curtain must be on the inside of the tub itself, so very often, we are sopping up water from the floor after his shower (water on the bathroom floor contributes to slipping, as well.)
It is also NOT conducive to caregivers helping with the showering of the patients or loved-one. The sides are too high, thus contributing to back strain and the water does not stay in its designated area. If a caregiver was helping their loved-one to bathe (rather than shower), it would be fine.
I think this is probably a great product for those in their late 60s and 70s who may be “a little wobbly” and could use the extra support and also benefit from the hydrotherapy. I don’t think it’s a good product choice at all for those with dementia who are trying to continue to bathe on their own.
Your thoughts?
Please see our YouTube video on this subject for more information.
[...] the walk-in bath tubs. Shelly Webb, founder of The Elder Care Support Group, recently provided a review of this tub. Be sure to check out her comments after personal use with the unit with her aging father who [...]
I appreciate your sharing this info. I’ve eyed those in the past but wasn’t sure. Now I know it wouldn’t be a great option for us (my mom lives with me). Thanks!
I am the Owner/President of Best Buy Walk In Bath tubs. We are also the manufacturer our tubs in Texas.
We have been in the walk in bath tub business for many years. We are family owned and operated we offer a very high quality tub and a great warranty. If there were ever an issue you would deal directly with a person that has the answers, not a machine. Please contact us for any questions or information that might help you to make the right decision, whether it be for you or a loved one. Please visit our website http://www.bestbuywalkintubs.com or give us a call on our toll free # 888-825-2362
Donna Aust
Hi Donna,
Thank you for stopping by and making a comment. While the walk-in bath tub was not right for my father, I know that there are many senior citizens who would benefit from it . The hydrotherapy is an especially nice feature.
Now people know where to contact you to find out if the batht ub is a good choice for their own loved-one.
Shelley
[...] Taking Care of The Folks » Blog Archive » walk-in bath tubs: a reviewthe walk-in bath tubs. Shelly Webb, founder of The Elder Care Support Group, recently provided a review of this tub. Be sure to check out her comments after personal use with the unit with her aging father who [...] … Share and Enjoy: [...]
No, other than my newsletter, this is the only writing I’ve done; although I’ve been asked to do some guest posts. I just haven’t prioritized the time.
A tub such as this is better for a caregiver scenario, or if stepping over any threshold is not feasible. Further, a retracting showerhead wherein the cord is inside the frame of the tub is better for most.
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Providing a safe and easy access bathing does NOT require purchasing an entire new unit. The TubcuT is an affordable alternative and creates an opening in the side of the existing bathtub. The shower curtain continues to prevent water from splashing out onto the floor. This process can also remove the entire side of the existing bathtub allowing total shower access. The addition of a bath seat and grab bars provides additional safety and comfort. The TubcuT can be reveresed! restoring the bathtub back to it’s original condition preserving the value of the home for re-sale.
Just wanted to add a few comments to the above. The Tub Cut is a great product, however, if you are a bather, you will lose your bathtub with the installation of TubCut.
There is another product called the Safety Bath Door Insert Kit which converts an existing bathtub into a walk in bathtub with the insertion of a Door Insert. Your bathtub remains useable as a bathtub.
Showers are great but there is nothing that offers a good throrough clean feeling as well as relaxation, than a sit down bath.
Hello,
I am 86 years old and my knees aren’t what they once were.
I think the best temporary relief I have ever had was from a jacuzzi/whirlpool..
Unfortuantely I am not rich or have the means to pay for them.
What I did find which I could afford was a Walk-in Bath tubWalk-in Bath tub. I found some that had hydrotherapy jets that are great for my legs
http://www.ellasbubbles.com
I hope this helps other seniors that are out there looking for answers
Normally I would spam this type of reply, but I approved because I wanted to warn others about this type of testimonial. While Ella may indeed be an 86 year woman with knee problems, she did NOT buy a walk-in bath tub for less than what it would cost to buy a jacuzzi.
Walk-in bath tubs are expensive. I have seen very basic models for sale on the Costco website for approximately $4500.00 but that did not include the hardware, the jacuzzi jets, nor the installation. If you are lucky enough to have a family member with the ability to do the installation without cost, a walk-in bathtub could still have a pricetag of $7500.00. But often, contracting work also needs to be completed (rerouted plumbing, reinstallation of flooring, etc.).
Our walk-in bathtub ended up costing over $12,000.00 .
And again, please be aware that these bathtubs are not often easy to operate. If your elder has dementia, and you are not able to stand at the bathside to help, then this type of bath tub is not appropriate.
Shelley
Thank you so much for this information. As the 24/7 caregiver for my 91 yr old mom (physical problems and dementia) – I was interested in finding a way for her to enjoy a soak. However, this isn’t it. Plus the prices are absurd – I checked out one a few years ago and it would have taken $20,000 – think of it, a dishwasher (needing a motor, hot water, a sealed interior, etc.), costs $400 -
I am the CFO of Best Bath, we offer a line of walk in tubs and replacement accessible showers. While the walk-in tub you purchased was not right for you or your situation I’m a little confused by your inability to replace your tub shower with an accessible shower. I’m positive we offer a product that would have met your needs, visit our website and we will direct you to a dealer in your area.
To the admin. personally comparing a jacuzzi walk in tub vs a walk in tub in price is a huge difference. I work with Ella’s and know that we have some of the most affordable tubs. We understand that in this economy money is the issue and above all quality and safety. The thought of someone with dementia, which is the loss of brain function that occurs with certain diseases. It affects memory, thinking, language, judgment, and behavior. I would hope no one would be left alone to bath themselves. I’m not trying to be combative but our tubs are priced at 1200 to 4199 and they do come with the hardware some with hydro jets and some with air or you can get a combo option. Weather you get it from us or somewhere else I suggest shopping around do your research and you can go from there. (You as the consumer has the ultimate choice)
Hi Donald,
Thank you for your comments.
I would like to address your comments regarding dementia and that a person with dementia should never be left alone while bathing. There are many different degrees, stages and types of dementia. Many persons who have dementia can still be left alone to bathe; however, their ability to deal with new technology is not always at a high level. These bath tubs require that the door never be opened while the water is in it (obvious to you and I but not so obvious to a person with dementia ), that the door must be closed tightly (with a handle that is rather awkward) and that the jacuzzi mechanism not be activated until there is enough water in the tub (again a little confusing for a person with dementia).
Along with the price of the actual tub, the consumer must be aware that their is a fee for the installation and to equip SOME bathrooms for this tub can be expensive.
I will agree with you that they are great for SOME elders; there is a high side so that elders have much less chance of falling; there is the ability to sit down while showering and the the movable shower head is a great feature.
Yes, you’re right, the consumer has the ultimate decision.
Best wishes, Shelley
I am in my mid-60s with two hip replacements and am advised not to twist or cross one leg over the other, etc. I love my wonderful freestanding clawfoot tub, but getting out is a bit touch and go. I bought a bath lift, but tonight had an unnerving experience in that the chair didn’t lift at the end of my bath. I managed to get out despite the dead tub chair being in my way, but it was tricky and unnerving, and I am not getting any younger. I have been surfing the web ever since, looking at step in tub options/deals. I have room in my sunroom/cat spa to tuck in a step in tub without messing up the recently remodeled, vintage style main bathroom I love, and since I do not have dementia or even unsteadiness at this point, and I don’t care for taking showers like that lady’s frail father, this seems like a good option.
I just want to pass this along. I am in the Walk-In Tub Business.
They are not for everyone, but can be a great option for seniors with physical needs and ailments, like arthritis, diabetes, etc. Not at all an option for anyone with Dementia.
And as for price?? JAckie Johnson sad earlier in thread that hers was priced at, or over $20,000.00
This is ridiculous, and the person/company soliciting her was obviously trying to make an enormous profit. At worst, with reverse plumbing needed, door widening, acryllic wrap arounds, etc. they should only come in between $14,500.00 and $15.500.00 and much less in most cases.
Good luck everyone. There are good systems available for most situations. Just be cautious, and review the tubs features, matching it to your needs, then do a quick BBB review, and you should be fine.
Kyle
Thanks, Kyle for that honest opinion and for verifying that the tub is not for folks with dementia.
Another thing to consider is the size of the person who will be using it. Because it was designed for those who may wish to sit while bathing, there is not much room and may cause some folks to feel claustraphobic. I’m just 5’2 & 110 pounds and even I found it a bit cramped.
The hydrotherapy is indeed a great feature for those with pains, arthritis, etc.
And the side walls are about hip height which decreases the risk of falls for those who are standing.
~ Shelley
Thanks for a great blog. We are in agreement.
Walk-in tubs work great for those with very small spaces (i.e. a shower stall of less than 4 feet) or for those who are not likely to loose the ability to walk and prefer showering to bathing. Smaller, lower-end walk-in tubs can also be an economical choice for the smaller bather on a budget. Larger bathers need larger models and may find that the larger models take up too much space, take too long to fill and drain and use too much water. Another consideration is drain and fill time and the amount of water used. For those with septic tanks or average-sized hot water tanks, the amount of water a walk-in tub takes can be an issue.
Walk-in tubs are not the best choice for everyone. There are other bathing products on the market.
I work for a company that manufactures an accessible slide-in bathtub that looks like a regular tub once you are in it. The bather can stretch out in a 5 foot deep soaker tub, and the door latches automatically. The Aquassure tub also gives full caregiver access to the bather’s body without bending, kneeling or lifting. It is wheelchair, walker and lift accessible and priced in the middle range of the options out there.
However, Aquassure does not recommend that people with dementia bath unassisted. If they panic in the tub, or get confused and forget how to let the water out and open the door, it is important that a caregiver be there to assist. And our hand-held shower is likely to lead to the same confusion, but you might want to consider putting the shower on a wall-mount slider bar, to make it less confusing.
Oh one other comment…. Aquassure Slide in tubs, manufactured in North America… are priced from $5700 – $12,000 plus installation and shipping, depending on the options, but all are 5′ long, have a cabinet base, interior grab bars and a sliding door. Our unique tubs are not the cheapest option, but certainly not the most expensive! We publish our pricing on our website. No surprises.
Thank you, Shari, for providing another option for our caregivers and their loved ones and especially for being candid with your pricing. I like that your Aquassure tub gives full caregiver access as well as being wheelchair, walker and lift accessible.
Best,
Shelley
Heya¡¬
Here is my very first comment on your site. , I have been reading your blog for a while and thought I would completely pop in and drop a friendly note. . It is great stuff indeed. I also wanted to ask. Is there a way to subscribe to your site via email?
If you want to know more about walk in baths or bathing products just visit http://www.nationwide-mobility.co.uk
Regards
Richard Roberts
There are so many retailers out there that sell walk-in tubs. My father needed a more friendly tub in which he did not have to step up. I ended up purchasing a Bocca Tub from Total Focus II. The prices were so reasonable and the tub came with a life-time warranty on everything. The tub was installed very quickly and it is a beautiful addition to our bathroom now. If you are interested in Total Focus II Bocca Tubs call Paul Anderson at 913-871-9274.
Hello,
I am posting to thank you PROFUSELY and to counter all the spam responses you have gotten.
My mom, who is *highly claustrophobic* and vulnerable at this stage of her life, has been convinced by the excessive ads that she needs one of these tubs and that it will give her freedom of some sort which is odd since she showers with absolutely no issues.
I agree that some seniors might benefit from these tubs, but we were sure from the get- go that this was not something my mother would benefit from at all. Unfortunately the ads are still calling to her and my father is beside himself, knowing she has never particularly liked baths, but afraid that she will go ahead and order it the next chance she gets regardless of his concern and the fact that it will remove the sole shower from their home and make it into an odd bathing arrangement.
I might add that she does not have dementia, but that she has recently been released from the hospital and is recovering from a major illness. Also, if it would even possibly benefit her we would both be more than happy to get one regardless of price.
Again I applaud your honesty and publication of your review to counter the dozens of sellers who have flooded the market with glowing “reviews” that are obviously planted by spammers and those who want to sell the tubs. My favorites being from concerned “children” who did not have to put their aged parents into a senior home because this product gave them complete independence and relieved all their worries.
Sincerely,
Angela
Thank you so much for writing, Angela. You’re right; I do get a lot of “company e-mail” but feel obligated to put it out there so as not to be one-sided.
This walk-in tub post is the #1 searched and read post on my site so if a more accurate representation of this tub can be shown, then all the better.
It is expensive, complicated, claustrophobic, permanent and not conducive to aiding the backs of caregivers who might be assisting. The one good thing about it is it’s high side walls which help to keep elders from falling out of the shower.
My feeling is that a better choice would be a ground-level entry shower with a door wide enough for a wheelchair or shower chair to enter. Aging in place designers have some wonderful options.
Thanks again for writing, Angela. It gave me the chance to reiterate my feelings. My father has passed on now and the walk-in tub remains unused because it’s not a pleasant experience to use it.