AFFORDABLEALTERNATIVESTO WALK-INTUBS

WALK-IN TUBSIf price is one of your main concerns in deciding whether ornot to buy a walk-in tub for seniors, you have a number of

more affordable options to consider.

BATHTUB TRANSFERBENCH

A bathtub transfer bench is a simple, practical solution that can be easily placed over the tub, so all you have to do is sit down on one end of the bench, lift your legs over the step while sitting and scoot (or slide) down to the other end of the bench that’s located in the tub itself.

Once you’re in place, you can shower while remaining seated – which makes the process much easier on many seniors.

BATHTUBCHAIRS

Bathtub chairs work on a similar principle to bathtub transfer benches, but they’re smaller and contained within the bath itself.

Most are designed so you can still sit down before getting into the bath and lift each leg over while sitting, but they can be a little trickier to get into since you can’t sit on something that’s directly beneath you – you have to angle yourself toward the tub first.

BATHCHAIRLIFT

These allow you to sit on the chairlift then be lowered into the bath. There are a few different types of bathtub chairlifts. The most common option is battery powered, you can simply press a button to power it.

You can also find inflatable chairlifts that fill with air in order to reach high enough for you to sit, then deflate to lower you into the tub

ROLL-INSHOWER

A roll-in shower is similar to a walk-in shower (which is already more accessible than bathtubs), but provides a wider door and no barrier at the entrance so a wheelchair can roll right in.

This option will cost a comparable amount to buying a walk-in tub though, including expensive installation costs, and it’s similarly permanent (or at least hard to replace with something else before a home sale).