Best Walk In Tubs in 2023

For those who want to age in place, there are different types of aids that can help make living in your home easier.  Walk-in tubs are one of those aids that can make daily routines within the home much easier and safer.  personal care becomes easier, comfortable, and allows for a more independent lifestyle for the senior who wants to age in place within the comfort of his or her home.

We have created an in-depth guide on what the best walk-in tubs should have and what to look for before purchasing a tub.  You will find all types of information such as customer service, safety features, upgrades, tub styles, and more so you can make a very informed and accurate decision. 

What is a walk-in tube?

Walk-in tubs are accessible bathtubs are tubs that are designed so that people with limited mobility or disabled people can still use a tube safely because the tub is more accessible to enter, may have grab bars, or even has a way that lifts or lowers the person in the water.

These walk-in rubs use a water-tight door that allows the person to step directly into a tub with a very low threshold to help increase safety measures.  When the door closes the tub then can fill up allow the person to enjoy a bath.  After the tub drains then the door can open and the person can then safely get back out of the tub.

Who should use a walk-in tube?

Anyone can use a walk-in tub.  For the most part, it is people that have mobility issues and have trouble safely entering and exiting a tub or shower.   These could be anyone who is aging and losing muscle, stability and balance issues. 

It could also be younger people who have suffered an accident and lost mobility.  Anyone that cannot safely enter a tub on their own could benefit from a walk-in tube.

What Types of Walk-In Tubes are there?

There are different types of walk-in tubs that can fit the needs of just about anyone looking for a safer and easier way to bathe.  Below are some tub styles you may choose from when looking. 

• Prefer Shower type:  These types of walk-in tubs allow for a traditional shower and a walk-in tub.
• Bariatric tub:  These are tubs that have extra room and larger bath seats.  These models can safely accommodate larger individuals providing more room and a more comfortable experience. 
• Limited Space:  For those with tighter spaces a cube or hybrid shower model may be for you.   Be sure to measure your space against the size of the tub you are interested in.
• Hydrotherapy walk-in tub:  For those that want or need a spa treatment you will want to look for walk-in tubs that have spa jets.  Keep in mind a lot of models are equipped with spa treatments. 
• Deep soaking tubs:  These tubs offer more water capacity so that more of your body can be submerged into the water.

Benefits of using a walk-in tube

There are a lot of benefits to using a walk-in tube, especially for those with mobility issues.    For those with limitations with movements, a walk-in tube may provide you with the following benefits. 

• Hydrotherapy: A lot of walk-in tubes offer hydrotherapy jets that can be used for soar joints and muscles.   What is great about this is that you can get the same jet therapy but without chlorine or the need to go outside into a hot tub. 
• Independence:  As we get older and lose the ability to walk or move without the need for help using the shower can be something that a lot of seniors shy away from when help is needed.  The use of other mobility aids in the shower can help with gaining safety and independence.  A walk-in tube can help with showering alone and bring back independence and personal hygiene care. 
• Safer hygiene experience:  A walk-in tub allows for a safer, easier shower experience.  This leads to better hygiene.  The tubs have swinging doors and very low thresholds so getting in and out is much easier than a standard tub.  These tubs can also be installed with handrails, anti-slip flooring, and other safety features that allow for a really safe bathing experience. 

Will Medicare cover the cost of a walk-in tub?

Because aging men and women prefer to age in place this means that most likely there will need to be some home modifications that take place in order to make staying in the home safer and easier as we get older.   One of those medications might be a walk-in tub.  Because updating your bathroom inexpensive a lot of us ask if insurance would cover the cost of a walk-in tub.  

Most seniors will turn to medicare at one time or another to help afford different types of mobility aids.  Durable medical equipment is typically covered in some fashion when it comes to certain types of aids.  Walkers, wheelchairs, and the like often get covered.  Walk-in tubs however typically are not covered by Medicare because they are not considered to be durable medical equipment in Medicare’s eyes. 

How to find the best walk-in tubs for your home

We research a lot on mobility products that make life easier for seniors or anyone that needs help because of mobility issues.  We looked at a series of buying metrics, what to look for, and made our recommendations below.  What we looked at:

1. We looked at a lot of walk-tubs and started to narrow down our search to the top 5 best tubs for low thresholds, standard size walk-in bathtubs, and smaller tubs when space is limited to create our list. 
2. We looked for some standard safety features:  The tubs we recommend all use anti-slip flooring and grab bars as standard features for safety.
3. Narrow down our list:  After researching we narrowed down our list to the top 5 walk-in tubs that we feel bring the best value and features into a tub.