Safer Bathtubs for Seniors: Why These Features Make a Walk-in Tub the Perfect Option

For seniors who wish to remain independent in their homes, certain bathtub features are more important for safety and comfort than others. With unique needs and mobility challenges, there are many factors for seniors to consider before making a purchase, like whether to install a new traditional bathtub or a walk-in tub instead.

Whether you are planning your home for your golden years or need a new accessible bathing solution immediately, here are some features to keep top-of-mind as you shop.

Step-In Height

Walk-in Tub

The threshold you step over to enter the walk-in tub is quite low, which is a huge advantage when outfitting your home with a tub well-suited for older adults. Designed to prevent the user from lifting their leg too high to enter the bath, the accessible step-in is one of the most important features to note when you compare walk-in tubs. The KOHLER_® Walk-In Bath offers an ultra-low 3” step-in, one of the lowest on the market.

Traditional Bathtub

This is the biggest (quite literal) hurdle for traditional tubs. With a common tub height of 14 to 16 inches, there’s a high step to take over the lip of the tub, which can be hazardous for some. The risk of accidents is heightened with wet floors as well.

Therapy Features

Walk-in Tub

Many seniors look for comfort features, such as hydrotherapy jets and a heated backrest, to add a spa-like feel to their bathing experience. Whirlpool and air jets are quality enhancements that can massage aching muscles and soothe joint pain. Additional in-line heating can make the bath more comfortable while they soak.

Traditional Bathtub

Most traditional tubs do not come with therapeutic features on standard models. They’re often only included in an upgraded model or as add-on features. Whirlpool and air jets are common add-on features for traditional bathtubs, but in-line heating for tubs is a rarer feature.

Tip: Ensure that you research the quality of the jets rather than the quantity. Having too many jets can decrease the overall power of the jet system.

Handrails & Grab Bars

Walk-in Tub

Your safety as you enter, exit and operate the walk-in bathtub is paramount. Look for tubs that offer surrounding handrails and easily accessible grab bars. These will help you transition securely from standing to sitting. The KOHLER Walk-In Bath features a grab bar and an indented handrail around the rim of the tub for secure movement at every step.

Traditional Bathtub

A traditional bathtub may include handrails or grab bars as an upgrade or add-on feature. With some bathtubs, there may be a handrail on the shower door. This may not be as stable as a wall handrail or grab bar, but it does provide leverage against a potential slip. 

Other features to consider

• Quick fill and drain time
• Ease of cleaning
• Extra wide doors
• Seat depth
• Handshower
• Lifetime Limited Warranty

With a walk-in tub, most or all of these features are thoughtfully included in even the most basic models.

Stay in the home you love with accessible, therapeutic bathing features that make every soak more enjoyable.