Considering a Walk-In Shower?

One of the questions we hear most often is about walk-in showers. Whether it’s from

a family member or even a medical professional, we often see older adults who have

been told they need a walk-in shower in order to age in place.

While walk-in showers can be a valuable tool for aging in place, they are not always

easy to come by. Although many prefabricated walk-in showers are advertised at lower

prices, they don’t work for every home; they can’t always accommodate needed grab

bars, and price estimates rarely include installation or removal of the current tub.

For some families who may all be sharing the same bathroom, getting rid of a bathtub

eliminates opportunities for other family members who may benefit from it. I’ve spoken

to several older adults who relish bathing their grandchildren in a tub, and wouldn’t part

with it for that reason alone.

Thankfully, walk-in showers are not the end-all be-all of bathroom safety. If you’re stuck

with a tub, it’s not time to panic. There are several modifications that can help make this

option safer for you.

1. A tub bench

While most people are familiar with shower chairs, fewer people are familiar with tub benches. This device has a seat that extends from inside the bathtub over the tub edge, so that a person can sit down, move their legs into the tub, and

then slide over, rather than step over the tall tub edge. It is important to note that tub benches are only recommended for tubs with shower curtains and will not work with sliding doors. Additionally, even with a shower curtain, many people report that some water does get on the floor. Consider getting a good, non-slip bathmat or having someone dry the floor first if going with this option.

2. A tub cut-out

This is a great option when the barrier to a walk-in shower is cost. It involves cutting out a portion of the tub wall so that it is easier to step over. This does require professional installation and is more expensive than some other options,

and similar to a tub bench, you need a curtain and risk some leakage. Another important note is that this is not an option if you have a clawfoot or freestanding tub, a whirlpool or jetted tub, or a tub with a plastic or acrylic liner. These tubs cannot be safely cut through without damaging the entire tub.

3. Well-placed grab bars

Well-placed is the key term here! A grab bar in the wrong spot can sometimes do more harm than good. We want grab bars that are going to support safe movement patterns, usually both by the tub entry and within the tub. Your occupational therapist can help take measurements to determine the best location and orientation for grab bars.

4. A shower chair

Shower chairs are not just for showers. Many people find that the hardest part of bathing is getting all the way up after lying down in the tub, but they don’t have the endurance to stand for a whole shower. This is where a shower chair can be a total game-changer. Remember, though, that tubs can sometimes be narrower than showers, so it’s important to make sure that the shower chair will fit in your tub.

5. A combination!

This one is probably the most common one. Many people find that a combination

of modifications helps make their set-up safer. For example, one person may find

that a grab bar, tub cut-out, and shower chair make it easy to get in and out and

stay safe while washing. Another person may find that all they need is a tub

bench in order to make the process more seamless.

We know that with multiple options comes the paradox of choice, and thankfully, you

don’t need to navigate this alone. Our job as home accessibility consultants is to

balance your unique needs with the constraints of your home, and help you find what

works best for you.