How to choose a walk-in bathtub

Dear Savvy Senior: I’m interested in getting a walk-in bathtub for my wife that’s easy for her to get into and out of, but could use some assistance. Can you offer any consumer tips? — Need Help

Dear Need: A walk-in bathtub is a great option for seniors with mobility problems who have trouble getting in and out of a traditional tub. But with so many options available today, choosing one can be challenging.

Here are a few tips.

BATHTUB BASICS

Walk-in bathtubs are specialty products that have a watertight, hinged door built into the side of the tub that provides a much lower threshold to step over (usually 3 to 7 inches) versus a standard tub that’s around 15 inches.

Along with the low threshold, most walk-in tubs also have a built-in seat, grab bars, anti-slip floors and a hand-held showerhead. And many higher-end models offer therapeutic spalike features that are great for seniors with arthritis and other ailments.

Which walk-in tub you choose will depend on your bathroom’s size and layout, your wife’s needs and preferences, and your budget.

Prices for a good walk-in tub typically run between $3,000 and $10,000 installed.

Here are other things you should know.

Quality check

The best walk-in bathtubs on the market today are made in America. Also, make sure the company you choose has a lifetime “leakproof” door seal warranty and lengthy warranties on both the tub and the operating system.

Tub size

While walk-in bathtubs vary in shape and size, most models have high-walls (three feet or higher), are 26 to 32 inches wide, and will fit into the same 60-inch long space as your standard tub without having to reconfigure the room. If the walk-in tub doesn’t quite fit your old bathtub space, extension kits are available to ensure a good fit.

Door options

Most walk-in tubs have an inward-opening door, but if your wife uses a wheelchair or is large, an outward-opening door may be a better option because they’re easier to enter and exit. But, because these doors swing out, they require more bathroom space.

One other style to consider is the “rising-wall” bathtub made by Kohler, which sits about 2 feet off the ground and has a side panel that slides up and down. These tubs can be entered from a seated position, which makes it a nice option for wheelchair users.

Tub type

Most companies offer several different types of walk-in tubs. The most basic type is a soaker tub, or you can get a therapeutic tub that offers either whirlpool water jets or bubble massage air jets, or a combination of the two.

Fast fill and drain

One drawback to using a walk-in bathtub is that the bather must sit in the tub as it fills and drains, which can make for a chilly experience. To help with this, choose a tub that has fast-filling faucets and pump-assisted drainage systems, which significantly accelerates the process.

Where to shop

There are many companies that make, sell and install walk-in bathtubs, but some of the best in the industry are

■ Safe Step (safesteptub.com, 800-346-6616),

■ Premier (premiercarebathing.com, 800-934-7614),

■ American Standard (americanstandard.com, 866-423-0800) and

■ Jacuzzi (jacuzzi.com, 800-288-4002).

Many big-box retailers like Lowe’s, Home Depot and Sears sell walk-in bathtubs too.

Medicare doesn’t cover walk-in bathtubs, but many companies offer financing with monthly payment plans.

To start, contact a few companies who will send a local dealer to your home to assess your bathroom, and give you product options and estimates for free.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC’s “Today “and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.