What Are the Best Alternatives to a Walk-in Tub?

Installing a walk-in tub is a major expense and requires a renovation. If you are looking for alternatives to a walk-in tub, Step2Tub is a great choice.

Step2Tub is designed for bathroom fall prevention without the high price tag of conventional walk-in tubs.

Why People Consider a Walk-in Tub

Most seniors strive for safe aging in place, but bathroom safety for the elderly is a top concern. 

According to the CDC, injuries in the bathroom increase substantially with age, and roughly two-thirds of all bathroom injuries occur in and around the tub or shower.

Bathroom safety for seniors is a major motivator for finding a safe alternative to a bathtub, and a walk-in tub is one alternative. They offer:

• Reduction in fall risk

• Built-in seating

• Independence and privacy

• Water jet hydrotherapy for pain relief

• Built-in safety hardware

• Aging in place

• Multi-functional tub hardware

Why a Walk-In Tub Isn’t Right for Everyone

An effective aging-in-place bathroom prioritizes bathtub safety for the elderly, but not everyone wants a walk-in tub.

Reasons why people search for walk-in tub alternatives:

• To avoid the long fill and drain times of a walk-in tub

• Getting cold while waiting for the tub to drain before you can open the door

• The high cost of renovation

• Bathroom modifications for the elderly can disrupt your normal routine due to extensive construction 

• High cost of utility bills and increased water consumption required for a walk-in tub

• Not good for the resale value of your home 

• They require complicated maintenance

• Hard to exit during an emergency because of the long drain time required

Bathtub Steps with Handrails

Bathtub steps with handrails are a walk-in tub alternative for seniors. They are designed to reduce the height between the bathroom floor and the rim of a standard-height bathtub.

A bathtub step for seniors provides a stable intermediate platform with secure handrails for support when getting in and out of the tub.

Core features: bathtub step for seniors:

• Made from a heavy-duty frame of chrome-plated or industrial steel

• A wide, flat stepping platform in non-stick rubber or textured matting

• Vertical handrails or grab bars attached to the frame for stability

Bath transfer aids for the elderly: how they work

They limit leg reach when getting into a tub. Instead of lifting 14 to 20 inches to clear the rim of a standard tub, the user steps up usually just 4 to 10 inches.

While stepping up, the senior can then steady their balance using the handrails and step down into the tub.

Additional features of higher-end models

• A dual-clamp system that locks directly onto the wall of the bathtub, preventing sliding or tipping 

• Reinforced, rubber-tipped suction feet or non-skid pads

• Adjustable height to fit the height of the individual

Tub Transfer Benches: Another type of walk-in tub alternative

When deciding how to make a bathtub safer for the elderly, tub transfer benches are another walk-in tub alternative for seniors.

They help those with poor balance and limited mobility get in and out of a standard tub without stepping over a high wall.

Features

• A long, wide seat that straddles the outer rim of a bathtub.

• Half of the bench sits outside the tub with the other half extending over the interior of the tub

• Usually the leg height is adjustable

• Legs feature non-slip rubber tips or suction feet

• A supportive backrest 

• At least one safety handle or armrest

How they work

Sitting on the outward-facing part of the bench, lift your legs one at a time and swivel across the length of the bench until you’re positioned over the center of the tub. 

Grab bars and Handrails

Other alternatives to a walk-in tub are grab bars and handrails. They provide load-bearing support when stepping, standing, or sitting down.

Grab bars and handrails are engineered to support up to 500 pounds of pull force. They are mounted vertically, horizontally, or at a 45-degree angle to support movement in and around your bathtub, toilet, or shower.

Shower Chairs and Bath Seats

Shower chairs and bath seats are also one of the walk-in tub alternatives featured in this article.

They are stable, waterproof seating accessories for individuals who cannot safely stand during the duration of their bath or shower.

The design lets the user sit under running water in the shower or inside the tub, reducing the risk of falls or slipping.

Converting the Tub to a Low-Threshold Shower

Of the alternatives to a walk-in tub, converting the tub to a low-threshold shower is another option if your budget allows.

This involves extensive bathroom modifications for the elderly, similar to installing a walk-in tub.

It requires demolishing your existing tub, modifying the plumbing and drain, and installing a new shower that is flush or nearly flat to enter. It is a major renovation that requires a substantial budget and doesn’t fully ensure bathroom safety for seniors.

Making the Existing Bathtub Safer Without Remodeling

Alternatives to a walk-in tub include the options we discussed in this article. These include bathtub steps with handrails, tub transfer benches, grab bars and handrails, shower chairs and bath seats, and converting your tub to a low-threshold shower.

When choosing bathroom safety options, how do you decide?

Which Walk-In Tub Alternative is Best?

Steps with handrails and transfer benches are two frequently recommended fall-prevention aids to keep seniors safe.

They don’t require a large budget or extensive renovations, helping seniors stay safe at home.

Step2Tub: A Simple Alternative to a Walk-In Tub

Save money on expensive renovations with Step2Tub! It features:

• Durable steel frame with a wide, non-slip platform

• Supportive grab bar for balance and safe transitions

• Stable base design to prevent shifting or slipping during use

• Compact size to fit most bathrooms

• Engineered to support safe, independent bathing

Learn more about our independent living products at Step2Health today!