Walk-In Bathtubs

I have learned from my online research that not all walk-in tubs are the same. Installation depends on the tub model, size and dimensions as well as your bathroom layout. Some walk in tub retailers provide an installation "specialist" because they are more difficult to install, others are easy enough to do on your own.
I suggest finding a plumber/contractor in your area. You can use an online locator like www.findaplumber.com or simply use your yellow pages. Make sure when choosing the walk in bath for you that you ask about installation.
Questions to ask-
Is installation provided?
If so, is installation included in the price or is there are extra fee?
Do you have installation instructions?
Can I install it myself?
Can you recommend a contractor/plumber?
How long will it take to install?

This question varies on the type of walk in tub you purchase. There are several materials that can be used.
1- Fiberglass- Gel-coated, porous material. Because of its porous nature, soap scum, mold, mildew and other residues lodge in the pores of the fiberglass surface over time, creating a less healthy bathing environment. When a fiberglass tub is cleaned, a portion of the tub's gel-coat is removed. With each cleaning, more and more of the tub surface wears away resulting in a finish that stains more quickly and becomes more difficult to clean.
2- Acrylic- Because acrylic is a non-porous material, it is mold and mildew resistant, making it a healthier and cleaner bathing environment than fiberglass. The non-porous properties of acrylic also make it stain resistant and extremely easy to clean because residue stays at the surface and doesn't work its way down into pores. When cleaned, acrylic does not lose any portion of its surface. As a result, acrylic will resist chipping and fading and retain its beautiful, high-gloss finish year after year.
There are also walk in tub companies that offer Self-cleaning features that make your walk in bathtub practically maintenance free.

There are many ways to pay for your walk-in tub. Reputable walk in bathtub companies should accept most credit cards (Mastercard, Visa, American Express, Discover), however you will need to check with them first to clarify which credit cards they accept. You may also be able to work out financing with them such as 6 mos.-12 mos. same as cash.
There are also many finance companies, organizations and directories such as the AARP.org, seniordirectories.com,and matureresources.org that offer information and a list of companies that will help finance your walk-in tub purchase if you prefer to finance it on your own. When speaking with a representative from a walk in bath company, be sure to ask them what forms of payment they accept and what financing options they offer.

One of the main benefits of owning your own walk in tub is having the freedom and security of being able to get in and out of your tub without assistance. Walk-in tubs are generally safer, more convenient and more comfortable than a standard bathtub. This is why they are so helpful to seniors/elderly, handicapped/disabled individuals.
Another major benefit of a walk in bathtub is the therapeutic benefit. Hydrotherapy has been known for centuries for it's healing benefits. Adding whirpool functionality can help even further with alleviating aches and pains from arthritis to back pain and other ailments.
Many walk in tub companies offer other beneficial options such as color/light therapy and aromatherapy.
Be sure to find out all of the features and options that are available when researching walk in tubs to be sure the product will meet all of your needs and expectations.

As we all know it can be extremely difficult to get pricing on walk in tubs. With most walk in tub companies you have to make an appointment and meet with a pushy salesperson in order to get a simple price? Let me be the first to tell you that you don't have to jump through hoops with all walk in tub companies to find out how much a walk in tub is going to cost you. Believe it or not there are walk in tub manufacturer's that make high quality tubs and are more than willing to give you pricing without the unnecessary sales tactics.
In most cases you should be able to find a high quality walk in tub complete with many features a warranty and several size and other options for somewhere between $3000 and $8000. When you search around; especially on the internet, you can find walk in tubs as cheap as $1500 to as expensive as $30,000. The reason is because the cost of a walk in tub depends on a lot of things. First and foremost, there are more companies that sell walk in tubs than I can count on my fingers and toes. When I say companies, I mean retailers, dealers, re-sellers and manufacturers. In dealing straight with the manufacturer you are cutting out the middle man which means you may get a lower priced tub. However that is not always the case. Sometimes you can get specials or discounts if you work with a dealer who gets low pricing because they buy in bulk.
Also consider quality. Quality always affects pricing. In regards to walk in tubs, quality construction of the tub and materials used is of utmost importance if you want the tub to be low-maintenance and last for many years. Some manufacturers offer low-end walk in tubs while others offer more high-end walk in tubs and some offer something in between. You'll find some manufacturers who chose to use lower quality materials like fiberglass in order to offer a lower priced tub while others chose to use high quality materials such as acrylic therefore they are priced slightly higher. Fiberglass, being a cheaper material won't last as long or be as durable as one made of acrylic. When looking at pricing you need to decide what is more important to you, cost or quality.
Other things that affect the price are the name brand, models, sizes, options and features. Most walk in tubs offer some basic features such as the ability to shower in your walk in tub, a non-slip floor, a walk-in door, handrail, chair-height seat, etc. Some consider those to be features that come standard with their tub while others consider those to be additional options which you pay more for to add onto a base model tub. There are some brands that offer additional upgrade options such as a heater to maintain your tubs water temperature, premium faucets and other fixtures for added beauty, fast drain to empty your tub quickly, chromatherapy light and color therapy, aromatherapy, massage options like jet and/or air bubbles and more. Depending on your situation, needs and desires some of these options may be worth paying more for.
Some brands are more well-known than others. Sometimes it can be in your best interest to buy a brand you already know offers high quality products, however that isn't always the case so be sure to consider your options.
In your search you will find that walk in tubs come in many size options. Most fit into a standard tub space and some manufacturer's offer an extension kit to ensure a perfect fit. In general the bigger the tub, the more you're going to pay.
So as you can see there are many things that affect the cost of walk in tubs. Now that you know what those things are you can make a more informed decision. Good luck in your search for the walk in tub for you.

An acrylic walk in tub is built typically by starting off with a sheet of acrylic that is heated and then placed over a vacuum mold. The mold is shaped like a bathtub, including a seat and a foot well. The vacuum brings the heated acrylic sheet into the mold. Vacuum pressure is manually reduced when the acrylic reaches the top of the seat in the mold and the vacuum is shut off when the acrylic is approximately two inches from the bottom of the foot well of the mold. A mold release agent may also be sprayed onto the mold to facilitate the movement of the acrylic over the surface of the mold. The acrylic is cooled and removed from the mold and reinforced with fiberglass. The walk in bathtub is then secured to a steel frame for support. A hole is then cut into the side of the molded acrylic tub to allow a walk in or step in door to be added. A pre-hung door assembly is then installed in the door threshold.
The door is usually comprised of two main parts. In this example, the threshold piece is vacuum formed to fit within the door threshold in the side of the walk in bathtub. After that is done, it is trimmed from the web. The second part of the walk in door is a flat panel that simply covers the indentation of the threshold piece. The two door halves are then bonded together. At this point the door is usually sanded and painted. Once the paint is dry the strike plates are added. The frame for the door assembly comprises a single aluminum piece that is extruded and shaped to fit the edge of the door threshold. This frame typically includes a channel for a rubber gasket that forms part of the walk in tub's water seal. Once molded the extrusion is powder coated and mounted onto the tub. The frame is secured to the threshold with a waterproof adhesive and the entire frame is then secured to the walk in bathtub by a retaining screw to supplement the adhesive.
After the door frame is securely in place, the hinges of the door are aligned and attached to the frame and the walk in door. The frame usually includes a track on the outer edge that is specifically dedicated to mounting the hinge.
After the door is mounted, a gasket is typically inserted into the seal track of the frame. The gasket helps form the water tight seal of the door as well. Caps are added to ends of the aluminum frame to finish the tub and walk in door. Finally, the handle base is fastened to the tub and the handle is fastened to the base.
The door in this description is similar to a regular pre-hung door that would be found in a house and can be installed into the tub as a separate, pre-assembled unit. Some walk-in tubs have the door attached directly to the side of the tub, which is equal to mounting a house door directly to the wall. The extruded frame used in this description provides structural integrity to the tub and insures proper alignment of the system as it is contained as one unit. The frame keeps the walls of the tub from flexing, and the dedicated hinge track helps keep the door straight and evenly aligned, thus maintaining the integrity of the water seal. In addition, the frame improves the door seal by providing a dedicated track for the gasket.
Please keep in mind that this is a general description of the construction of an acrylic walk in bathtub. To find out the specific construction details of a walk in bathtub that you are planning to purchase you want to be sure to contact the manufacturer of that specific tub.">

If you are anything like me, I'm finding it difficult to see my parents aging. I know that it means a lot to both of them to remain independent. They've worked hard for their home. I'd like to help them stay in their home for as long as possible.

I have discovered that there are several ways I can help this happen. One of the primary ways is to make sure that their home provides a safe environment for them to live in. Here are some of the things I have discovered cause problems.

Stairs

Many older homes have stairs that don't conform to code. Not only are the heights of the stairs more than the modern standard of 6-3/4", they are often narrower than 11" as well. The combination of extra height and narrow tread creates a falling hazard, especially when older knees don't flex as easily. Remodeling a staircase so it conforms to modern codes can reduce this risk considerably.

Another issue with stairs involves the ability to see the edge of the stair. Many a senior trips going up the stairs or slips going down, because depth perception fades with age. Adding a contrasting color along the top edge of the stairs can make a major difference. If the stairs are wood, using a slip-proof tape at the edge of the step can help. If the stairs are carpeted, consider using two coordinating but contrasting colors, one for the riser and the other for the tread.

Tubs

Nothing is more relaxing than soaking in a hot bath. Unfortunately for seniors, getting into and out of the bathtub can be one of the most dangerous activities of the day. According to some statistics, 30% of all adults over 65 experience a fall each year. When that fall involves a hip, the odds that senior will die within the year is 20%.

Most of us don't think of how much coordination is involved in getting in and out of the tub. Slipping is a major concern, but so is loss of balance. With the new walk in bathtubs that allow you to open a door and walk right into the tub, the risk of falling is significantly reduced. A walk in bathtub is one of the best ways to create a safe environment for your aging parent. There are many attractive models to choose from that fit within the same space as a standard tub.

Uneven floors

An uneven floor can trip anyone up, but it is even more dangerous for a senior. The ability to maintain balance declines as we age. It this is an issue in the home, it needs to be addressed.

In some cases, you can plane a high spot down and use filler to raise low spots. In others, it may be necessary to install new flooring and subflooring. The goal is to eliminate any sudden changes in height that are less than the standard rise of a stair-about 6 - 7 inches.

Adding Telephones

Consider adding extra telephones throughout the house. With today's cordless phones, this is very easy to do. Installing a phone in the bathroom can prevent a fall-no rushing to answer the phone and tripping in the process.

If the house has more than one level, install a phone on each level. This eliminates rushing down the stairs to catch a call.

If you pay attention to these details, you will create a safer environment for your aging parent. They will be able to retain their independence for longer, and you can feel good about that.

1) What is the best material to use for the floor?
A) Linoleum
B) Wood
C) Tile
D) Laminate

2) What is the best type of tub to install for a senior?
A) Whirlpool/Jacuzzi Tub
B) Steam Shower
C) Walk in Bathtub
D) Tubs aren't good for seniors

3) Why are grab bars useful in both baths and showers?
A) Because they make strong towel bars.
B) Because they give you something to grab if you slip.
C) Both A & C.
D) Neither A or C.

4) The best places to install grab bars are:
A) In the shower.
B) Around the tub.
C) Near the toilet.
D) All of the above.

5) What temperature is the safest to set your hot water heat at?
A) 130°F
B) 120°F
C) 125°F
D) 140°F

6) How high is the standard toilet seat?
A) 20 inches
B) 15 inches
C) 17 inches
D) Somewhere between B & C

7) Which is the best way to design a bathroom with a raised toilet seat height?
A) Make a base that is 3 - 4" thick to place under the toilet to raise it.
B) Just install a raised toilet seat.
C) Install a toilet that is hung on the wall.
D) Both A & C are equally as good.

8) What type of faucet handle is the easiest for arthritic hands to use?
A) Handles with large levers
B) Round handles with ridges
C) Single-lever faucet handles
D) Both A & C

Now let's see how you did.

1) The correct answer is A) Linoleum, though if you answered D) Laminate we'll give you the point. Both materials come with non-slip versions.

2) The correct answer is C) Walk-in Bathtub, though if you answered B) Steam Shower, you are half right. The reason the steam shower isn't the best answer is the fact that many seniors have diabetes and heart disease. Steam showers must be used very carefully to not cause health complications. Whirlpool/Jacuzzi tubs are known for their extra high sides which makes seniors especially vulnerable climbing into and out of them. D is incorrect because walk in bathtubs make tub bathing very safe.

3) C is the correct answer. While a grab bar can make a great towel bar, that's not it's primary purpose. Grab bars can prevent many slip and fall accidents in the bathroom.

4) D is the correct answer. Grab bars are useful in all of these locations.

5) The correct answer is B - 120°F. Higher temperatures can cause burns.

6) The standard toilet seat is somewhere between 15 and 17 inches high, so the correct answer is D.

7) The correct answer is D. For new construction it is very easy to install a wall mounted toilet at 20 - 22 inches. Building a base to raise the toilet also works effectively as long as pipe is installed through the raised base and extra long bolts are used to secure the toilet to the floor. Installing a raised seat is an afterthought. Unless the toilet seat can close over the raised seat, toilet bowl germs will spread over every surface in the bathroom with each flush. Yuk!

8) Both A and C are good for stiff fingers, so D is the correct answer.