Walk-in tubs offer safety and relaxation

For anyone with limited mobility, a walk-in bathtub can make a huge difference. Often it can change a bathing routine from an exercise in frustration or inconvenience, to a pleasurable and relaxing experience. A walk-in tub differs from a standard tub in that the door opens, there is a low threshold, and users sit in a chair-height seat while bathing or enjoying the benefits of hydrotherapy.

Walk-in tubs range in price from around $1,500 to $7,000 or $8,000, depending on quality and features. Some of the most popular features include: safety handles, power drain, hydrotherapy jets, and a flexible shower hose. Installation is definitely a job for a licensed plumber, and in some cases, an electrician and carpenter.

Because walk-in tubs can come equipped with therapeutic features, they can be helpful for patients with conditions such as rheumatism, lower back pain, arthritis, amputations, joint replacement surgery and more. While walk-in tubs are designed to assist people in maintaining their independence, they can also make things much easier for a caregiver if one is required.