For the elderly, falls can be extremely dangerous. In fact, they are the leading cause of injury and death among seniors. This is why having a traditional bathtub can become a serious issue, increasing the risk of falling and injury for seniors, especially those who struggle with mobility issues. If you are someone who has mobility, muscle strength or balance problems, or if you are someone taking care of a senior who has these issues, walk-in tubs can be a great improvement to your bathroom. Since it’s easy to trip or slip when trying to get in or out of a traditional bathtub, walk-in tubs are a perfect alternative. This article will equip you with any information you require about walk-in tub costs.
Why should you get a walk-in tub?
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year, one in four Americans over the age of 65 falls while getting in or out of the bathtub. So, you can see that the extent of the problem is quite concerning and requires a solution.
That solution comes in the form of a walk-in tub, allowing seniors and caregivers to improve safety and ensure that seniors stay independent, even if there are mobility issues at play. With the walk-in tub, customers get to use a built-in door and seat instead of having to climb in and out of the bathtub. This type of tub seals when the door is closed and does not open until the water is fully drained. This means that seniors and caregivers don’t have to worry about flooding or slippery floors, lowering the risk of falling or injury.
Though most walk-in tubs have doors that open outward, it is possible to get a tub with an inward-opening door. If the bathroom configuration requires it or if the senior who needs a walk-in tub is using a wheelchair, then installing a door that opens inward is a great option.
What price range should you expect?
The price range of a walk-in tub is extremely wide and costs can vary between $1,500 to $20,000. It all depends on what features seniors and caregivers decide they need, what size, type, or brand they want, and how much installation will cost.
For most customers, a walk-in tub will cost between $2,000 and $5,000. However, if you wish to add hydrotherapy features or want special models, the cost will increase significantly.
If you have the ability to purchase a pricier option and wish to add some features to your walk-in tub, hydrotherapy features or air jets can be wonderful. Larger walk-in tubs will also cost more since they use more water and require more heat.
According to Consumer Affairs, purchasing and professionally installing a walk-in tub can average between $5,000 to $7,000. A standard tub starts at $2,500, those with air baths or hydrotherapy features start at $5,000, bariatric baths can cost up to $10,000 and a combination bath with air and hydrotherapy features can cost $7,000 to $10,000 on average.
How much does a Jacuzzi walk-in tub cost?
Jacuzzi has been an industry leader in massage jet therapy since 1956 and the invention of the original hydrotherapy jet. Jacuzzi walk-in tubs offer users safety and comfort, along with therapeutic benefits for those who have mobility issues or chronic pain. Users who wish to can get both a safe and spa-like experience. Jacuzzi offers two major types of walk-in tubs. The standard or conventional tub can replace your existing tub and fit into your current bathroom setup. The Finestra requires a complete revamping of the bathroom layout.
Usually, the price of these tubs ranges from $6,000 to $12,000, and where the cost falls depends largely on models and types. Unfortunately, installation is not included in the final cost, and seniors or caregivers who purchase a walk-in tub have to seek out a professional contractor to install the tub by themselves. Unlike other companies, Jacuzzi walk-in tubs include installation in their pricing and final costs are typically higher. They usually start at around $10,000.
How much does a Safe Step walk-in tub cost?
Safe Step is an interesting company to work with since they offer custom pricing. Since each senior requires a specific kind of tub, features, installation, etc, it makes sense to have custom pricing as well. Safe Step considers the following aspects before giving customers their quote:
- Installation: If the installation is not included in the final price, it will be significantly lower. The price will also vary on how much work installation requires in your particular case.
- Discounts: There are instances where Safe Step can offer rebates or discounts of up to $1,500, especially if the customer is a veteran.
- Financing: Other than the discounts, customers may also qualify for credit or tailored financing plans.
- Dimensions: Customers can choose between three standard size options when buying a Safe Step walk-in bathtub. There are also custom options available and dimensions will affect pricing significantly.
How much does an American Standard walking-in tub cost?
If purchasing from American Standard, prices can range between $4,700 to $11,000, depending on the model you choose. These tubs can be found at major home improvement retailers. At Lowes or Home Depot, you can find a variety of walk-in tubs and choose the one that best fits your needs when it comes to model, color, price, and features. If you buy from these retailers, installation costs are not included. However, if you purchase from American Standard directly, the final cost does include installation.
Walk-in air baths range in price between $5,700 – $10,000, deep soaking tubs start at $4,700, combo massage tubs can cost up to $11,100, and walk-in whirlpool tubs will be between $5,300 and $9,900.
How much does a Kohler walk-in tub cost?
Kohler is another company that can also provide users with both safety and comfort. Their walk-in baths cost around $4,000 and they can provide possible customers with free quotes that include installation and consider any additional features that you may wish to purchase. Kohler also offers financing and discounts, and a limited lifetime warranty.
What else should you consider?
Installation
We have an entire article about installation that you can read, but on average, the installation costs start at $700, average $1,500 but can be up to $3,000. If you need to change the plumbing, rewire electricity, retile the bathroom or pay for any additional labor, costs will increase.
The companies mentioned above and other walk-in tub sellers usually offer in-home consultations that help you plan for costs. This is a great way to ensure that you are prepared before making the purchase.
Tax deductions
There is also a chance that your walk-in tub purchase can be tax-deductible. This is possible if you purchase the tub for medical safety and claim the purchase as a medical or dental expense. Claiming the walk-in tub costs under the Dependent Care Tax Credit is also possible.
Maintenance costs
In addition to installation costs, maintenance can also add to the overall cost of purchasing and installing a walk-in tub. Most of the tubs will require regular maintenance but it will rarely cost much. Companies will also offer you a warranty that can provide a lifetime guarantee on some features, simplifying the maintenance process.
Does Medicare cover walk-in tub costs?
Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover walk-in bathtubs because they are not considered durable medical equipment. Unless yours is an extremely exceptional case—such as a spinal cord injury requiring a walk-in tub—Medicare will not be helpful when it comes to purchasing or installing a walk-in tub. However, there is a chance that some Medicaid plans may provide reimbursement if you file a claim and state that the walk-in tub was medically necessary.
What other financial assistance is there for a walk-in tub?
Other than Medicare and Medicaid, you can turn to specific programs for financial assistance. U.S. Department of Agriculture offers a rural development program that provides low-income, rural residents with grants for remodeling their homes and bathrooms. Meanwhile, the Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants program can offer customers loans for improving home safety. It is vital that seniors and caregivers research financial aid options before making the final purchase.
Conclusion
If you are someone who is struggling with mobility issues or is taking care of a senior struggling with mobility, then walk-in tubs can be a great upgrade to your bathroom. These will ensure both comfort and safety for the elderly. Although walk-in tubs are associated with high prices, we hope that this article will help you be more prepared when it comes to costs.
Sources:
- How Much Do Walk-In Tubs Cost?, Consumer Affairs, https://www.consumeraffairs.com/homeowners/walk-in-tub-cost.html
