Whenever I almost slip in the shower or help my mother into the tub, I hear an echo of that old ad "I've fallen, and I can't get up!" echoing in my mind. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), that take place in bathrooms occur in the tub or shower. Could a walk-in tub or tub-shower combination help prevent these falls? The experts say, "Yes.
" Kohler Walk-in Bath With Shower Best overall Ella Ultra Acrylic Walk-In Tub Best runner up American Standard Gelcoat Series Best soaking tub Ella Transfer Best accessibility AmeriGlide Sanctuary Walk-In Tub Best for small spaces SafeStep Hybrid Walk-in Tub with Shower Best features Boca Walk-in Tubs Best bariatric tub Dr. Barbara Paris, past division chief of geriatrics and vice chair of medicine at Maimonides Health in New York emphasizes that fall prevention is the primary health advantage of a walk-in bath or shower. She also explains that accommodating wheelchair users requires a walk-in tub with a wide, level entry from the bathroom floor.
The main drawback? The high cost. As people live longer and a growing number of us choose to age in place rather than move to a different house or assisted living facility, the walk-in bathtub and shower market is only expected to grow, with an expanded array of options and customizations available to potential customers. And while having more options can be nice, it also makes it harder to narrow down your choices when faced with a major (and expensive) bathroom renov.