Seniors who have trouble getting in and out of a bathtub can order a specially designed tub that includes features for easier maneuvering. There are many bathtubs for elderly people that can simplify the process of bathing while eliminating certain safety hazards that could put the health of seniors in jeopardy. Most of these types of tubs are made to resemble standard bathtubs and coincide well with all different bathroom styles. Certain models can even be placed in other rooms of the home for easier accessibility.
Bathtubs for seniors models
Inspired by early 20th-century American architecture, this acrylic white bathtub measures 60 by 32 by 20 inches and includes an integral apron and a left-hand drain for more convenience. Its rectangular shape gives it the same look as any standard bathtub. To make bathing even more comfortable and less strenuous on the lower back while sitting, a molded lumbar support has been included in the tub’s design. A three-wall alcove installation setup makes the tub easy to put into many standard-sized bathrooms. Alcove installation is made even simpler thanks to the integral flange, which also helps keep water from seeping behind the wall. Molded armrests allow the arms to rest comfortably while bathing. The slip-resistant floor of the tub helps prevent falls. The textured bottom portion enhances the tub’s non-slip functionality and style and is a key feature when choosing baths for the elderly.
| Length | Width | Height |
| 60″ | 32″ | 20″ |
- Molded armrests
- Look as any standard bathtub
- The slip-resistant floor of the tub
- Alcove installation is made even simpler thanks to the integral flange
- Textured bottom portion enhances the tub’s non-slip functionality
This model is catered as a bathtub for handicapped users, specifically those in a wheelchair. It can also be considered as one of the more easily accessible tubs for seniors. It’s designed with a door on the side, making it possible to walk into the bathtub and sit down before bathing, instead of stepping over the side wall of the tub. It has a 23 inch seat, as well as massaging jets that help the user kick back and unwind. If the user does not feel like filling the whole bathtub, there is the option to fill just a small bit, and letting the foot massage jets relax their feet. In addition, it has a quick drain feature with two separate 2 inch drains that help the user empty the tub quickly before opening the door, with the median time being 1 and a half to 2 minutes for full drainage.
The specific walk-in design of tubs like these make it very easy and convenient for users with any kind of movement restriction to use, particularly the L-shaped door design, which allows a user that requires a caretaker to be transferred easily from a wheelchair. The acrylic covering the seat is designed to feel warm when a user sits on it, instead of a traditional bathtub that is cold to the touch.
They come in a variety of sizes to fit many bathroom dimensions as well as user sizes. Pricing varies on these bathtubs for the elderly, and picking the right model for you is sure to happen!
Features include:
- Massaging jets that help the user kick back and unwind
- Quick drain feature with two separate 2 inch drains that help the user empty the tub quickly before opening the door
- L-shaped door design
- The acrylic covering the seat is designed to feel warm when a user sits on it
- Variety of sizes
Fittings are included with this top-of-the-line senior citizen bathtub to make installing it simpler. The included faucet has knobs that can be turned with little effort. Acrylic material is used to make the tub stronger and last longer. An antibacterial surface is coated with a high gloss white finish to give the tub a more refined appearance. The tub’s color has not been painted on and remains consistent throughout its design. The tub’s outer dimensions measure 66.5 by 33.37 by 23 inches, making it an excellent choice for people with different body types. Increased depth of the tub allows people to submerge themselves completely under water. A chrome-plated drain that is resistant to rust is another practical feature. The polished chrome faucet has a brass finish and comes with a shower wand, hose and set of accessories. This tub meets all ASME code standards.
| Length | Width | Height |
| 66.5″ | 33″ | 23″ |
- The included faucet has knobs that can be turned with little effort
- Acrylic material is used to make the tub stronger and last longer
- Antibacterial surface
- A chrome-plated drain that is resistant to rust is another practical feature
This walk-in elderly bathtub comes in several models, with doors available on either side for different bathroom arrangements and designs. It is made of fiberglass and acrylic, and has a highly reinforced design. The product options available on air jets and water jets to fit different users are superb, with air jets being much more gentle for users with sensitive skin. The Dual option allows users not to choose between the two, opting to have both options available instead. This tub comes in many different sizes and price points, but the one we will be discussing today is the 3060 Dual, which is the option that has the best rating and a capacity of about 90 gallons with twenty air massage jets and six water massagers. Compared to the air jets, water jets are able to penetrate deeper into the users muscles. This means that with the Dual option, you can get both a gentle, relaxing air massage or a more thorough, deep massage with the help of the water jets. Optionally, you can activate both sets of jets at the same time for an all-around deep massage.
This model is also able to accommodate more impatient users, with both a quick filling feature (which fills 19 gallons every minute) and a dual drain system to quickly empty the tub. These perks make it a great tub for old people, perfect for folks who don’t want to spend more time than is needed to bathe. In addition, these options are pretty much necessary with this setup, since you have to be in the tub with the door closed before you can start filling it, and can only open the door once the tub is empty. Pre-filling this tub is not an option due to its design. Some accommodation may be necessary within your home’s plumbing to use these features to their full extent, with the flow rate of your pipes being the bottleneck to a fast draining experience if they are too narrow.
The downside is that some seniors with severe mobility issues may find the 8 inch threshold to be a little high, but it is still much lower than stepping over a tub’s sidewall. Also, these tubs don’t come with aromatherapy or chromatherapy options, but this can easily be compensated for by some essential oils installations and candles. Overall, this is a great tub for elderly users that are fairly mobile, with a cost to consider.
Features include:
- Made of fiberglass and acrylic
- Available on air jets and water jets
- Different sizes
- Fills 19 gallons every minute
- Dual drain system to quickly empty the tub
- Since you have to be in the tub with the door closed before you can start filling it, and can only open the door once the tub is empty
This model is reinforced with acrylic and fiberglass for greater durability. The dual molded-in armrests allow seniors to prop their arms up and relax while taking a bath. The reversible drain outlet is another feature that enhances the tub’s functionality. Both drop-in and undermount installations can be completed with this model. A pre-leveled tub bottom has been designed to make people feel more stable when getting in and out of the tub. With its 21.5 by 32 by 60-inch size, this tub gives most people enough room to enjoy a tranquil bath without feeling cramped.
| Length | Width | Height |
| 21.5″ | 32″ | 60″ |
- Acrylic and fiberglass for greater durability
- The dual molded-in armrests
- A pre-leveled tub bottom
With its 5-feet by 36-inch dimensions, this option is considered to be among the best tubs for seniors who want to go to greater depths of relaxation. The tub is also great for people who need something that can hold 60 gallons or more of water. Its arctic white finish gives it a particularly striking look. Available with an undermount option, the tub also includes molded-in armrests that are ergonomically designed to coincide better with the shape of the human arm. Safer entry and exiting of the tub is made possible by the pre-leveled bottom. The tub is particularly suited for bathrooms with casual décor.
Features include:
- Best tubs for seniors who want to go to greater depths of relaxation
- Molded-in armrests
- Pre-leveled bottom
On this list of bathtubs for seniors, this model comes in to fit those on with especially tight constraints on their budget. It is catered toward users with arthritis, though it doesn’t offer much in the way of safety features. The threshold on the door is very low, so it won’t impact the knee very much for people who can’t lift it too high. Unfortunately, this model does not come with a seat or handles, differentiating it from some of the other high-end models catered towards the elderly. If you need on of the simplest solutions to have a bathtub for a senior in the household, this is one of the cheapest options, though the compromises may not suit all use cases.
Features include:
- Lowe price
- The threshold on the door is very low
An apron left-hand drain outlet is included in this model’s design that can empty water from the tub quickly. The acrylic structure is reinforced with fiberglass to help keep the tub intact for the long term. In addition to the two armrests, a backrest has been integrated into the design to make bath time more enjoyable for each person. This is also one of the bathtubs for seniors that has a recessed design, which allows it to be installed with three of its sides covered by a wall with the exposed side reinforced by an apron.
Features include:
- Left-hand drain outlet is included
- Acrylic structure
This model is also one of the more suitable options in seniors bathtubs, with one key difference — it has two opposite facing seats. The walk-in door is placed in the center, with a seat to the left and to the right. It allows two smaller bathers to enjoy each other’s company, hence the name, the companion!
This model, like the other one on this list, comes with the same two-drain design for fast drainage, as well as 2 overflows. If your home’s plumbing can allow it, or if you are freshly remodeling your bathroom, this bathtub can accommodate four 2-inch drains as opposed to one traditional 1.5 inch drain.
A perk of this bathtub is that it also comes with a rotatable tray to place books, beverages, or devices on. It’s perfect for a relaxing bath while reading, or perhaps even sharing a glass of wine with your companion. This feature is included in several Ellas bathtub models, including this one, and is a patented design. All in all, a great option among bathtubs for senior citizens that wish to bathe together.
Features include:
- Two opposite facing seats
- Two-drain design for fast drainage
- Rotatable tray to place books
Bathtub for the elderly: Buyer’s Guide
When shopping for — and buying — a bathtub that is built specifically for seniors, it is important to choose a model that has the right:
- Size – Many models are built with different height, length and width measurements, and the dimensions of each tub should be looked at closely so that the right size is chosen. The tub should also be large enough to hold enough gallons of water to allow a person to bathe themselves thoroughly.
- Material – Acrylic is one of the top materials that is used in many senior bathtubs. Some tubs are also made with acrylic that is reinforced with fiberglass, which can give the tub’s frame more durability. Other good material options include marble, copper and cast iron. A smooth gelcoat finish or acrylic covering can also aid in durability, and some models are warm to the touch to prevent shivering.
- Installation Type – An alcove tub is made to fit in between three walls while the exposed side is covered by the tub’s apron. If a tub is to be used in a room other than a bathroom, a freestanding model may be more practical. Drop-in and undermount tubs are installed into premade frames to better coincide with each bathroom’s design. A corner tub is another option that can be installed in a room’s corner to save space.
- Safety Features – Many tubs for elderly users have slip-resistant surfaces that help keep seniors from losing their balance and falling. Some tubs are also made with antibacterial surfaces to inhibit the growth of germs and keep surfaces clean longer. A separate handrail or bars may additionally need to be purchased to make getting in and out of the tub safer. A walk-in tub can be a safer option for people who have more challenges with mobility. Some low bathtubs come without features, so they may have to be added.
- Comfort Features – Some of the best tubs for the elderly include dual armrests that are molded to accommodate the shapes of most people’s arms. A backrest may also be included for extra support. There are even models that feature air and water jets to make bath time more relaxing. For tubs with doors, a fast drain system can aid in getting out faster by emptying the tub more quickly.