If you have a hard time mobilizing, or need assistance with daily tasks, as you get older, one of the many investments and additions you might consider for your home is a walk in tub. But, there are several models, designs, features, and there are many aspects you need to know about installation and purchase, before you invest in one. Let’s go through some of the basics as it relates to your new walk in tub, and what you should consider prior to choosing one.
Benefits of a Walk in Tub (Why you Need one)
Numerous benefits exist for seniors who are considering installing a new walk in tub in their home; in fact, many seniors need a walk in tub once they reach a certain point, and can’t move freely. Some benefits of owning/installing a walk in tub include
- Avoids slips, falls, accidents, injuries
- You can get in and out without assistance (your liberty and freedom are increased)
- Hydrotherapy, massage, pain management, and help with certain conditions (different tub features/designs/massage systems available)
- There’s no need for a sliding shower (again fewer injuries, accidents, slip/fall incidents)
- Hand rails and other protective systems in place to enhance your safety
Plus, a walk in tub is more comfortable, you can improve your comfort, and you can sit back and relax in your tub.
Installation/Upgrades
You’ll also have to consider the installation of your new tub. In some cases, it is as simple as fitting into the bathroom space. If that’s the case, it’s a quick and easy job. However, in older homes you may require
- Tearing down/building walls
- Adding hand rails
- New plumbing fixtures
- Additions for massage jets/hydrotherapy, etc
If this is the case, you’ll want to discuss all of this with the tub manufacturer you are considering buying in order to find the best fit. Make sure you know all specs, and have all relevant information, prior to ordering your new walk in tub, and before deciding which company you are going to hire to install it in the home.
Paying for your Walk in Tub
This is a big consideration for many. A new walk in tub, especially a higher end model with the features you want, can easily exceed $10,000. If this is the case, you’ll have to consider how to pay for it. Are you going to pay the full price out of pocket, can you afford this? Do you have any incentive or are there any discounts when buying your tub? Are there options to set up a payment plan?
Make sure you have all relevant information. Also make sure you fully understand
- What is included in the cost (is plumbing work included and installation or are these separate costs)?
- Do the accessories and optional features come with the tub or do you have to buy these?
- If you need to install hand rails, tear down walls, open up the bathroom, how much more will this end up costing you?
Ask all relevant questions so that you make the right decision when you are preparing to invest in a new walk in tub for the home.
Does Medicaid Help?
Bouncing off the last point, if you need the tub for a medical necessity, you might find that Medicaid is going to cover this. Or, at least a portion of the cost. This, of course, is for a basic walk in tub; Medicaid is not going to pay for hydrotherapy and all optional features, if you choose these, you will pay the additional rate above the base price of the walk in tub that Medicaid does cover. So, find out if you need the tub (limited mobility, you can’t shower standing, medical conditions, etc.) and if it is considered medically necessary, your Medicaid might cover at least a portion of the total price you are going to pay for a new walk in tub to be installed in the home.
You have options, so you want to consider all of them if you are thinking about investing in a walk in tub for your home. When the time comes to purchase, these are some relevant factors you’ll need to consider and weigh, so you make the right (informed) purchase decision for your n