Handicap Bathtubs vs Standard Tubs: What Seniors and Caregivers Overlook
A side-by-side look at standard tubs and true handicap bathtubs — including transfer safety, pain levels, caregiver strain and long-term aging in place.
Read this article →What makes a bathtub truly “handicap accessible”?
Handicap bathtubs are more than a taller tub with a door. The right design can reduce fall risk,
support caregivers, and help seniors confidently age in place at home.:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Beyond buzzwords
Accessible design that matches real life, not just brochures
If you search for handicap bathtubs online, most pages repeat the same talking points: “low step-in, built-in seat, grab bars.” Those features matter, but they are only part of the story. What really matters is how the tub feels on a day when you are in pain, tired, or worried about falling.
At Aging Safely Baths, we start with one simple question: “How do you move today?” Do you use a walker, cane, or wheelchair? Do you struggle more getting down into a tub, or getting back up? Does a caregiver help you, or do you want to bathe alone as long as possible?
From there, we match you with handicap bathtub options that align with real life:
- Walk in tubs with chair-height seating and arm-level grab bars for easier standing.
- Wheelchair transfer bathtubs with side-access doors and built-in transfer benches.
- Compact handicap tubs that fit smaller bathrooms without sacrificing safety features.
- Soaker-only models and hydrotherapy tubs for arthritis, joint pain and circulation support.:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Bathroom falls are common — handicap bathtubs can help reduce risk
Bathrooms are one of the most dangerous rooms in the home for older adults. Falls are a leading cause of injury, and stepping over a high bathtub wall is a major risk factor.:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2} A properly designed handicap bathtub replaces that high step with a low threshold, integrated seating and internal grab bars.
Our goal is simple: a calmer, safer, less stressful bathing routine — for you and for the people who care about you.
80%+
of home falls are believed to happen in the bathroom or on similar hard surfaces, according to multiple safety studies.:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
36M
estimated falls among older adults in the U.S. every year — many involving slippery bathroom floors and high tub walls.:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Positive impact
Most walk in tub users report improved confidence and independence bathing on their own.:contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Real customer story
“We finally feel comfortable letting Mom bathe on her own again.”
One of our customers, Mr. and Mrs. Myers, had tried grab bars and bath chairs, but they still worried every time it was time for a bath. A handicap walk in tub with a low threshold and built-in seat changed their routine completely.
“The peace of mind is worth everything,” they told us. “Mom can soak and relax, and we are not hovering outside the door worried about a fall.”
Handicap bathtubs: family-owned vs big national brands
Considering well-known names like Kohler walk in tubs, American Standard and Safe Step? Learn how a
family-owned company like Aging Safely Baths compares on price, selection and support.
Before you choose a multi-billion-dollar brand, read this
There is nothing wrong with exploring big national brands — many homeowners recognize names like Kohler walk in tubs, American Standard or Safe Step from TV commercials and glossy mailers. But large marketing budgets and high overhead can show up in the final price you are asked to pay.
Aging Safely Baths takes a different approach. We operate nationally, but we stay small enough to know our customers by name. Instead of pushing a single “one-size-fits-all” handicap tub, we carry multiple premium brands and over 100 configurations so you can choose what actually fits your body, your bathroom and your budget.
| Big national brands (Kohler, American Standard, Safe Step, etc.) |
Aging Safely Baths (HandicapBathtubs.com) |
|
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Often $25,000–$30,000+ installed once marketing, sales commissions and overhead are built in. | Transparent pricing with options for DIY delivery or turnkey install. Many customers save thousands vs big brand quotes. |
| Selection | Usually limited to one primary walk in tub line and a handful of sizes or door styles. | Over 100+ walk in tub and handicap bathtub combinations, including wheelchair transfer models and compact designs. |
| Approach | High-pressure in-home sales is common. Appointments can feel rushed or scripted. | Educational, low-pressure conversations. We walk through your mobility, bathroom layout and budget step by step. |
| Company size | Multi-billion-dollar corporations with complex call centers and layers of departments. | Family-owned, focused on seniors and caregivers since 2012. You can often speak with the same specialist twice. |
| Bathing goals | Typically focused on one flagship product line. | Focused on helping you age in place safely — with handicap bathtubs, roll in showers and customized hydrotherapy options. |
Our advice is simple: get multiple quotes, ask lots of questions and compare your options side by side. Before you sign a contract for a $30,000 walk in tub, reach out to an Aging Safely Baths specialist. Many customers are pleasantly surprised by how much they can save while still getting top-tier accessibility and hydrotherapy features.
DIY delivery vs full turnkey installation — which is right for you?
One of the biggest advantages of working with Aging Safely Baths is choice. You decide how hands-on (or hands-off) you want to be.
Turnkey installation
“Handle it all for me” — our worry-free option
If you or your loved one would rather not coordinate multiple contractors, our turnkey handicap bathtub installation is designed for you.
- We help you select the right handicap bathtub or walk in tub for your needs and bathroom layout.
- Our professional team removes your old bathtub or shower and disposes of debris.
- Plumbing and, if needed, electrical are handled by licensed professionals.
- We install your new handicap tub, test all functions and walk you through operation and maintenance.
- We review your warranty and answer questions before we leave the home.
This path is ideal for homeowners who want a single point of contact, a clear completion date and reassurance that everything was installed per manufacturer guidelines for full warranty protection.
DIY delivery
“I have a contractor” — keep control and still get support
Many customers have a trusted contractor, plumber or family member in the trades. In that case, DIY delivery can be a smart way to save on labor while still getting the quality handicap bathtub you need.
- We ship the handicap bathtub directly to your home or job site anywhere in the U.S. and many parts of Canada.
- You or your contractor handle demolition and installation at your own pace.
- Our team remains available for technical support and installation questions.
- When installed according to manufacturer guidelines, your warranty remains in place.
DIY delivery does not mean you are on your own. It simply means you control the timeline and choose who does the labor — while still benefiting from our product expertise and support.
Handicap bathtub being delivered to a customer’s driveway. Many tubs can be shipped directly to your door anywhere in the U.S. or Canada.
Not sure which path fits you best?
It is completely normal to feel unsure which option is best. During your free phone consultation, we will walk through your budget, timeline, health needs and support system.
If you have a caregiver or family member helping with bathing, we also encourage them to join the call. Handicap bathtubs often serve both the person bathing and the person assisting — and the right configuration can make life easier for everyone.
Use our Walk-In Tub Planner to clarify your handicap bathtub needs
Not ready to talk to anyone yet? Our free walk-in tub planner helps you organize measurements,
health considerations and must-have features before you call.
Free planning tool
Download or print the planner before you commit to any brand
The Walk-In Tub Planner was created to help seniors, caregivers and contractors ask better questions before buying a handicap bathtub or walk in tub.
- Room to record bathroom measurements and door widths.
- Questions about circulation, arthritis, balance and transfer needs.
- Space to compare quotes from different companies side by side.
- Reminders about electrical, drain location, and hot water capacity.
Even if you ultimately choose another company, this planner will help ensure you choose a handicap bathtub that actually fits your space, your health needs and your long-term plans to age in place.
Hydrotherapy & comfort
Handicap bathtubs can be safe and spa-like
A common misconception is that handicap bathtubs are purely functional and clinical. In reality, many accessible tubs include warm air jets, hydrotherapy systems, heated seats and backrests that can help:
- Ease arthritis pain and muscle tension.
- Support circulation and post-surgery recovery (with doctor guidance).:contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
- Promote relaxation, deeper sleep and stress relief.
Our team can help you decide whether a soaker, air system, water jet system or combination system makes the most sense for your health, budget and local water quality.
Handicap bathtub questions we hear every day
These are the types of questions seniors and caregivers ask us before they choose a handicap tub, walk in tub or wheelchair transfer bathtub.
How is a handicap bathtub different from a regular walk in tub?
All handicap bathtubs are walk in tubs, but not all walk in tubs are ideal for people with disabilities or mobility challenges. True handicap tubs are designed with accessibility first: lower threshold heights, secure grab bar placement, wheelchair-friendly door openings, transfer benches, non-slip floors and easy-to-reach controls.:contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Will Medicare or insurance pay for a handicap bathtub?
In most cases, traditional Medicare treats handicap tubs and walk in bathtubs as home upgrades, not covered medical equipment. However, some Medicare Advantage plans, Medicaid programs, VA benefits and local grant programs may offer assistance for accessibility modifications. The best first step is to call your plan and ask specifically about accessibility or bathroom safety benefits.:contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
How long does installation usually take?
Many handicap bathtubs can be installed in as little as one to three days once materials are on site — especially when replacing an existing tub in the same footprint. More complex projects, like moving plumbing or converting from a small shower, can take longer.:contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
What if my bathroom is very small?
Small bathrooms are common. In those cases, we often recommend compact handicap tubs, front-drain designs or carefully selected wheelchair transfer tubs that minimize space while maximizing safety. We can review photos, basic measurements and your mobility needs to propose specific options.
Can you help if I also need a handicap shower?
Yes. Aging Safely Baths also offers handicap showers and roll in shower systems designed for wheelchairs and walkers. Some customers choose a handicap bathtub in one bathroom and a barrier-free shower in another to cover all scenarios.
Where can I learn more about safety and hydrotherapy?
Our Safety & Self-Care blog on AgingSafelyBaths.com shares practical tips on preventing falls, using hydrotherapy and improving quality of life with walk in tubs and handicap bathtubs.:contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Handicap bathtub blog
In-depth articles to help you compare options, understand costs and plan the right handicap bathing solution for your home.
How to Choose the Right Wheelchair Accessible Bathtub Layout for Your Bathroom
Learn how door swing direction, plumbing location and wheelchair turning radius all affect which handicap bathtub layout will actually work in your space.
Read this article →Ready to explore handicap bathtub options for your home?
Whether you are in the early research phase or comparing a quote from a big national brand, we are here to help. A short conversation can save you time, stress and sometimes thousands of dollars on a safer, more comfortable handicap bathtub.
Prefer email? Fill out the form and ask us anything — cost ranges, model comparisons, how handicap bathtubs fit with existing grab bars, or whether a roll in shower might be a better fit.