Best Walk-in Tubs in Detroit, MI

How to choose walk-in tubs in Detroit

There’s nothing better than a hot soak after a long day, but if you’re like many seniors, climbing in and out of a traditional bathtub can be uncomfortable at best and painful or dangerous at worse.

According to a report from the National Council on Aging, an older adult is seen in an emergency room for fall-related injuries every 11 seconds. Climbing in and out of traditional tubs is one of the things that make bathrooms a high-risk zone for falls.

Walk-in tubs provide safety and comfort for independent seniors and adults with disabilities in Detroit, especially those with conditions such as arthritis that can lead to reduced mobility and painful joints, muscles and bones.

Around 613,000 seniors live in the Macomb-Oakland-Wayne area, about 85,000 of whom live in Detroit. The number of area seniors is expected to increase through the next decade. With our robust senior population, elderly residents and caregivers across metropolitan Detroit should think about fall prevention. Walk-in tubs can play a significant role in avoiding bathroom injuries.

Walk-in tubs are similar to traditional bathtubs but have a door that opens at ground level. The tubs also have higher water levels and an upright bench so bathers can enjoy a full-body soak without the risk and discomfort of climbing over a bath wall and sitting at ground level.

Walk-in tub models have a range of features and come in many shapes and sizes, ranging from basic soaking tubs to whirlpool-style tubs with massage jets.

There are also bariatric units with wider seating benches, aerotherapy units that help reduce respiratory problems and hydrotherapy units that relieve joint and muscle pain. Finally, there are wheelchair accessible units and combination units that also serve as a shower.

Once you know the type of walk-in tub you need, it’s time to consider the features and design you’d like to have. Features available in Detroit include:

While comparing features, make sure the unit you’re considering comes with a warranty. Most manufacturers offer warranties that range from a one-year warranty to a limited lifetime warranty. You may also need to have your walk-in tub professionally installed to prevent voiding the warranty.

In addition to the features, consider the plumbing, electrical and water volume requirements for each model when purchasing a walk-in tub. Most walk-in tubs are designed to fit into a space meant for a traditional bathtub, but larger units may require a larger area. Most walk-in tub companies in Detroit have representatives who can provide installation recommendations and service.

You’ll likely want to have your walk-in tub professionally installed, and you should include installation cost in your budget. The average price of a whirlpool walk-in tub, including installation, is between $5,000 and $7,000. In general, walk-in tubs in Detroit range from $1,000 to $10,000, with some costing as much as $25,000. The cost of installation is generally between $750 and $1,500.

Because walk-in tubs generally require more water to fill than a traditional bathtub, many people opt to upgrade their water heater when they purchase one, which will also add to the final cost.

While Medicare doesn’t cover walk-in tubs, Medicaid occasionally does, and there are other financing and grant opportunities available for seniors living on a fixed income. Many dealers and manufacturers offer in-house financing, but there are plenty of private financing options available as well.

Walk-in tubs can be written off as a medical deduction if you need one for ongoing health issues or preventative care. Also, the U.S. Department of Agriculture offers a grant that can be used to cover the cost of purchasing and installing a walk-in tub.

Veterans benefits may also cover the cost of a walk-in tub, and some states and nonprofit organizations offer assistance.