Walk in Baths for the Elderly – Our Complete Guide to the Best Options for You!

If you or a loved one are suffering from mobility problems, then a walk-in bath might be a great option to make a bath or shower possible again. Walk-in baths are any bath with a watertight door that allows someone to enter a bath without needing to lift their leg high or balance on one foot.

Walk-in baths can come in assorted shapes and sizes. From sit-down upright baths to more traditional long baths that you can lie down in. You’ll also find various other features that can help with mobility in and out of the tub, such as lifts to lower you into the bath.

How do walk-in baths work?

A walk-in bath is a type of bathtub that allows for easier and safer access for people with mobility issues. Unlike traditional tubs, where you fill the tub with water and then enter, a walk-in tub has a watertight door that you can open to step in, and close securely before filling the tub.

The temperature of the water is controlled by a thermostatic valve that mixes hot and cold water to a safe temperature. Some models come with an electronic temperature control system that allows you to set a specific temperature.

When the bath is complete, you can then drain the water, open the door and exit the tub.

How much is a walk-in bath?

The cost of a walk-in bath varies depending on the type of bath you choose and the installation required.

If you have space in your house, you can simply place the walk-in bath on top of the existing floor, and the only cost will be to get it plumbed in.

On the other hand, if you are going for more of a traditional bath shape to replace your existing bath, then you may be looking at the cost to remove, fit a new bath. The cost of fitting this, along with tilers, electricians and pumbers can add up.

If you want a free-standing upright bath in the corner of an existing bathroom, you might be able to go cheaper. You can pick the bath up for £450 from eBay, with as little as £200 install cost from a plumber.

On the other hand, you may want an all bells and whistles bath, with electronic temperature control and an electronic lift. In this case, you might be looking at £3000 for the bath and £600-1000 for installation.

Why should I select a walk-in bath?

There are plenty of advantages to a walk-in bath if you want to care for a loved one in their own home.

They help you to provide a better quality bathing experience more easily. A walk-in bath is an investment that will help those with low mobility to safely access their bath. This may end up saving you money on carers, as well as a bad back.

Which are the best brands of walk-in baths?

If you’ve decided to start your search for a walk-in bath, then there are some good websites where you can start your search. This is our list of top places to start your search:

Mobility Plus walk-in bath

Website: https://www.mobility-plus.co.uk

Mobility plus was a family-run business that provides free advice and design services alongside a fully integrated installation service for their range of walk-in baths and showers. Mobility plus also offers its electronic temperature control system that automatically runs a bath to your specific temperature requirements.

Assistive Bathing walk-in bath

Website: https://www.assistivebathing.co.uk

Assistive bathing sells its own range of made-in-the-UK walk-in baths and other assistive equipment. They have a wide range of integrated hoists, making them a great option. In addition to their products, they offer a free design service and integrated installation if required.

Victorian Plumbing walk-in bath

Website: https://www.victorianplumbing.co.uk/baths/easy-access-baths

If you’re looking to review many different baths from various suppliers and want to handle the installation yourself, then victorian plumbing has several elegant options to suit your home.