Are you considering adding a walk-in shower to your home? You’re not alone. Many homeowners consider the pros and cons of home modifications as they age. Whether you’re dealing with issues like arthritis or general mobility problems, home modifications and other lifestyle changes can help.
But how do you know if a walk-in shower is suitable for you? In this article, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about walk-in showers, including what walk-in showers are, benefits, and costs.
What’s the Difference Between a Walk-in Shower and a Regular Shower?
Imagine a typical American bathroom. It has a bathtub/shower combination with a shower curtain. The bathtub in a standard has a height of 14” to 17” that you’ll have to step over to get into the shower.
A walk-in shower is different because it eliminates the need to “step into” the shower and includes safety features like grab bars. Most have an entrance of 0” to 4”, making stepping in and out of the shower easy.
Benefits of Walk-In Showers
Installing walk-in showers has many benefits. They typically have added safety features like handrails or grab bars to prevent slipping or falling.
The main benefits and features include:
- More spacious than standard shower and tub combinations. Most walk-in showers are larger than traditional tubs, making it easy to move around.
- Accessibility. The 0” or 4” entrances are designed to make the shower easily accessible.
- Increased independence. You can step into the showering area without when using a walk-in shower. You can also sit on a shower seat to make cleaning easier.
- Easy to clean. A walk-in shower has straight lound and fewer crevices than a standard bathtub, making cleaning easier.
Signs You (or a Loved One) Need a Walk-In Shower
Unsure if you or a loved one needs a walk-in shower? Here are a few indicators that a walk-in shower may be suitable for you:
- You struggle to lift your legs over the side of a traditional bathtub
- There are no grab bars or handrails in your current shower
- You sometimes feel lightheaded, dizzy, or out of breath while showering
- You’ve fallen in the shower before
- You sit down while showering
Are Walk-In Showers Necessary?
Walk-in showers aren’t necessary for everyone. However, they can help reduce worry or risk factors contributing to falling.
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that “Approximately 80% of all bathroom injuries were caused by falls, with the highest injury rates in the oldest age groups.”
What does that mean for you? If you’re worried about showering safely or are concerned about a loved one, installing a walk-in shower may be a great solution.
Other options include moving to an assisted living facility, where you can receive assistance with activities of daily living such as showering. On average, assisted living facilities cost $54,000 per year.
How Much Do Walk-In Showers Cost?
Walk-in showers typically cost between $12,000 and $15,000. Most home modification companies offer a free in-home assessment and estimate before you commit.
You can get a free estimate for homes in Central Pennsylvania. Our free estimation tool makes home modifications even easier.
Will Medicare Pay for a Walk-In Shower?
No, Medicare usually does not pay for walk-in showers. They do cover durable medical equipment, but walk-in showers are generally an out-of-pocket expense for most.
Some Medicare or Medicaid plans may cover a portion of the total cost. Call your coverage provider and ask about policies or support for walk-in showers.
Other Financing Options for Walk-In Showers
There are other types of assistance, which can include payment plans, grants, and public financial assistance programs:
- Financing options from home modification companies like Independent Home Solutions (IHS)
- Rebuilding Together
- Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants
- Help at Home (Options)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a walk-in shower cheaper than a tub?
No, tubs are usually less expensive than walk-in showers but do not contain the safety features of a walk-in shower. Bathtubs cost between $800 and $4,600, and walk-in showers cost, on average, $12,000 to $15,000.
How can I find a good company in Central Pennsylvania to install a walk-in shower?
Independent Home Solutions is a trusted provider in Central Pennsylvania. We can help with different home modification products such as walk-in showers, stair lifts, outdoor lifts, and wheelchair ramps. Our service areas in Pennsylvania include Harrisburg, Lancaster, Reading, and York.
