In a world that’s leaning toward stand-up showers, especially in luxury properties, it’s important to look at a classic and comfortable appliance that has been a staple in homes for centuries: the bathtub. Bathtubs have long been loved for their spa-like amenities, including a curved back that’s comfortable as you lean, extra features like spray jets, and a gorgeous design that centers any bathroom.
But not all bathtubs are made alike. Some have certain advantages over others. Some, like the bathtub shower combo, are versatile enough for people with mobility issues like the elderly to experience a comfortable stand-up shower or lie-down bath every day.
Here are the categories of different bathtubs, and some advice on which one may be right for your lifestyle and needs.
Freestanding
Elegant and old-fashioned but including some new models that are updated for modern tastes, freestanding tubs aren’t connected to a wall. They often sit several feet away from any other surfaces to act as a beautiful bathroom centerpiece. These include clawfoot tubs, which sit on decorative feet, and slipper tubs, which have a dramatic, curved appearance meant to improve ergonomics as you sit or lean. They also include drop-in bathtubs, which are installed into a raised surface in the middle of a room, resembling a central platform.
They’re expensive and require a great deal of space. However, they’re easy to get in and out of, unless you’re a senior who needs the assistance of handles and support bars often found in shower-tub combos.
Alcove
The cheapest and easiest to install, alcove bathtubs sit in a raised surface that’s finished with tile, linoleum, or another water-resistant material. It typically fits a three-wall enclosure and can even be fitted to act as a shower and bathtub combo. They’re compact and perfect for small bathrooms. However, they often leave space between the wall and edge of the tub, which can make them more difficult for seniors to use. They also don’t easily accommodate doors or enclosures that help prevent seniors from falling.
Corner
Corner tubs look luxurious and expansive and can accommodate more than one person. They often come with jacuzzi jets and other spa-like features. However, corner tubs take up a great deal of space and, because they’re high-capacity, require so much water to fill that they’re expensive to use. They often go completely unused in many modern homes. While they can be fitted with a shower head, so they can be used as tubs and showers, this is rare.
Bathtubs with Showers
The shower-tub combo is a common feature in homes built in the late 20th century and modern-day apartment buildings. They can fill an entire wall or alcove, and include a bathtub with a rim, water-resistant walls, and a showerhead fitting either on the wall or beside the tub faucet. They’re long-lasting, easy to clean, and versatile enough to for showering and bathing alike. It’s simple to design a bathtub with a shower to accommodate seniors. Many companies build combination units that have safety features like walk-in doors, comfortable benches, and slip-resistant floors. Shop for a bathtub and shower unit made in the USA to improve your bathroom for senior living.
