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If you’re looking for detailed reviews on the best bathtubs for seniors (the elderly), you’re just on the right page. Here, you’ll learn what to look for before buying any bathtub as well as the best options available at the moment.

Having your bath on your own is in no way a big deal. But it becomes more and more complicated with age, and what you used to do in five minutes and jump out of the bathroom would have gradually become a task that needs a whole lot of carefulness and seriousness.

Bathtubs for seniors aren’t any special or different from general bathtubs — except that they come with some extra features to make them more user friendly and user sensitive.

What are Bathtubs?

Bathtubs are essential bathroom equipment for having baths in either a quick or relaxed state. They are mostly made of acrylic, enamel on steel, fiberglass, or cast iron. And they can either be made in a stand-alone form or connected to a faucet or a shower.

Different types of bathtubs include pedestal tubs, hot tubs, whirlpool tubs, baby tubs, and elevated tubs (double end tubs, slipper tubs, classic roll and rim tubs).

Not all bathtubs are suitable for the elderly — although those made with acrylic materials or fiberglass with an anti-slip surface would do just fine.

Why do seniors (elderly people) need bathtubs?

Bathtubs are very comfortable — they bring much ease into the task of having a bath. For seniors, who in the first place aren’t very likely to have quick baths, it is only ideal that they are provided with options of comfort while also putting their safety in mind.

Bathtubs have evolved and adapted to modern requirements and fears that they can be risky are continuously being allayed with improved materials and finishing.

Bathtubs for Elderly: Things to look for before buying

When shopping for a bathtub for an elderly senior, resist the temptation to buy in a hurry. Always check the following important aspects in each option you come across before making your choice.

• Material: Acrylic and fiberglass materials are the most suitable materials for bathtubs meant for seniors. Other groups of people can adapt to almost any kind of material, but we’re talking about elderly people and wet surfaces here.
• Surface: Again, safety is one thing you have to keep in mind when buying a bathtub for seniors, who are at risk of falling. So, your best bet is a bathtub that has an anti-slip surface. But if you’re in doubt, be sure to order an anti-slip rug to lay inside the bathtub.
• Design: The design of a bathtub is very important. Even though some buyers don’t look deeply into a tub’s design, some can totally change their mind based on the design of the bathtub.
• Size: The size of the bathtub is also a significant feature to check out before purchase. You don’t want to wind up with a bathtub that’s either too small or too large for the space you’re trying to make it fit into or for the senior you’re buying it for.

Best Bathtubs for Elderly: Review

The market abounds with bathtubs of various types and models. And making a choice from the huge pack can be a head scratching experience.

There are plenty of tubs out there. You’ll get the best results if you limit your search to major brands. In most cases, you’ll find that the best tubs are made in the U.S.A. You’ll want a tub sturdy enough to stay maintenance-free – and a reliable warranty from the manufacturer, just in case.

Customer service reputation is important, too. Most purchases involve a fair amount of contact with a dealer rep, including an in-home consultation. You want a company which cares more about your specific needs than maximizing their products.

The following are a few well-established tub manufacturers. They make high quality tubs and have a reputation for reliable, honest customer service.

To ease your task, we have carefully reviewed and compared many bathtub models in terms of buyer opinions, product features, durability, brand trust, and so on. And we found these 4 bathtubs to be the most suitable for seniors at the moment.

1. American Standard Cambridge 5-Feet Bath Tub with Right-Hand Drain

The American Standard 2461.002.020 Cambridge 5-Feet Bath Tub with Right-Hand Drain is not just one of the most purchased bathtubs, but also one whose features totally justifies its price.

The bathtub is designed with an anti-slip surface, a right hand drain and well finished porcelain finish. Water comes with an inch of the edge, so the user can go neck deep without hitting the water outlet.

The Cambridge bathtub complies with the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and is designed with the elderly in mind. The ‘Americast’ material also helps in holding water temperature longer than other bathtubs.

Cool features

• The bathtub has a temperature retaining surface material
• Anti-slip porcelain finish, suitable for the elderly
• Very nice dimensions at 60 x 32 x 17.8 inches
• Well designed with the introduction of a bath seat in mind
• Very easy installation and position exchange
• Comes in 3 color options (white, bone, and linen)

Shortcomings

• Not for overweight/obese users (maximum weight supported is 240 lbs.)

>>> Click here to buy the American Standard Cambridge 5-Feet Bath Tub on Amazon.com

2. American Standard Evolution Bathtub with Dual Molded-In Arm Rests

Feedbacks have put the American Standard 2422V002.020 Evolution Bathtub as the most preferred bathtub in the market

Aside being affordable, this bathtub ensures that the elderly get the perfect treat with a combination of safety and comfort put under serious consideration. It has a reversible drain outlet and is made from acrylic tubs with fiberglass reinforcement.

Cool features

• Very acceptable weight at just 125 pounds
• One of the most durable materials in the market
• The bathtub has slightly protruding armrests for extra comfort
• Very nice dimensions at 60 x 32 x 21.5 inches
• Well designed with the introduction of a bath seat in mind
• Designed with the option of an under-mount or drop-ins
• Installation is easy and straightforward
• Comes in 4 colors (white, arctic white, bone, and linen)

Shortcomings

• There are complains about the disparity in the depth and the width.
• Typical American standard bathtub corners.

>>> Click here to buy the American Standard 2422V002.020 Evolution Bathtub on Amazon.com

3. Kohler K-1150-LA-0 Bancroft 5-foot Bath with Left-Hand Drain

The KOHLER K-1150-LA-0 Bancroft 5-Foot Bath is no doubt one of the most expensive bathtubs in the market. But it’s very well designed and made suitable for elderly seniors, as it provides them with adequate security and maximum comfort during their baths.

The bathtub can be installed within two or three wall sides. It is made from acrylic tubs and finished with nice anti-slip traditional tub styling tile materials.

Cool features

• Acrylic material, enhancing product durability
• Acceptable weight at just 110 pounds
• Effective drains and well though-out positioning
• Sturdy legs ensuring extra balance
• Very nice dimensions at 20 x 32 x 60 inches
• Overall appealing design and nice aesthetics
• Comes in 4 different colors (white, biscuit, dune, and sandbar)

Shortcomings

• Some users have complained about the price of the material as being on the high side.
• Some users have also expressed disappointment at the absence of an arm rest.

>>> Click here to buy the Kohler K-1150-LA-0 Bancroft 5-Foot Bath on Amazon.com

4. AKDY Bathroom Free-Stand Bathtub and Faucet AZ-F245-WFB

The AKDY Bathroom Free-Stand Acrylic Bathtub and Faucet doesn’t only give you nostalgia with its set-up and design, but it is also a classic piece of art that is designed with seniors in mind. The bathtub uses a free-standing faucet, and the anti-slip surface is very well smoothly finished.

The design enables it to hold temperature much longer than other bathtubs and the drain is strategically placed for easy water output. Maintaining the bathtub is also surprisingly easy, considering the fact that it comes in white color, and it’s very affordable.

Cool features

• Acrylic material, enhancing product durability
• The tub’s weight is just 157 pounds
• Well though-out drain positioning, enhancing productivity
• Elegant design with a simple look
• Very nice dimensions at 70 x 36 x 26 inches
• Comes with the full components at purchase
• Very easy to maintain
• Free standing (easier) installation and position exchange
• Very good choice for two simultaneous users
• Comes with faucet included

Shortcomings

• Some users opined that it should come with arm and head rests.
• No choice of color. It only comes in white.

>>> Click here to buy the AKDY Bathroom Free-Stand Acrylic Bathtub on Amazon.com