What are the different types of walk-in showers and baths?

It is common for people to suffer injuries in the bathroom as a result of slips and falls. One way to help guard against these accidents is by making bathrooms accessible. To create an accessible bathroom, you need to install mobility aids such as a walk-in shower or bath.

If you are looking to make your bathroom more accessible, the first thing you need to consider is whether you want a shower or a bath, which can often be decided depending on the size of the room or its layout.

This guide looks at some of the different types of walk-in baths and showers that you can purchase to help you pick the best solution for your home.

Types of walk-in baths

• Sit-in bath
• Full-sized walk-in baths
• Compact walk-in baths
• Walk-in baths with air jets and whirlpool
• Walk-in bath and shower combo

Sit-in bath

Sit-in baths are among the most popular mobility aids for older people, offering comfort and accessibility with minimal effort. These types of baths are perfect for people suffering from back pain or simply lacking the strength to negotiate safely over a conventional walled bath.

If you install a walk-in bath that allows you to sit in it, you will find that it is often much shorter than a usual full-length bath, designed solely so that the user remains upright and cannot slip down.

This aspect makes these types of walk-in baths the perfect choice for people with joint issues such as arthritis. They work similarly to adjustable beds or rise and recliner chairs to offer the ultimate comfort and safety.

The prices for sit-in baths can vary depending on the type of model you purchase and the complexity of the installation process.

The Constance model has a low-level contoured seat, which allows users to stand and sit easier whilst still letting you sit back and stretch out in comfort.

ALSO READ: Walk-in Bath and Shower Safety

Full-sized walk-in baths

A full-length, easy-access bath offers the same ease of access as a sit-in bath but could be the best choice for those who don’t suffer from joint pain. In both cases, a door allows the user to walk in and out with minimal fuss.

When considering limited mobility, it is always best to opt for an outward-opening door, as it is far easier to open in an emergency. If space is an issue, consider walk-in baths with sliding doors to reduce the amount of space taken up by the product.

It is always worth remembering that with these types of models, the user will have to get into the bath using the door before it can be filled with water.

The Como is an excellent example of a full-sized walk-in bath, and it is ideal for multiple users or if you want to use your own bath lift.

Compact walk-in baths

Anyone with small bathrooms might think that they will not be able to fit a walk-in bath in the room, but there are a variety of compact models that you can purchase.

Smaller walk-in baths, such as the Geneva model, come in a compact design with a moulded seat so users can maintain an upright seated position. These compact walk-in baths offer low entry points for easy access and are user friendly.

Most compact walk-in baths come in widths of 660mm and 750mm, and many models have a wide, completely watertight, inward-opening door that is a great space-saving feature.

Walk-in baths with air jets and whirlpool

There is a range of walk-in baths that have features such as air jets and whirlpools. These models release jets of heated air bubbles into the water to deliver a full-body massage experience.

Many sit-in baths and full-length bath models incorporate these jets or whirlpool settings, which offer added relaxation for the user. The jets are designed to relieve muscle tension in your feet, legs, arms, back, and neck.

If you speak to one of our experts, we can advise you on the types of baths that offer this feature and explain how they can benefit you.

Walk-in bath and shower combo

Walk-in tub and shower combos are another option; these models give you flexibility in your bathing routine.

Many of these models boast space-saving designs, making them a good option for homes with limited space or to accommodate bathers with varying needs.

The benefits of a walk-in bath and shower combo are that they provide the safety of a walk-in tub and the convenience of a shower. 

Types of walk-in showers

• Corner shower
• Wet rooms
• Walk-in shower with seats

Corner shower

Taking up the least amount of space are walk-in showers - something which many homes may already have and can easily be adapted for ease of mobility by installing handrails, seats and other bathroom accessories and aids.

These models are certainly one of the most accessible choices, with many incorporating a large sliding glass door as opposed to the far narrower door found on walk-in baths. 

In many cases, it is easy to cover the shower floor with a non-slip material, such as wet room matting. This will reduce the chance of slipping and, therefore, offer increased safety for the user.

Various features can be added to these showers, including the type of shower tray and designs that fit in with the décor of a modern bathroom.

Wet rooms

Those looking for wheelchair access or an option without a step-in tray may be best suited to a wet room.

These provide a completely level showering area and have a range of screen & door finishes to ensure that they match the existing décor of a bathroom. Wet rooms are still considered very modern and can transform a bathroom, on top of its benefits for those with mobility difficulties.

Style or space will not have to be compromised, meaning that the home is future-proofed, allowing for independent living for many more years. Not forgetting that they are easy to clean, so they should make household chores less strenuous for those with limited mobility.

Walk-in shower with seats

Some people with limited mobility cannot stand unaided, which means that when they go for a shower or a bath, they need to be assisted.

However, the majority of walk-in showers come with a seat that enables people to remain independent and safe during their showering experience.

A wide variety of shower seats are available, so you can pick a type that suits your requirements and your walk-in shower enclosure. You can choose wall-mounted or free-standing shower seats, which are available in various sizes and finishes to meet different comfort and support needs.

A secure shower seat offers a greater upright and supported position when using the shower at home, and the engineers installing your walk-in shower can advise you on the position the seat should be located.

Why choose a walk-in bath or accessible shower?

There are a number of added benefits which a walk-in bath can bring. The first is ease of access, giving those with limited mobility a chance to get in and out without any risk of injury.

It also means that those with limited mobility have more opportunities to bathe without the help of others, helping them to maintain a higher level of independence and feel far more positive about their situation as a result. Because of the added rails and other features, a walk-in bath will always prove to be a far safer option than a conventional bath.

There is also the size to consider, especially in the case of a compact walk-in bath, which takes up far less space than a standard bathing unit; this could be the perfect option if you have a smaller bathroom in your home.

Another benefit of walk-in baths, which may not even have been considered by those thinking about investing in one of these products, is that they can also actively improve the user's health. It has been proven that baths can help improve circulation, reduce stress, and improve the bather’s sleep patterns, along with offering several other tangible advantages to people’s well-being.

What to do next

Once you’ve decided that you would like to adapt your bathroom, get in touch with Age Co Mobility, who will carry out a free home technical survey. During this time, we will talk with you about your needs, now and in the future, and help you decide on a solution.

The free survey will take about 60-90 minutes, and you will be left with all the information you need to help make your decision with a written quotation. Once you’ve thought about it, you can get back in touch to take the next steps.

The cost of a walk-in bath or shower solution varies according to the product and layout of your bathroom.

If you’re looking for financial help to cover the cost of your adapted bathroom, help may be available. The government’s Disabled Facilities Grant may be able to provide some financial help, depending on your eligibility. Although based on financing your stairlift, this guide may provide some other ideas.

This article was brought to you by Handicare, working with Age Co, who provide a range of home mobility products such as stairlifts, homelifts and bathing solutions. For more information about how they can help make your home more accessible, please get in touch.