How to Convert a Tub to a Shower for Elderly People

For homeowners looking to age in place, ensuring their home is equipped with the right safety measures is essential. One area that often requires attention is the bathroom. Bathrooms, especially those with old, high tubs, can become dangerous as we age. If you have a bathtub that’s becoming difficult to navigate, now may be the perfect time to consider converting it into a shower designed for senior safety.

A tub-to-shower conversion not only makes your bathroom more accessible but also provides the opportunity to add essential safety features. With the right design, your new shower will be both functional and senior-friendly, allowing for greater independence and peace of mind.

Why Convert Your Tub to a Shower?

High tub walls can be a serious risk for seniors. Stepping over the tub’s edge while it’s wet increases the chance of slips and falls, a major concern for elderly individuals. A tub-to-shower conversion significantly reduces these hazards by replacing the old tub with a more accessible and safer shower option. The conversion process allows for adjustments that enhance both safety and comfort, ensuring a safer bathing experience.

Here’s how converting your tub to a shower can improve your bathroom:

• Safety: A shower with low thresholds eliminates the need to step over a high tub wall, reducing the risk of slips and falls.

• Independence: With a shower designed for easy entry and exit, seniors can maintain their independence and bathe without assistance.

• Functionality: Showers can be customized with features that support mobility and balance, making them ideal for elderly individuals.

Key Features for Senior-Friendly Showers

When converting a bathtub into a shower, safety is the priority. Here are the key features you should expect in a senior-friendly shower:

1. Slip-Resistant Flooring:
   Slip-resistant flooring is essential to reduce the risk of falls while navigating the shower. There are various options available, including textured tiles, rubber mats, or specialized non-slip finishes that enhance traction, even when the floor is wet.

2. Strategically Placed Grab Bars:
   Grab bars installed at key locations around the shower offer additional support and stability. These should be placed near the entryway, inside the shower area, and possibly near the shower bench or seat to aid in safe standing and sitting.

3. Low Threshold:
   A threshold height of just 2 to 4 inches minimizes the challenge of stepping into the shower. This low threshold helps prevent tripping and allows for easy wheelchair or walker access, making it ideal for seniors with mobility issues.

4. Comfortable Seating Options:
   For added convenience, consider a teak fold-down seat or adjustable shower bench. These provide a comfortable place to sit while showering, reducing fatigue and providing a rest when needed. Having seating also offers stability during the showering process, especially for seniors who need support while standing.

5. Accessible Storage Solutions:
   An organized shower area can help minimize clutter and improve accessibility. Installing wall-mounted shelving or built-in niches can help keep toiletries such as soap, shampoo, and conditioner within easy reach, reducing the risk of bending down or overreaching.

6. Handheld Showerhead:
   A handheld showerhead adds flexibility, allowing users to control the water flow easily. It’s a practical feature for seniors who may need to sit while showering or for those with limited mobility.

7. Temperature Control:
   Installing an easy-to-use, thermostatic mixing valve can prevent accidental scalding by maintaining a consistent and safe water temperature. Seniors often have more sensitive skin, so this feature is essential for comfort and safety.

The Conversion Process: What to Expect

Converting your bathtub into a shower is a detailed process that requires professional expertise to ensure safety and functionality. Here’s a general overview of the steps involved in a tub-to-shower conversion:

1. Initial Consultation and Assessment:
   A professional team will assess your bathroom’s current layout and discuss your specific needs. They’ll take measurements, evaluate plumbing, and recommend design options that prioritize safety.

2. Design and Customization:
   The design phase includes selecting the shower style, materials, and safety features. Seniors may benefit from a curbless shower or walk-in style that allows for easy access. The design will also focus on accessibility, ensuring that all features are reachable and easy to use.

3. Removal of the Tub:
   The old tub is removed carefully to create space for the shower. This process may involve minor demolition and plumbing adjustments.

4. Installation:
   Plumbing modifications are made to accommodate the shower system, and the shower base, walls, and fixtures are installed. Grab bars, seating, and other senior-friendly features are added during this phase.

5. Final Touches:
   Once the installation is complete, the final touches are made, including the addition of shower doors or curtains, shelving, and any other customization based on your preferences.

Costs and Considerations for Your Tub-to-Shower Conversion

The cost of a tub-to-shower conversion can vary based on the size of your bathroom, the materials chosen, and the specific safety features you want to include. On average, a tub-to-shower conversion costs between $3,000 and $7,000, though this can increase for high-end materials or customized designs. It’s important to consult with a professional to get an accurate estimate based on your specific needs.

For seniors, many companies offer discounts, financing options, or specialized services tailored to aging-in-place remodeling.

Contact The Professionals at Safe Showers

To learn more about the tub-to-shower conversions we complete for seniors, contact Safe Showers at 210-655-1111.

Our skilled and experienced team has the know-how needed to outfit your bathroom with a shower that is equipped with safety features that will assist with mobility and balance. Once your tub-to-shower conversion is complete, you’ll have complete peace of mind when bathing.

We look forward to answering any questions you may have. And when you give us a call, our team will go over our current promotions, financing options, and the additional discounts we offer to seniors and veterans.