As we age, it’s normal to feel aches and pains in our joints, especially when climbing in and out of vehicles, showers, or up and down the stairs.
That’s why home modifications, like a walk-in shower, answer the question, “How can I shower safely?” even if you’re recovering from an injury or issues like arthritis are acting up.
In this article, we’ll cover what you need to know about walk-in showers, including their benefits, cost, and installation procedures.
What Are Walk-In Showers?
Picture a normal shower. Now, remove the bottom “lip” you have to step over to get in and out of the shower. That’s a walk-in shower.
Specifically, walk-in showers have 0” or 4” entrances. Traditional shower and bathtub combinations have an average entrance height of 14” to 17” inches, typically requiring you to lift your leg up and over at or above knee height.
For many, getting in and out of a standard bathroom/shower combination feels a bit like climbing over a very large rock. Chances are, you don’t want to feel like you’re hiking through the Rocky Mountains when you’re ready to shower. That’s why home renovation professionals and those specializing in mobility aids install walk-in showers to make it easier than ever to bathe safely.
Benefits of Walk-In Showers
Investing in home modifications like a walk-in shower can reduce many risks of bathing.
Benefits may include:
- Reducing chances of slipping and falling
- Increasing overall safety
- Improving ease of use and making showering more accessible
- Easier to add a shower seat to clean yourself comfortably
- Minimizing stress or worry around showering
- Promoting your independence and reliance on others
Can a Walk-In Shower Reduce Injuries?
Let’s face it: tile floors aren’t well-known for reducing slippage. In fact, they’re pretty famous for how easy they are to slip on, especially when there’s water on the floor—-or your feet. While you may have ‘the pro bathmat 3000’ with “ultimate grip” that promises to keep you on your toes, there are no guarantees.
Walk-in showers designed to help you bathe safely and with safety features are ideal for older adults and those interested in making their bathroom easier to use. Data shows that falls occur regularly in bathrooms and cause issues for both men and women. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Approximately 80% of all bathroom injuries were caused by falls, with the highest injury rates in the oldest age groups.”
Other data, like a 2014 research article from Injury Epidemiology, concludes, “The likelihood of sustaining a fall injury in the bathroom was almost two and a half times that of experiencing a fall injury in the living room. It is reasonable that falling in a small room with porcelain surfaces, metal fixtures, and hard floors would be more likely to result in an injury than falling in a larger area with upholstered furniture and/or carpeted surfaces.”
Most research suggests that, at minimum, homeowners should install grab bars or handrails in multiple areas of the bathroom. That said, many would have a safer shower experience by installing a walk-in shower with built-in safety features.
Signs you may need a walk-in shower:
- You have mobility issues related to vision or movement
- You get dizzy or feel faint (naturally or due to medicine)
- You’ve fallen in the bathroom or shower before
- You struggle to lift your legs over the side of a bathtub
- You need to sit down while showering
The Cost of a Walk-In Shower
Walk-in showers cost on average between $12,000 and $15,000. (This price typically includes installation).
Most people who want to invest in a walk-in shower do so because they want to continue living at home. In that same line of thinking, walk-in showers are cheaper than moving to an assisted living facility and still offer you and your loved ones peace of mind. According to the National Council on Aging, the 2024 average cost of assisted living per year is $54,000.
Get a free estimate from Independent Home Solution in Kansas City to see how much a walk-in shower would cost in your home.
Will Medicare Pay for a Walk-in Shower?
While Medicare pays for durable medical equipment, it’s not clear if they’ll pay for a walk-in shower, as that’s classified as a home modification.
However, some Medicare or Medicaid plans may cover a portion of the total cost. Contact your provider to see what’s included in your plan.
Other Financing Options
Other types of assistance include grants, payment plans, and financial assistance programs, including:
- Financing options from home modification companies like Independent Home Solutions (IHS)
- Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants
- Rebuilding Together
- Kansas Older Adult Home Modification Grant Program from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
- Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Home Modifications Assistance
Reliable Walk-In Shower Installation In Kansas City
Ready to safely step into your shower? Call Independent Home Solutions at 913-228-3039, complete the free estimate calculator, or fill out the contact form below to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you install a walk-in shower in a small bathroom?
Yes, walk-in showers can be installed in bathrooms of all shapes and sizes. Whether you’re working with odd angles or a small surface area, a professional home modification team can help you find the right solution.
Home modification professionals like our team at Independent Home Solutions can visit your home, chat about your options, and install a walk-in shower in two days.
What are Independent Home Solutions service areas for walk-in showers?
Independent Home Solutions has different service areas across Northeastern Kansas. Currently, we serve residents in Fairway, Kansas City, Leawood, Lenexa, Mission, Mission Hills, Overland Park, Olathe, Prairie Village, Shawnee, Roeland Park, and Westwood in Kansas and Blue Springs, Belton, Gladstone, Grain Valley, Grandview, Independence, Kansas City, Lee’s Summit, Liberty, North Kansas City, Pleasant Hill, Raymore, Raytown, and Waldo in Missouri.
