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You need to increase the size of your pipes to and from the tub, to speed up filling and draining.
Air jets are much easier to keep clean than water jets.
New walk-in tub + costs associated with bathroom remodel to fit it: $4000+
Cut down in side of the tub: $800.
Huge difference!
They come into the home to do the work, cut down the side of the tub, finish off the opening in the side of the tub with a finished surface that is painted a slightly different color than the tub (so ivory instead of white, etc) - because they understand that elders have a problem with depth perception - so the slightly different color gives them some help with that - and the surface is painted with paint mixed with sand to help prevent slipping. The opening is 4" from the floor, so it's a very small threshold to step over into the tub. You can have it left as just an open cut-down, or have it fitted with a door (which costs a bit more) - in that way, you could still use it as a tub if you wanted.
I left ours open, though I do wish I'd put a door in it now that Mom is gone, because I'd have liked to use the tub sometimes.
I like it also but I don't use because I fear she will need something while I am in it. I liked the fact that I can sit and wash my legs and get off of my feet, then there is the water jets to massage feet and legs when it gets up to the seat level.
Ours has a hand held shower that I use to rinse off while it drains.
It was expensive but felt it was worth it after DW had a slip in the shower. Shop around first, ask lots of questions before buying.
The walk-in tub eliminates the need for a guardian, personalizes the positions of grab bars, eliminates the possibility of slip-fall accidents with its anti-slip floor, and includes emergency switches to ensure the user's safety. These safety precautions make the walk-in tub the obvious choice for seniors in need for a home addition that improves their overall quality of life.
If a transfer bench is not good, you might want to visit your local bath improvement store to see what is available that is more in your price range. For most mobility-impaired seniors, a walk-in shower is an affordable option. With installation, you could probably get one for $2000-3000. My parents paid around $1800 for theirs, but it was a few years ago in Alabama. The downside is that you can't soak. The upside is that the price doesn't soak you. With a good shower massage and a shower chair, they aren't too bad. (But I do so miss taking a bath! I hate showers.)
If the tub must stay, there are some shower chairs that actually go over the tub and are spring loaded so they will shift you into the tube area and out of the tub area when needed. all you do is sit and trigger the device. Less fancy ones (cheaper versions) are a bench that spans the tub and comes into the room. You must slide across the bench but better than trying to step in or out.
If you can afford to make the conversion - DO IT! we pulled out the tub and had a roll in shower installed and have a portable seat. Plus lots of pull bars....WOW it sure makes it safe and easier for Mom. Her aid that does the showers thinks it is great. (I prefer to take showers their too since my mobility is poor myself) Cost was about 5K but worth every penny.
Best wishes ....