The Best Walk-In Showers for Seniors in 2024
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As we age, falls pose a bigger risk to our safety, and bathrooms are one of the most frequent sites of falls for older adults. While some of this risk can be mitigated through simple means like nonslip mats, a walk-in shower is one of the best ways to prevent falls, which is why I recommend them to all of my clients with mobility issues who prefer showers to baths.
Compared to the traditional tub-shower combos, a walk-in shower features a low entry threshold. This not only decreases the risk of falls upon entry and exit, but it also allows for wheelchair accessibility. In this guide to the best walk-in showers for seniors, I’ll walk you through my three favorite walk-in shower manufacturers, based both on the testimonials of my clients as well as my factory tours. I evaluated these showers for their safety and comfort features, pricing, as well as customer experiences.
FYI: Prefer the added safety and comfort of a bath? Then read my rundown of this year’s best walk-in tubs.
The Best Walk-In Showers 2024
- Kohler : Best Design
- American Standard : Best Budget Option
- Safe Step : Best for People With Health Issues
Our Top Picks Compared
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Kohler
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American Standard
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Safe Step
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| Rating out of 5 | 4.9 | 4.8 | 4.6 |
| Price range (does not include installation) | Varies, prices not listed |
$2,678-$3,241 |
Varies, prices not listed |
| Standout features |
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| Read More | Kohler Review | American Standard Review |
>> Read More: The Best Walk-In Showers With Seats
Best Walk-In Showers
1. Kohler - Best Design
What We Like Most:
- Largest selection of hardware and wall choices
- 0 percent financing available for the first year
- Four shelving options
- Optional grab bars and handheld shower wand
Overview
You want a shower you can get in and out of safely, but you still want it to look good. If you have a passion for design, you’ll love the walk-in showers from Kohler, which are completely customizable not only in terms of features like grab bars, handheld shower wants, shower heads, shelving, and seats, but also in terms of wall options and hardware finishes. There are a total of eight wall options to choose from, ranging from Calacatta crema to VeinCut dune, and you can even combine multiple options for a more unique look. Additionally, there are four hardware finishes to choose from, and to elevate your look even more, you can add a sliding-glass door or body jets.
One disadvantage in terms of safety is that, while there is a seat option from Kohler, it’s lightweight and movable — not built-in. It may not be as stable as the seats built into walk-in showers from Safe Step and American Standard. While these Kohler showers do have low thresholds, they’re not built specifically for seniors or people with mobility issues.
To get started with a walk-in shower from Kohler, you’ll need to visit an authorized dealer near you. Or, you can request a quote on Kohler’s website, or call 800-704-9847.
Pros
- Highest number of wall and hardware options
- Four shelving options including recessed and floating
- 10 different shower head options plus body spray jets
- Grab bar or shower bar
Cons
- Prices not listed
- Shower seat isn’t built-in
2. American Standard - Best Budget Option
What We Like Most:
- Showers start at $2,678
- Two models
- Grab bars and a low entry threshold
- Handheld shower wand
Overview
American Standard is one of the only walk-in shower companies that offers transparent pricing for its two models, priced at $2,678 and $3,241, respectively. While these prices sound low, keep in mind that they don’t include installation. American Standard manufactures walk-in showers, but doesn’t sell them. To buy them, you’ll have to visit a retailer, showroom, or wholesaler. Most of my clients prefer showrooms, which allow them to try several models and brands at once. Because American Standard isn’t a direct seller, the warranty, discounts, and financing options will depend on where you purchase your tub.
The showers, like the Acrylic Walk-In Shower, have the safety features I’d expect, like grab bars, a seat, an anti-slip floor, and a handheld shower wand, which can make it easier to wash yourself. Wall options are with a tile pattern or flat acrylic, and the hardware is finished in silver. They’re not quite at the level of a more designed-focused company like Kohler, but these showers get the job done. To get started, you can find out where to buy a shower on American Standard’s website. Or, if you want professional installation, you can call 877-273-1578.
Pros
- $2,678 starting cost
- Two shelves for storage
- Grab bars for safety
- Barrier-free threshold
Cons
- Financing requires a minimum purchase of $10,000
- No body jets
3. Safe Step - Best for People With Health Issues
What We Like Most:
- Discounts for people with diabetes, arthritis, and other health issues
- Lifetime warranty
- A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
- Handheld shower wand with three spray patterns
Overview
Unlike American Standard, which is as basic as they come when it comes to walk-in showers, Safe Step offers some more luxurious options. Of course, every model comes equipped with the necessary safety features like grab bars, a handheld shower wand, anti-slip floors, and a low threshold. However, the more luxurious options like the ShowerSpa LE have six body jets and a sliding-glass door. My clients enjoyed customizing the design of the shower, as well. They were able to choose either stainless steel or oil-rubbed bronze hardware, as well as one of three FiberGranite wall options: Pewter, Quarry, or Bianco Chrome. Safe Step also offers unique wall options, from white subway tiles to bone hexagons.
Another way Safe Step is unlike American Standard is that installation is in-house and can be completed in as little as a day. Additionally, the company offers discounts of up to $750 per person or $1,500 per household for people with health issues such as:
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
- Nerve issues
- Sciatica
Safe Step offers discounts for seniors and veterans. There’s also a lifetime warranty on all Safe Step walk-in showers. However, Safe Step has absolutely no pricing online, so to find a quote, you’ll need to call the company directly at 888-270-2518. Someone will come to your home and give you an estimate, but there’s no showroom to browse.
Pros
- Three spray patterns on handheld wand
- Eight-inch rainfall shower head
- Medical-grade seat option
- Anti-slip floors
Cons
- 2.87 customer rating from the BBB
- No financing options
Honorable Mentions
While I’ve had some clients with positive experiences from the following companies, I wouldn’t recommend them if you’re looking for a walk-in shower. Here’s why.
- Home Depot: Home Depot offers walk-in showers from manufacturers like American Standard (detailed above). That being said, delivery is curbside only and costs $55. While you can request installation through Home Depot, it might be from a third-party company. You may get an excellent installer who is willing to bring in your shower from the curb, but you also may not.
- Ella’s Bubbles: Ella’s Bubbles is more known for its walk-in tubs than its showers. When it comes to showers, it sells only the shower bases and the doors, but not the entire shower.
- Amazon: Amazon sells walk-in showers for under $2,000! But you’re on your own for installation, and you’ll be at the mercy of the seller for their shipping methods. Don’t let the low prices fool you, as you’ll be making up for it in delivery and installation costs.
Our Methodology
Here’s how I chose my favorite walk-in shower manufacturers for seniors:
- Safety features: I looked for walk-in showers with nonslip surfaces, grab rails, and seats. Most of all, I made sure the thresholds were low enough to allow people with mobility issues, or even people in wheelchairs, to enter.
- Comfort features: Walk-in showers can be comfortable as well as safe, with built-in seats, handheld shower wands, built-in shelves for storage of soap, shampoo, and conditioner, plus, on the most luxurious models, body jets.
- Pricing: Unfortunately, most walk-in shower manufacturers aren’t super transparent about their pricing (looking at you, Safe Step and Kohler!). Since their showers are customized to your home and needs, you’ll have to contact the company directly to get a quote. However, American Standard prices its walk-in showers between $2,678 and $3,241, but that doesn’t include the cost of installation or delivery, as customers buy their products through local showrooms, wholesalers, or retailers.
- Customer testimonials: I depended heavily on my clients’ experiences buying, installing, and using the showers, as well as customer ratings from the Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot. However, I take online reviews with a grain of salt, as most people only use them to complain.
Safety and Accessibility Features of Walk-In Showers
Unfortunately, falling is incredibly common for adults ages 65 and older in the U.S., affecting over one in four each year, according to the most recent 2024 data from the Centers for Disease Control. Bathrooms are a common place for falls to occur, as they’re slippery and require movement. That’s why walk-in showers have become increasingly popular among individuals of all ages, but especially seniors and people with mobility challenges. These are the features that make walk-in showers safe and accessible:
- Low-threshold entries: One of the primary safety advantages of a walk-in shower is a low or zero-threshold entry. A traditional shower has a step or raised lip, which can pose a significant tripping hazard. With walk-in showers, there's a seamless transition from the bathroom floor to the shower, minimizing the risk of slips and falls — particularly for those with limited mobility. Additionally, this entry can accommodate various mobility aids, such as wheelchairs and walkers. The absence of barriers or obstructions makes it easier for individuals with mobility devices to enter and exit shower areas, fostering greater independence.
- Grab bars and seats: Safety features like strategically placed grab bars within the shower area provide additional support for users to maintain balance. Some walk-in showers also include built-in seating, allowing individuals to sit comfortably while showering. If that interests you, you can read my guide to walk-in showers with seats.
- Handheld shower wands: Along with a regular shower head, many walk-in showers have handheld shower wands, which may make it easier for someone with mobility issues to wash themselves comfortably.
Anti-slip floors: Most walk-in showers have textured floors that make slips less likely to happen.
Walk-In Showers vs. Walk-In Tubs
If you’re deciding between a walk-in shower and a walk-in tub, let me break down the differences for you.
The first is obvious: one is a shower, one is a tub. But while a walk-in shower has a low threshold, a walk-in tub has a door that allows you to step into the tub from a lower height. That being said, the threshold height of a walk-in tub will still be about three to four inches, while the threshold height of a walk-in shower will be much shorter.
Note that most walk-in showers have seats and handheld wands, so you can wash yourself while sitting. However, walk-in tubs tend to have more luxurious add-ons, like air and water jets, aromatherapy and chromotherapy, and even bidets, in some cases. The fanciest showers just have water jets, but lack the spa experience of a tub. If you’re someone who uses a wheelchair or walker and don’t have someone to help you get in and out of a tub, a walk-in shower may be preferable.
I’d recommend a walk-in tub if you:
- Want a more luxurious and relaxing experience
- Are able to step over three to four inches
- Prefer baths over showers
However, a walk-in shower would be better if you:
- Are in a wheelchair or use a walker
- Can’t step over a few inches
- Prefer showers to baths
The good news is that you don’t have to choose between the two. Many companies offer walk-in tub and shower hybrids, so you can get the best of both worlds.
Walk-in Shower Financial Considerations
For older adults considering a walk-in shower, financial considerations are crucial. There’s not only the cost of the walk-in shower itself, but also the delivery and installation. However, there may be some ways to save:
- Budget: While most walk-in shower manufacturers aren’t super transparent about their pricing, there’s no doubt that one will cost you thousands of dollars. You can either pay this amount upfront or take advantage of a company’s financing options. There are also government assistance programs you may qualify for, so do your research before you determine your budget.
- Government assistance programs: While Medicare or Medicaid won’t typically cover a walk-in shower, you may qualify for programs that will, like the USDA Rural Repair and Rehabilitation Project, the Housing Improvement Program, or the Older Adults Homes Modifications Programs. Note that to be eligible, you’ll need to be either low-income, American Indian, or Native Alaskan.
- Financing options: Some companies like Kohler offer financing options, meaning you won’t have to pay the entire amount upfront. Look for financing with 0 percent APR, and keep in mind that the interest rate may go up after the second year.
Comparison shopping: Never accept a first offer. Speak with many companies to determine your options. As each walk-in shower will be customized to your home, you’ll never truly know the price until you get a quote.
Financial Assistance for Walk-In Showers
You may qualify for financial assistance for your walk-in shower if you are low-income, part of a specific racial or ethnic group, or have served in the U.S. military. Here are some options that you may or may not qualify for:
- Low-income grants and programs: The federal government may provide loans or grants for walk-in showers for low-income adults through the Older Adult Homes Modification Programs or the USDA Rural Repair and Rehabilitation Program. Alternatively, the Housing Improvement Program can help low-income American Indians and Native Alaskans.
- Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits: Home Improvement and Structural Alterations (HISA) is a benefit from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that helps veterans improve bathroom accessibility, among other home improvements. You can get a benefit of either $2,000, or, if you have a covered disability, $6,800.
- Nonprofit organizations: Organizations like Habitat for Humanity may be able to provide you with money for a walk-in shower.
Bottom Line
To choose the right walk-in shower for the senior in your life, you’ll need to balance safety and affordability with comfort. For someone with mobility issues, this can be a life-changing option that will allow them to age in place and retain a sense of independence.
