thinking about taking out the old tub/shower combo and replacing with a walk-in unit.
simply because we are old.

any advice is appreciated.

Like a shower only thing or a tub with a door?

I just ordered one with a door for a friends business. The homeowner wanted it but I have my doubts. It was just installed so I can ask how it's doing. They scare me.

My grandparents got one years ago as their physical abilities went down hill.

Just need to plan on the time it takes to drain if using the tub portion so you can open the door. Grandma wouldn't have been able to live at home without it.

Those door tubs don't look comfortable and may be prone to sealant leaks.

I went with whirlpool tubs with seats but ended up not using them for the slippery difficult getting in and out and the seats were too low on bad knees.

I'm considering pulling them out and enlarging the showers to a walk in with comfortable seats and foot rests with multi sprays and handheld.

I've mostly heard negatives of tubs for elderly.

Thank you

There is a house down the street from me that has one of those in the only full bath in the house. I talked to the realtor (also down the street) and he says that has been a major complaint from viewers since most potential buyers are in the 30-50 age group.

He says my house is the unicorn in the neighborhood (built in the late 50s) since we have 2.5 baths with one full having a tub and the master having a large shower.

Having the walk in is great for older folks that want to soak, but it hurts resale in some cases. If it is the only tub, parents with younger kids can't bathe the little ones as easily.

We've installed several in BCS and with good success. Depending on your plumbing, can be done in a day. Alternatively, could just pull the tub and make a walk-in shower with a bench, grab bars, and handle sprayer if you don't need a tub. A good bit cheaper that way and you don't have to worry about leaks down the road. If you're in BCS, let me know if I can help.

I'm currently looking for a walk-in tub for my MIL. She has leg issues, and using an ordinary tub or shower has become difficult. From what I found online, Safe Step Tub attracted my attention. I've already surfed Safe Step Tub reviews and it seems that most consumers are pleased with their purchases. But I'm glad I've found this thread with other recommendations, thanks.

IF it works & NEVER leaks, then what could be better?
In this world full of gremlins, the next best prudent solutions would be a roll-in shower, shower-wheelchair (worst case scenario planning) then massage hand held shower head w/plenty of water pressure, then epsom salts rub/body washes.

Fridays would be top masseuse (usually found at chiropractors) on legs, other ailments

My dad wanted to get one about a year and a half before he passed but he didn't want to pay what it costs. Looking back, although it would have been good for him, it was probably a good thing they didn't get it because we wouldn't have gotten the money back for it when we sold the house after both my parents passed.

I'm not saying don't get one but I think the best thing to do anytime you remodel a bath is to make sure a shower is big enough to a) be able to walk in there and b) put a chair in there. That way, you get almost all the benefits of a tub without the cost or without a white elephant that home buyers won't want to deal with. The other benefit is that if someone hurts themselves, say a knee, but otherwise is healthy, the same use of the shower would be beneficial.

I know sitting in warm/hot water is better than being wet with a hand held shower, but if you set up your products (soap/shampoo/etc.) right with pump action, for example, you can do most things with one hand and hold the shower with the other. For those with limited abilities, they might need help, but the additional shower room would add that. In other cases, the walk in tub would be practical.