Caring.com
Caring.com

The Free Senior Living Advisors

(800) 558-0653

Can You Add a Shower to a Walk-In Tub?

Date Updated: July 28, 2025

Written by:

Rachel Lustbader

Rachel Lustbader is a writer and editor with a background in healthcare and technology. Her work has been published on websites including HealthCare.com, BiteSizeBio.com, BetterHelp.com, Caring.com, and PayingforSeniorCare.com. She studied health science and public health at Boston University.

Both of Rachel’s grandmothers had very positive experiences in senior living communities, and Rachel saw firsthand the impact that kind, committed caregivers and community managers can have on seniors’ and their family members’ lives. With her work at Caring, Rachel hopes to help other families find communities, caregivers, and at-home products that benefit elderly loved ones and make life less stressful for family caregivers

In most cases, you can add a shower to a walk-in tub using a shower kit specifically designed for walk-in tub conversion. While shower kit designs may vary, they typically include adjustable straight columns and flexible extender wands that connect with the shower heads and attach to water supply lines via the tub faucets. The dual feature allows for overhead and handheld shower head use.

Walk-in Tub Shower Kit Options

Some walk-in tub shower kits offer optional shower wall materials for users to apply to the bathroom walls surrounding the tub. This helps prevent excess moisture from penetrating the underlying walls, and users can choose from a variety of colors and style options to coordinate with their existing bathroom decor. Certain shower kits also come with shower curtains and shower rods for added privacy and protection against moisture. The shower curtain’s design matches walk-in tub dimensions to ensure full coverage and prevent water leakage.

Benefits of Adding a Shower to a Walk-in Tub

For seniors with limited mobility due to natural aging, recent surgery or chronic conditions such as arthritis, standing for extended periods of time may not be possible or cause serious discomfort. Walk-in tubs are designed with built-in seats, while shower add-ons typically come with overhead and handheld shower heads. Adding a shower to a walk-in tub gives seniors the option to sit when showering, making it easier to wash their hair and fully rinse off without straining their bodies.

While specific features can differ depending on the brand and model, many handheld shower heads for walk-in tubs offer multiple water flow and massage settings for therapeutic relief of sore muscles and joints. Adding a shower to a walk-in tub also provides a convenient alternative to bathing when time is a factor, as users don’t have to wait for the tub to fill with water before use.

Caring.com

Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Caring.com

Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Our Services

  • Senior Living Directory

  • Senior Care Directory

  • Resources

  • Sitemap

  • Terms of Use

  • Privacy Policy

  • Do Not Sell My Personal Information


© 2025 Caring, LLC. All rights reserved.