xc60 - sounds great - I know just enough to be dangerous. I love this forum. I learn more from it than going to the plumbing showrooms. katmomma, you will have to search this forum for air tubs. I can help you with selecting drop in tubs based on shape, size, quality. You basically want a good quality air tub without the price tag. Mirabelle tubs are well designed, deep and I see that folks on this forum have purchased them as air tubs. They are private label for Ferguson (made by Clarke). I like the feel of their acrylic better than Kohler. I don't see folks talking about Kohler air tubs but they make a solid whirlpool and are priced right. I do not know how the Jacuzzi air tubs are but I personally like their designs - they are priced right for you too. Jason, owned by the former Jacuzzi folks, can get pricey. Same with MTI, Hydrosystems, and Americh. Maax tubs are nice but I see on this forum that folks say that their air tubs are loud.

Nothing is going to be super attractive, but I have used these translucent treads from Amazon with great success. You just have to follow the alcohol prep process. I've yet to had one peel and have used them in 3 locations, for just the reason you mention -- senior cit mom. ;-) They come in a couple of different sizes, I think, but always get this size. Here is a link that might be useful: Shower Treads

Wanted to say thanks to all who posted here and raised other perspectives, offered suggestions and in general made me think about things I probably had not thought of before. Very helpful and very appreciated. I managed to go out and see some empty tubs today but even that helped me see some things. At this point I am going to visit with my contractor to see if there is any reasonable way to fit a 66 inch tub into the bathroom. I am 6 ft 1 and while I can fit inside the 60 inch it is an easier fit to go one size up. Sometimes seeing is helpful! My list is now fairly short: Kohler Underscore Aquatic Serenity 35 Mirabelle Edenton 36x66 or 36x60 I had thought about the MTI Andrea 11 but pricing there starts to climb rapidly and there just comes a point where I have to say "enough". If I spent 60 minutes every day in the tub an in line heater, arm rests etc might be a good idea. One thing about the Serenity that was good to see is how high and wide the borde rof tub is. Definitely will require a long reaching faucet and I wonder if climbing out an dover will be difficult (tub I saw today was not yet set up in its box) The Aquatic certainly looked ok. As did the Mirabelle (lowest price option). I did not see the Edenton but one similar. Overall I am probably somewhat partial to the Kohler underscore "look" but then it wa salso undermounted. I do prefer an under mount appearance but not sure I want to go there. Seems more involved for the installation. I also need to see what the 240V aspects will cost for the install (not sure I have space in breaker box). Still deciding but the list is very much smaller now! Water depth on all of these tubs is more than deep enough.. 17.5 to almost 19 inches to overflow.

If you want a finished front and a clean modern look, I'd look at the Kohler Bellwether. https://www.faucetdirect.com/kohler-k-848-bellwether-bath-tub-66-l-x-32-w-cast-iron-soaking-for-three-wall-alcove-installations-with/p2170076?source=gg-gbav2_2170076&source=gg-gba-pla_2170076!c8255209412!a91934235784!dc!ng&cawelaid=120135430001926645&inv=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA5bz-BRD-ARIsABjT4njydKQcwU8WQYAOTW1j3It-VHnc2R_A3MU49QTs-yvxkhMNKUIS8h4aAtTkEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds -