I think she was just too weak to pull herself out. I read another article that said her arms were bruised from trying to life herself and her legs were too weak to do much good.
She really does need a shower type stall where she no longer has to climb up and into a tub. Very dangerous for the old folks.
bad humor by me.....this really was a serious situation.. i'm glad she's ok
My dad had a shower with a seat installed, when they redid the bath. It was really nice, all one piece, and very comfortable for him.
Another inexpensive idea is to put a small stool with non-skid legs in the tub, it's easier to get up from a chair than from a flat tub bottom.