Situation: I offer inexpensive home services (OK, handyman services) to my church’s seniors. I have a client who received a quote to convert a totally good F/G molded 60†x 32†tub into a handicapped shower stall for $4200. She can’t afford it and needs to shower her husband who is just starting with Parkinson’s.
Possible Solution: In assessing at the problem, I thought if a step, say 30L†x 10W†x 5-7†high could be placed on the outside, and a raised false bottom placed inside the tub bottom to meet the step height on the outside, this might suffice (of course I would mount a grab bar to the wall for holding onto while entering & existing.) I visited a local Home Care Center and they said that they don’t know of any such product (i.e. steps or raised false bottoms). A fellow in the show-room overheard our conversation said that he saw an ad several weeks ago in a magazine for just a product, but couldn’t recall any useful info. I’ve search the internet, but could not find any such products. I realize that if something like this exists, that it could put a “kibosh†on some remodel jobs, but I’m looking for an affordable alternative for my client. And if it doesn’t exist, maybe this is an idea in search of an entrepreneur.
Suggestions please.
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Replies
There are standard shower kits that are 48 and 60" wide and handycap "friendly". I am guessing cost is in the range of $300-500. But then there is installation.
They don't have zero floor clearnce for a wheel chair, but there is a small step up for the pan. then they have a large seat inside them.
But check with the medical supply houses.
I did a google on - handicap bath aids.
Here are a few things that popped up.
http://www.aging-parents-and-elder-care.com/Pages/Daily_Living_Bath_Tub.html
Look at the transfer bench and boards. One of those with a hand shower will probably be all that is needed. Also notice the tub edge hand rails.
http://www.acessinc.com/
This has some more serious equipment including a number of ADA shower modules and a tub with a door. But this is out of your range.
http://www.universalc.com/bath_swiver
That looks like a good unit at reasonable price. They also have more more expensive units with more features for those that are more handycaped.
BTW, there home health services, hospital social workers, and Parkinson associations that can give her all kinds of information about different aids and practices to help her.
The tub liner company I do business with has such a product. Email me at [email protected] and I will send you a flyer. DanT