- When it comes to purchasing a walk in bathtub many people find the cost prohibitive. Those people who most likely need such a bathtub are seniors or those with disabilities who are on fixed incomes. So what is one to do?
Here are a number of possible Canadian and US resources that can help you if you need financial assistance when purchasing a walk in bathtub.
CANADIAN RESOURCES
You may be able to claim the walk in bath as a medical expense on your personal income tax. Your doctor will need to indicate that you need a walk in bathtub. The Disability Tax Credit Form T2201E is available as a pdf document.
•In January 2009, the Canadian government intoduced the Home Renovation Tax Credit on work performed or goods acquired in the process of home renovations. The purchase and installation of Safety Bath products can be used for the HRTC. More information on the Home Renovation Tax Credit is available here.
•The Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) for Persons with Disabilities offers financial assistance to homeowners and landlords to undertake accessibility work to modify dwellings occupied or intended for occupancy by low-income persons with disabilities.
•If you are a Veteran, Canadian Veterans Independence Services may be able to assist you with home adaptations to modify things like bathrooms, kitchens and doorways
•Investigate your personal health insurance plan
US RESOURCES
•USDA-Rural Development Housing & Community Facilities Programs The Single-Family Housing Program provides homeownership opportunities to low and moderate-income rural Americans through several loan, grant, and guarantee programs. The program also makes funding available to individuals to finance vital improvements necessary to make their homes decent, safe, and sanitary.
•US Department of Housing and Urban Development - Reverse mortgages for Seniors
•The National Home Modification Action Coalition - Home Modification Resources
•Coverage may be available through Medicare or Medicaid
•Senior Health Care Advocates of America has great information regarding discounts for hydrotherapy bathtubs. Qualified applicants must be a senior or disabled person with age related health issues.
•Deductibility of Certain Capital Expenditures to Personal Residence as Deductible Medical Expense
•Investigate your personal health care insurance plan
Thursday, July 23, 2009
How to Find Financial Assistance for your Walk in Bathtub Purchase
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Are You Doing Your Best to Keep Her Smiling?
Mary lives in a nursing home/long term care facility. Each day she is assisted to some degree in her daily activities by helpful and kind staff, and she is for the most part happy with her life in this new environment. She usually has a smile on her face. Twice a week Mary has a bath. Although she is ambulatory with the aid of her walker, she cannot step into a regular bathtub so the only option open to her is to be placed in a lift and raised into the air and then lowered into a special bathtub. These are the worst times of the week for Mary. While her bath should be relaxing, comfortable and enjoyable, Mary feels degraded and frightened by the lift. At those times, Mary’s smile is gone; so is her dignity.
Since 1992, Safety Bath Inc., a small Canadian company, has been progressively dedicated to making life better for people like Mary. In that year, owner and inventor, Ladimer Kowalchuk, began a search for a bathtub that would permit his father, a large man of over 300 lbs with very bad knees, to enjoy a safe bath. Finding no suitable products on the market, Ladimer invented a walk in bathtub that would make bathing safe, easy and dignified for his dad. In time, the bathtub made to help one man, was helping thousands across North America.
Bathing Independence for Everyone
Ladimer recognized that there were other groups of people who needed to remain independent…there were baby boomers who wanted to age in place; and what about those in long term care facilities who, like Mary, had some ambulatory ability and for the sake of convenience were being lifted into a bathtub….what about their dignity? Believing that there was need for such a bathtub in facilities where a more homelike, less threatening environment was the trend, the Safety Bath Supreme was designed to fill the gap between a regular household bathtub and an institutional lift tub.
The Bathtub for Long Term Care Facilities
Special features were incorporated into the Supreme to make it suitable for use in long term facilities where multiple users access the same bathtub, including the implementation of a hygienic San-Air Whirlpool system and a built in disinfection system. The Supreme walk in bathtub was designed with people like Mary in mind, but its benefits are evident for the caregiver and the facility as well.
For the Client
• Easy access for the client, promotes, rather than thwarts, independence
• Provides a safe, comfortable, friendly environment.
• Multiple jets provide therapeutic relief and promote relaxation
• Clients love the privacy provided by the height of the tub which obscures the caregiver's line of sight
For the Care-Giver
• Significantly lowers the risk of caregiver related injuries
• Clients as well as all operating components are within easy reach at all times
• Outward swing door makes emergency access possible
• Minimal or no lifting at all required if the client is ambulatory
For the Facility
• Reduced drain and fill time as opposed to institutional lift tubs, allowing more baths per day per unit.
• Requires very little space
• Environmentally friendly, uses 50% less water than a lift tub
• Economically viable - is less expensive than a lift tub and uses less sanitizing chemical in operation
• Ability to use an optional lift provides versatility and adaptability to changing needs
The Supreme is part of a very successful line of quality walk in bathtubs, designed by Safety Bath Inc. to make bathing a relaxing and pleasant experience for thousands who have mobility limitations.
Learn more about accessible bathtub products for long term care from Safety Bath Inc., by visiting http://www.safetybathsupreme.com or calling 877 826 6666
Thursday, June 11, 2009
How to Keep your San Francisco Mother-In–Law in Her Own Home
My mother in law lives in San Francisco. As far as mothers-in-law go, she’s a grand old gal. She lives in her own home and has managed just fine up to this point in time. Last year after my father-in-law passed away, she insisted that she wanted to remain where she was… in the same home they had shared for 50 years, in the same comfortable neighborhood.
We frequently make the 45 minute drive to her home, where we visit, do a few minor things for her and often have a good meal. About a month ago, during our drive back home, my wife confided that she had some worries about her mother.
“I think Mom should come and live with us”, she said. “She admitted to me that she fell last week getting into the bathtub. She was lucky she only got a little bruised but can you imagine what would happen if she broke something, like her hip? I’m not sure we could afford to get her into the type of care facility she would need for maybe the rest of her life. If she lived with us, we wouldn’t have to worry about her.”
I understood my wife’s concerns, but jeepers, I was not too sure that I wanted to share my home with my mother-in-law. We were quite happy on our own and now that our kids were out of the house, we were enjoying our empty nest. I love my mother-in-law but living with her was going to be quite another issue!
It started me thinking about things I could do to keep her in her own home and that’s when I remembered something I had heard about a while back… those bathtubs with the doors. I knew it would cost us a bit, but compared to the alternative of having the old gal fall in the tub and dealing with long term care, it seemed the best way out of a tricky situation.
So now I know all there is to know about walk in bathtubs, my mother-in law has a walk in bathtub and is happy, my wife is happy, and gosh, darn, I’m happy too!um2ykwrsec
We frequently make the 45 minute drive to her home, where we visit, do a few minor things for her and often have a good meal. About a month ago, during our drive back home, my wife confided that she had some worries about her mother.
“I think Mom should come and live with us”, she said. “She admitted to me that she fell last week getting into the bathtub. She was lucky she only got a little bruised but can you imagine what would happen if she broke something, like her hip? I’m not sure we could afford to get her into the type of care facility she would need for maybe the rest of her life. If she lived with us, we wouldn’t have to worry about her.”
I understood my wife’s concerns, but jeepers, I was not too sure that I wanted to share my home with my mother-in-law. We were quite happy on our own and now that our kids were out of the house, we were enjoying our empty nest. I love my mother-in-law but living with her was going to be quite another issue!
It started me thinking about things I could do to keep her in her own home and that’s when I remembered something I had heard about a while back… those bathtubs with the doors. I knew it would cost us a bit, but compared to the alternative of having the old gal fall in the tub and dealing with long term care, it seemed the best way out of a tricky situation.
So now I know all there is to know about walk in bathtubs, my mother-in law has a walk in bathtub and is happy, my wife is happy, and gosh, darn, I’m happy too!um2ykwrsec
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Walk in Bathtubs – Do You Understand the Concept?
We spend a lot of time at tradeshows and exhibits with our walk in bathtub line. One of the interesting facts we have gained from this experience is that many people do not understand the concept of a walk in bathtub.
We have come to the conclusion that unless you have had some experience with someone who needs a walk in bathtub, you just might not understand the concept at all…. so who are the people that need this type of bathtub?
As people age they find it increasingly difficult to lift their legs over the wall of a regular bathtub. Balancing on one foot to get in and out of the bathtub can be dangerous. In addition, it is difficult to sit on the floor to have a bath and difficult to get up from sitting on the floor. A slip or fall in the bathtub can cause serious injury and may lead to years of dependence on someone for assistance. It may necessitate a move from one’s home to a care facility.
The loss of independence is not only damaging to the person involved in terms of self confidence and quality of life, but it puts a strain on the health care system. A walk in bathtub can help retain the independence of an older person or someone who has difficulty with mobility.
The walk in bathtub makes bathing safe in 3 basic ways:
A very low step-in height to accommodate feet that do the “shuffle”
A door that opens and closes easily
A seat to permit the user to sit off the floor, as if on a chair
The bathtub cannot be surpassed for true personal hygiene; relaxation and the soothing of aching muscles and joints. If you have an aging parent, grandparent or loved one with a disability and you sense their struggle for independence and want them to be safe, you understand the walk in bathtub concept fully.
We have come to the conclusion that unless you have had some experience with someone who needs a walk in bathtub, you just might not understand the concept at all…. so who are the people that need this type of bathtub?
As people age they find it increasingly difficult to lift their legs over the wall of a regular bathtub. Balancing on one foot to get in and out of the bathtub can be dangerous. In addition, it is difficult to sit on the floor to have a bath and difficult to get up from sitting on the floor. A slip or fall in the bathtub can cause serious injury and may lead to years of dependence on someone for assistance. It may necessitate a move from one’s home to a care facility.
The loss of independence is not only damaging to the person involved in terms of self confidence and quality of life, but it puts a strain on the health care system. A walk in bathtub can help retain the independence of an older person or someone who has difficulty with mobility.
The walk in bathtub makes bathing safe in 3 basic ways:
A very low step-in height to accommodate feet that do the “shuffle”
A door that opens and closes easily
A seat to permit the user to sit off the floor, as if on a chair
The bathtub cannot be surpassed for true personal hygiene; relaxation and the soothing of aching muscles and joints. If you have an aging parent, grandparent or loved one with a disability and you sense their struggle for independence and want them to be safe, you understand the walk in bathtub concept fully.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Solving a Dilemma for Retirement Community Builders
The Canoe Club (http://www.thecanoeclub.ca/), a new development which offers residents all-inclusive living at its finest in Winnipeg, Canada recently installed 100 So-Lo Safety Bath tubs with Heated Shower Decks allowing full access for both bathing and showering. The Canoe Club is one of the many projects of the Caleb Group (http://www.calebgroup.ca/about.htm ), which is dedicated to the development, construction and management of retirement communities.
The needs of seniors are diverse and change over time. Builders of retirement facilities are faced with the question of whether to install bathtubs or showers in their projects. The Safety Bath So-Lo with Heated Shower Deck solves this dilemma by providing an accessible combination bathtub/shower that accommodates “aging in place”, providing a solution to the changing bathing needs of a lifetime.
The Safety Bath So-Lo with Heated Shower Deck is a traditional style bathtub with an accessible door and low entry step, providing a full length bath. The Heated Shower Deck provides a warmed area where the user can sit while showering if desired. The Safety Bath So-Lo is available for right or left hand drains and warm air massage is offered as an option.
The needs of seniors are diverse and change over time. Builders of retirement facilities are faced with the question of whether to install bathtubs or showers in their projects. The Safety Bath So-Lo with Heated Shower Deck solves this dilemma by providing an accessible combination bathtub/shower that accommodates “aging in place”, providing a solution to the changing bathing needs of a lifetime.
The Safety Bath So-Lo with Heated Shower Deck is a traditional style bathtub with an accessible door and low entry step, providing a full length bath. The Heated Shower Deck provides a warmed area where the user can sit while showering if desired. The Safety Bath So-Lo is available for right or left hand drains and warm air massage is offered as an option.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Life & Leisure TV- Interviews
How can I make my bathtub accessible?
For the 77 million people born between 1946 and 1964, bathtub accessibility will become an issue of independence and safety. For those who are beginning to investigate accessible bathing options, there are several options from which to choose.
Step Through Openings - By cutting the side of an existing bathtub, the front sidewall is lowered to convert the bathtub into an easy entry shower. This option provides accessibility, is less invasive in terms of remodeling, and therefore cost; however, the use of the bathtub as a bathtub is lost.
Door Insert Kits - The Door Insert Kit is a relatively new innovation which, similar to a tub cut process, creates an opening in the tub wall. A door insert kit is then put in the sidewall opening of the bathtub to provide a door that can be opened and closed to allow safe bathtub access. This method is also painless in terms of remodeling the bathroom and retains the use of the bathtub as a bathtub.
Bathtubs with a Side Entry Door - A number of bathtub manufacturers now provide a traditional looking bathtub with a door that allows the user to enter or exit without lifting their leg over the bathtub wall. Some of these manufacturers provide a model which has a side sitting area or an attachable safety seat. Many come with whirlpool massage action.
Walk in Bathtubs - These are non-traditional looking bathtubs with a door as well as an integral molded seat. There are a number of models on the market, varying in price, design, water usage, and available options, such as air massage. Walk in bathtubs provide accessible bathing and safe seating, as well as dignity and independence for those who might find it necessary to get assistance from another person in order to bathe safely. Some walk in bathtub models will fit in a space formerly occupied by a traditional bathtub; some models will require extensive bathroom renovations.
For more information on accessible bathtub options visit http://www.safetybath.com
For the 77 million people born between 1946 and 1964, bathtub accessibility will become an issue of independence and safety. For those who are beginning to investigate accessible bathing options, there are several options from which to choose.
Step Through Openings - By cutting the side of an existing bathtub, the front sidewall is lowered to convert the bathtub into an easy entry shower. This option provides accessibility, is less invasive in terms of remodeling, and therefore cost; however, the use of the bathtub as a bathtub is lost.
Door Insert Kits - The Door Insert Kit is a relatively new innovation which, similar to a tub cut process, creates an opening in the tub wall. A door insert kit is then put in the sidewall opening of the bathtub to provide a door that can be opened and closed to allow safe bathtub access. This method is also painless in terms of remodeling the bathroom and retains the use of the bathtub as a bathtub.
Bathtubs with a Side Entry Door - A number of bathtub manufacturers now provide a traditional looking bathtub with a door that allows the user to enter or exit without lifting their leg over the bathtub wall. Some of these manufacturers provide a model which has a side sitting area or an attachable safety seat. Many come with whirlpool massage action.
Walk in Bathtubs - These are non-traditional looking bathtubs with a door as well as an integral molded seat. There are a number of models on the market, varying in price, design, water usage, and available options, such as air massage. Walk in bathtubs provide accessible bathing and safe seating, as well as dignity and independence for those who might find it necessary to get assistance from another person in order to bathe safely. Some walk in bathtub models will fit in a space formerly occupied by a traditional bathtub; some models will require extensive bathroom renovations.
For more information on accessible bathtub options visit http://www.safetybath.com
The Accessibility Solution for Your Existing Bathtub
Two new innovative products from Safety Bath Inc., are revolutionizing the bathtub industry, by offering accessibility without great expense and major bathroom renovations.
Door Insert Kit
Safety Bath Inc., makers of the walk-in bathtub since 1992, has recently rounded out its product line by offering the Door Insert Kit which can be inserted into a traditional bathtub to allow the user to convert an existing bathtub into a bathtub with a door. While it is common to cut out an opening in a bathtub to permit accessibility, the Door Insert Kit goes one step further by permitting accessible entrance without losing the use of the bathtub. The Door Insert Kit is revolutionizing the bathtub industry for aging baby boomers and others who want to remain in their home as long as possible. The Door Kit will provide accessibility without complete bathroom renovation. The Kit is available in a range of sizes to accommodate most bathtubs. The Door Insert Kit must be installed by a qualified installation expert.
Universal Safety Seat
A partner to the Door Insert Kit, the Custom Safety Seat can be installed together with the Door Insert Kit or as an independent component. The Custom Safety Seat is available in a number of custom sizes to fit virtually any bathtub. Constructed of high density polyethylene with a weight capacity of 350 lbs, the Safety Seat can be folded up when not in use and attaches securely to a wall mounted retaining bracket. The Custom Safety Seat allows the user to sit if tired while showering or can be used in placed of a bath chair within the bathtub.
Safety Bath Inc. has been changing the way people bathe by offering safe and accessible bathtub options. Safety Bath products are available factory direct as well as through a dealer network across North America. Due to the high demand for the Door Insert Kit and the Universal Safety Seat, Safety Bath Inc. is in search of qualified installers.
Door Insert Kit
Safety Bath Inc., makers of the walk-in bathtub since 1992, has recently rounded out its product line by offering the Door Insert Kit which can be inserted into a traditional bathtub to allow the user to convert an existing bathtub into a bathtub with a door. While it is common to cut out an opening in a bathtub to permit accessibility, the Door Insert Kit goes one step further by permitting accessible entrance without losing the use of the bathtub. The Door Insert Kit is revolutionizing the bathtub industry for aging baby boomers and others who want to remain in their home as long as possible. The Door Kit will provide accessibility without complete bathroom renovation. The Kit is available in a range of sizes to accommodate most bathtubs. The Door Insert Kit must be installed by a qualified installation expert.
Universal Safety Seat
A partner to the Door Insert Kit, the Custom Safety Seat can be installed together with the Door Insert Kit or as an independent component. The Custom Safety Seat is available in a number of custom sizes to fit virtually any bathtub. Constructed of high density polyethylene with a weight capacity of 350 lbs, the Safety Seat can be folded up when not in use and attaches securely to a wall mounted retaining bracket. The Custom Safety Seat allows the user to sit if tired while showering or can be used in placed of a bath chair within the bathtub.
Safety Bath Inc. has been changing the way people bathe by offering safe and accessible bathtub options. Safety Bath products are available factory direct as well as through a dealer network across North America. Due to the high demand for the Door Insert Kit and the Universal Safety Seat, Safety Bath Inc. is in search of qualified installers.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Have a Safe Bath!!
No more stepping over a bathtub wall to have a bath. From walk in bathtubs to door insert kits which convert your existing bathtub into a walk in bathtub, North American manufacturer, Safety Bath Inc. offers safe bathing solutions. As featured on Life & Leisure TV.
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