Safety Bath?… I’m Confused

Walk in bathtubs are everywhere on the internet. The walk in bathtub concept is relatively new. In 1992, when the concept first began, they were impossible to find, however, since that time the concept has grown exponentially as have the number of companies offering them online.

A walk in bathtub is a bathtub with a door that allows accessible bathtub entrance. There are a variety of styles, prices and manufacturers. Walk in bathtubs have become a popular item with seniors and baby boomers alike. Installed in private homes, retirement residences, assisted living facilities or long term care facilities, the walk in bathtub provides safe and comfortable bathing for those who want to remain independent. Although somewhat costly, the price of a walk in bathtub is less than what it might cost to stay in a care home for a month or two.

Because the walk in bathtub is a relative new comer to the market, many people have not even heard of such an item and those who have are not sure what to call them. Arising from the fact that a walk in bathtub is a safety item, many have come to calling a walk in bathtub “safety bath”. The name “Safety Bath” has come to refer to any type of walk in bathtub just as tissues have become known as Kleenex, adhesive bandages are commonly called Band Aids and snow machines are Skidoos.

Interestingly enough, the name Safety Bath, though synonymous with the walk in bathtub, is the name of the company that originated the walk in bathtub. That company began in Saskatchewan, Canada in 1992 when the inventor of the walk in bathtub, Ladimer Kowalchuk built such a tub for his dad who could not use a regular bathtub.

While other companies use the name with abandon, and it has become generic through suggestion, there is really only one true Safety Bath and that is this one.

Confused? … not any more.

How to Find Financial Assistance for your Walk in Bathtub Purchase

• 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