Remove The Shower Clutter
Having to sort through several bottles and items while showering isnt an ideal situation for your loved one. An elder person can slip and fall while trying to sort through all these items in the bathroom. Dont leave multiple shampoo bottles, conditioners, soaps, and sponges in your bathroom.
Make sure you remove all the shower clutter to make your bathroom elder-safe. Keep only what the senior person needs in the shower and place them in a place that is easily reachable.
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Government Programs And Grants
The U.S. government offers some non-Medicaid assistance programs to help seniors with home modifications. One such grant is the Property Improvement Loan from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. This program makes it easier for homeowners to secure loans for home improvement projects and modifications, such as installing a walk-in shower. Rather than directly loaning the funds to the homeowner, HUD insures loans given out by approved lenders, making it easier for homeowners to access the loans they need to improve their properties. The maximum loan amount is $25,000, which is more than enough to cover the cost of a walk-in shower. To access this program, youll need to work with a HUD-approved lender. You can find approved lenders using the HUD Lender List Search.
Another option for seniors who live in rural areas is the Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants program from the U.S. Department of Agriculture . Also referred to as the Section 504 Home Repair program, this grant helps low-income adults in rural areas finance home improvement projects to remove health and safety hazards. The program offers both loans, which do need to be repaid, and grants, which do not. You can learn more about eligibility and how to apply on the USDA Rural Development website.
Financial Assistance For Walk
A walk-in showers cost can vary dramatically depending on the size, materials used, and included features. The most basic models of walk-in showers without any special features range in price from $800 to $2,500. But larger or more high-end models can be quite costly, with prices ranging from $4,200 to $8,500, according to Home Advisor. These costs include labor and installation, so prices can also fluctuate based on location and average labor costs in your area.
Walk-in showers are sometimes too expensive for seniors to pay for entirely out of pocket. And, many are surprised to learn that Medicare does not cover walk-in showers or any other home modification. However, there are other financial assistance options available for walk-in showers.
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All You Need To Know About Walk
With aging comes serious concerns of accessibility in the home especially the bathroom. More than three million seniors are treated for falls each year, and steps are one of the top home hazards that contribute to falls. Stepping into a shower or bathtub can be one of the riskiest challenges that seniors must face in their daily lives.
While walk-in tubs are an option for some, those who cant step into or transfer to a tub, or otherwise wish to bathe independently from a wheelchair, must seek a walk-in shower. These showers may have little or no curb at the bottom, making it possible to step right in without having to step over the side of a tub.
Choosing The Right Walk
Finding the right walk-in shower for your personal needs can be a confusing process. While the many options available for walk-in showers make for a customizable experience, it also means that there are many decisions to make and features to consider. Below, we walk you through the steps of selecting the best walk-in shower for your situation.
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Cost And Insurance Coverage
Expenses for walk-in showers vary based on the exact model you choose and the installation methods required. You can expect to pay $3,500 to $15,000 for a walk-in shower, according to Home Guide.
Health insurance doesnt cover the installation of a walk-in shower, says Archie, even if its necessary due to a medical condition. Original Medicare doesnt consider it durable medical equipment and, therefore, wont cover the costs, either.
Experience The KOHLER® Walk-In Bathtub
If getting in and out of the bathtub has become a chore, choose a walk-in tub designed for ease of use and step into a new kind of bathing experience.
However, some long-term care insurance policies offer coverage for home modifications that keep you at home and not in a facility, Archie notes. Check with your insurance provider to see if there are any coverage options included in your policy.
Some states have a home and community-based services waiver thats designed to help seniors remain in their homes as they age and receive care. These waivers can sometimes be used to make home modifications, including walk-in shower installation.
Shower Enclosure With A Fold
Here is another good idea for a small walk-in shower with a bench. This teak bench folds up to the wall when not in use to preserve the space in the shower.
In addition, notice the chrome safety rails which help to prevent falls. This fold down seat would be perfect for a person who needs some support in the shower stall without the need for a full shower seat.
Walk-In Shower With Two Showerheads
If you have a large shower, you have more options for seating. This shower enclosure uses a hexagonal floor tile with subway tile walls and bench seating.
This shower has the luxury of two shower heads, one near the bench and one on the other side. The bathroom has a historic style with black accents for the fixtures and one the glass doors.
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What Is A Walk
Walk-in showers either feature a shallow threshold or have an entrance thats flush with the bathroom floor. A properly-installed walk-in shower with flexible flanges or a linear drain keeps the bathroom floor from getting wet.
Lesson
If you have mobility issues or are planning for years to come, there are walk-in shower designs that comply with ADA safety regulations. These showers are at least 36 inches by 36 inches with an attached seat. Many people find this size too restricting while seated, and it wont accommodate a roll-in shower chair. Consider a more spacious walk-in shower for effortless movement in the stall.
Pros And Cons Of Walk
Walk-in showers are a great way to prevent slipping and falling, and they can add a beautiful ambiance to the bathroom. However, you should carefully consider both negative and positive aspects of a walk-in shower before deciding to buy one.
Walk-in Shower Benefits
- Open concept makes the bathroom look larger.
- Ease of entering and exiting the shower.
- Walk-in showers for seniors are a solution for maintaining independence.
- The latest walk-in showers are eco-friendly.
- Accessible to those with mobility issues.
- Multispray nozzles and wall jets create a relaxing massage, alleviating muscle and joint pain.
- Walk-in showers have many of the best bathroom safety features.
- Design options are endless, depending on your budget.
Walk-in Shower Problems
- You may need to install a more powerful exhaust fan.
- Privacy can be an issue.
- Replace grout every other year for optimum maintenance.
- Improper design or installation can cause water pooling on the bathroom floor.
- Could affect the home resale value if you dont have a separate full bathroom or a tub in the room.
- You will get wet while bathing children.
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Curtains Vs Glass Shower Doors
The general consensus is that shower units with a glass door are safer for senior citizens than ones with a curtain.
But, I say that it all depends on the size of the shower, the physical needs of the elderly person using the shower and of course, your budget.
Modern shower doors can also be made of laminated glass or laminated tempered glass. This safety glass product is formed by adhering two sheets of glass to a central sheet of transparent vinyl. The result is a panel that remains intact even if the glass gets broken. Laminated glass or laminated tempered glass is used when a homeowner has special safety concerns for a shower door.
Here are issues to consider when deciding between shower curtains or glass shower doors.
What Features Should I Look For In My Walk
There are several different features available, depending on what you need. We recommend checking out:
- What safety features are like. At the very least, its a good idea to get a model with grab bars, to help steady seniors once theyre in. Other helpful safety options include anti-scald faucets, easy touch controls, non-slip bases, and shelves that double as places to lean
- The step height. Most walk-in showers offer a step height of 3 or less you want to be sure its easy enough to step over.
- What storage options there are. Adding storage to a shower enclosure maximizes the use of space in your bathroom, and also makes it easy to keep everything you need close at hand.
- Whether you can add a seat. A seat is a great addition for any senior, giving them a place to rest if they need to. Some models come with fold-down seats or seats built into the base, while others offer free-standing models.
- Your choice of faucet and control options. Some places give you the choice of different sizes and types of faucet so you can customize your shower experience to your liking.
- The design options. Check out the manufacturers design choices. What finishes can you get on the walls? What kind of door and screen options are there? How about the metal finishes?
- What kind of warranty you get. A walk-in shower is an investment, so you want to be sure youre covered in case something goes wrong.
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Aging & Accessibility Solutions
Re-Baths aging & accessibility products are designed for peace of mind, especially for people with limited mobility and mature adults who wish to maintain independence in their own home. From low threshold shower bases and artfully designed walk-in tubs to thoughtful accessories such as grab bars and shower benches, Re-Bath offers a wide assortment of products that are as safe as they are stunning.
Slip Resistant Technology
Re-Baths patented DuraGard slip resistant technology provides sure footing in the shower or bath to help you lower the risk of accidental injury in the bathroom.
ADA Compliant
An ADA-compliant bathroom remodel can make it possible to live independently and safely in your home.
Security With Style
With Re-Bath, adding safety doesnt mean you have to sacrifice style. Our remodels leave you with a space thats both safe and beautifully designed.
Hassle-Free Process
Our quality materials, quick installation and long-term warranties make it easy to turn your existing bathroom into a comfortable, safe space.
Shower Safety Tips For The Elderly
Showers dont have to be a scary place for seniors. Some may require some construction and remodeling while others will just need a few tweaks to make them safer.
The important thing to remember is to make them as safe as possible.
As an occupational therapist I used to perform home assessments regularly.
The physical therapist and I would go to the patients home with them to see if they had any mobility issues and other problems throughout their home including the bathroom.
Here are a few tips on shower safety features that I used to give my patients when I performed their home assessment.
Some of the recommendations require home modifications, such as walk in showers and installing grab bars.
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So Which Shower Option Is Best For You
When deciding which option is best, consider your specific challenges closely.
If you are trying to get an elderly person you love to take a shower, then adding equipment to the existing bathroom might work. Equipment options like shower chairs, shower transfer benches, and tub rails increase safety and help people with limited mobility issues.
A more elaborate solution may be needed for people who are permanently and totally disabled. The best shower option for the disabled is usually a custom shower or wet room. But, yes, these are also the more expensive option.
If you are on a budget or space and money is tight, consider replacing just the shower with a walk-in shower stall.
Dont forget to look outside the bathroom for solutions to your showering problem. A portable shower in the garage might work for you too.
Regardless, you know your situation better than I do. But, hopefully, Ive given you some new options to think about. Dont forget to discuss this with your doctor or healthcare professional for their ideas too!
Do you have another shower option for the disabled that I havent considered? Tell me all about it in the comments below. OH! Please share this on your favorite social media if you found it helpful!
The 6 Best Shower Chairs And Benches For The Elderly
Some shower chairs could better serve your demands than others.
Do you need a shower stool to sit on while taking a bath? Or a complete transfer system to assist you at every turn of the journey? Do you frequently travel and require a chair to carry along?
From my experience, what shower chair I need depends on the answers to these queries.
Here are 6 of the best shower chairs on the market, together with their key features and pros and cons, to assist you in choosing the finest shower chair for your needs:
- Others complain about their subpar customer service.
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Durabath Natural Stone Wall Surrounds
Re-Bath now offers an incredible line of natural stone, harvested straight from 3,000-year-old rock quarries across the globe. Each DuraBath Natural Stone is cut and reinforced at the same time, allowing us to create large panels for a simpler installation and a seamless appearance.
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Crema Marfil Natural Stone
Why Install A Walk
At Senior Safe Solutions, we understand the challenges of bathing and showering with mobility issues, and its our number one motivator to ensure you can shower with peace of mind. We offer both low-step and barrier-free shower options to best suit your needs, whether you have trouble stepping over barriers or need to roll in with a wheelchair.
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Tips For Choosing A Walk
Below you can find our top tips to keep in mind when choosing a walk-in shower design.
We Handle Everything A Professional Service From Start To Finish
1. Free no-obligation home survey
One of our mobility bathing specialists will help you identify your needs and provide a fixed price for peace of mind
2. Fully-fitted service
We look after everything from the first design to installation, including all plumbing and electrics. You just have to sit back and relax.
3. Leaving no mess behind
Our installation team will ensure that your old bath or shower is removed quickly and with the minimum of fuss and disruption.
4. No-quibble product warranty
Our products are of the highest quality, for added peace of mind we offer a comprehensive Product warranty of up to 15 years.
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Walk In Showers For The Elderly
Having a walk-in shower installed is a great way of making the bathroom safer to use and avoiding unnecessary falls as we age. A walk-in shower is a practical bathing solution that offer easy access and are low maintenance. Walk in showers come in a range of styles and sizes and can be designed into almost every bathroom environment meaning you can have both style and safety.
A walk-in shower eliminates the requirement for you to step over a bath side or up and into a raised shower tray. A walk-in shower can also have a built in shower seat consists and this combined with the anti-slip floor is a great way of ensuring a safe bathing solution.
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