Walk-in tub

I am a stroke survivor unable to bend beyond my waist and cannot raise unassisted from the floor. Being on a limited income, has any do-it-your-seller figured out an economical way to convert a tub to a walk-in without bells and whistles? Some things just need to be submerged to feel clean. Lol

  4 answers
  • Roxaneg Roxaneg on Oct 20, 2017

    A number of companies sell a DIY conversion kit which is doable for fiberglass, cast iron, steel, and acrylic tubs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIGmd4sREUw A handy person could probably do the conversion with the right tools.


    Conversion kits

    https://www.ameriglide.com/self-install-conversion-kit.htm

    http://convertabath.com/diy-conversion-kit/#toggle-id-3


  • 27524803 27524803 on Oct 20, 2017

    The main thing about the walk in tub is the SEAL around the door... and the commercial walk in tubs are engineered not to leak... I don't you want to have someone "do it yourself" on this one. Call around to some of the companies that sell and install these tubs... there may be a more basic model available or one that is last years model, or a floor model that is cheaper

  • Not without a bunch of construction unfortunately. Every state and area has services available for those that need help around the house for things like this, just finding it is sometimes the hard part. Start with your local social security office. In the interim, have someone get you a good shower chair so you do not fall until you can get a walk in tub installed. Here is the link for Department of Aging and Adult Services for California. Whatever state you live in will have something similar.


    https://www.aging.ca.gov/

    • Sharon Sharon on Oct 21, 2017

      I am a state caregiver that works for Senior & Disabled Services which is a division of Dept. of Health and Human Services. There are no cheap walk-in tubs unfortunately. I usually install a shower transfer bench and a hand-held shower for clients. The benches are better because you sit down outside the tub and then swing your legs into the tub or have someone lift them for you into the tub.... less likelyhood of falling. Then with the hand-held you can shower all your parts or have someone assist you.

      If you are low-income you would call the office and ask for an appointment to be assessed for services. The other alternative is to have the hospital social worker, the occupational therapist or home health make a call for you which is faster cause there is usually a wait period due to high demand.

      If you just got home from the hospital, ask your doctor about home health which is a division of hospital services that comes into the home to ensure your health after hospitalization. Your insurance usually pays for this.

      If you can't afford a shower bench, most towns I've lived in have a medical equipment loan program. I actually prefer the older transfer benches to the new white plastic ones. Ask a local health provider or home health. If you are on medicare they are covered.

      As far as immersing in water, I understand, I love water, and I take a client to our local pool that has a lift for her to get in and out of the plunge hot pool. If you are of Medicare age, check to see if your insurance has Fit & Silver that covers the cost of your gym membership.

  • Linda Vee Linda Vee on Oct 21, 2017

    I have progressive MS and often have days I can't get into the tub to soak. Before we purchased a bidet, I bought a sitz bathtub from Walmart for around $15 that allowed me to soak those areas. I used it for over 2 years and had good results.