Advertising for walk in bathtubs often depicts relacing home spas that provide relief from aging joints, back pains and athritis. Seniors planning to age in their own homes find this tubs particularly appealing. Comparing bathtub features helps evaluate claims and increases the potential of finding the best bathing option for each unique household.
Controls
Jet controls are easiest to use if they are uncomplicated to operate and have a highly visible, large contrasting numbers and settings. Controls should be located where they do not interfere with access to the door or bathing activities. They also need to be within reach of the seated bathers and from the outside of the tub.
Faucets controlled by a single lever are easier for people with reduced gripping strength or limited finger dexteriry to use than separate rotating controls for hhot and cold water. IF separate rotating controls are the only available option, long blade handles take less effort to grasp and twist. Recessed or low profile controls, faucets and retractable showerheads are less likely to stick out and snag clothing or contact body parts.
Maintenance
Walkin bathtubs require more maintenance than non-jetted bathtubs and about the same as jetted or whirlpool baths. A removable panel on the side of most tubs allows access for servicing mechanical parts, which are usually lcoated under the seat. This panel should be easy to remove and located within reach without bending and stooping. Pipes can harbor bacteria and pathogens that accumulate from standing water, soaps and oils that remain in the pipes hwne tub is not in use.
Some manufactureres recommend using diluted bleach solution to remove bacteria growth in the pipes, others have develop pipeless bathtubs. Manufacturers may also recommend cleaning tub surfaces with plain water and applying paste wax.
Warranties
Most walk-in bathtubs have one or more warranties. Some are lifetime warranties to the original owner. Others are for a specific time with extended warranties available for purchase.
Many companies advertising walk-in tubs for seniors are not the manufacturer, so it is important to determine the source, duration and coverage of the warranty. Statesment like, “we provide a lifetime warranty to the original owner. Parts warranted by others,” raise questions about hte manufacturer and warranty on each component.
Bathtubs manufactured outside of North America must be retrofitted to meet U.S. plumbing and electrical codes and manufacturing standards. Finding replacement parts for these tubs could be difficult.
See Full Source : http://comfortwalkintubs.com/resources/senior-home-map-guide-aging-in-place/
The Department of Veterans Affairs is providing grants to help veterans with disability in making necessary home modifications that will make their domicile better adapted to their situation. Under this program, installation of walk in tubs is specifically included in the chargeable improvement and structural alteration.
VA has three main grant programs to assist disabled veterans and servicemembers with necessary home
modifications.
What Is a Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant?
The SAH Grant is designed to help provide a barrier-free living environment that affords the individual a level of
independent living they may not otherwise enjoy, such as creating a wheelchair accessible home. Veterans
and servicemembers with specific service-connected disabilities may be entitled to a grant for the purpose of
constructing or modifying a home to meet their adaptive needs. This grant is currently limited to $63,780.
The SAH grant is available to veterans who are and servicemembers who will be entitled to disability
compensation for permanent and total disability due to:
• Loss or loss of use of both lower extremities, such as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces,
crutches, canes, or a wheelchair, or
• Blindness in both eyes, having only light perception, plus loss or loss of use of one lower extremity, or
• Loss or loss of use of one lower extremity together with (1) residuals of organic disease or injury, or (2) the
loss or loss of use of one upper extremity, which so affects the functions of balance or propulsion as to
preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair or,
• Loss or loss of use of both upper extremities such as to preclude use of the arms at or above the elbow, or
• A severe burn injury (as so determined)
What Is a Special Home Adaptation (SHA) Grant?
The SHA grant is for modifying an existing home to meet adaptive needs, such as assistance with mobility
throughout the home. Veterans and servicemembers with specific service-connected disabilities may be
entitled to this type of grant. The grant is currently limited to $12,756. A temporary grant may be available to
veterans and servicemembers who are/will be temporarily residing in a home owned by a family member.
The SHA grant is available to veterans who are and servicemembers who will be entitled to disability
compensation for permanent and total disability due to:
• Blindness in both eyes with 5/200 visual acuity or less or,
• The anatomical loss or loss of use of both hands or extremities below the elbow, or
• A severe burn injury (as so determined).
What Is a Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) Grant?
Under the HISA program, veterans may receive assistance for any home improvement necessary for the
continuation of treatment or for disability access to the home and essential lavatory and sanitary facilities. A
HISA grant is available to veterans who have received a medical determination indicating that improvements
and structural alterations are necessary or appropriate for the effective and economical treatment of their
disability. A veteran may receive both a HISA grant and either a SHA or SAH grant.
The HISA program is available for both service-connected veterans and non service-connected veterans.
• Home improvement benefits up to $4,100 may be provided to service-connected veterans.
• Home improvement benefits up to $1,200 may be provided to nonservice-connected veterans.
How Can You Apply?
You can apply for the SAH and SHA grants by completing VA Form 26-4555, Veterans Application in Acquiring
Specially Adapted Housing or Special Home Adaptation Grant, and submitting it to your local VA regional office.
You can apply for a HISA grant by completed VA Form 10-0103, Veterans Application for Assistance in
Acquiring Home Improvement and Structural Alterations, and submitting it to your local VA medical center
For More Information, Call Toll-Free 1-800-827-1000
or Visit Our Web Site at http://www.homeloans.va.gov/sah.htm or www.va.gov.
Read More About this Grant:
The Need for a Walk in Shower
One of the most dangerous place in the house is the bathroom. This is due to the danger of slipping in a very slippery wet floor surface. Bathrooms have also limited handholds that can be use for support. A bathing solution is needed due to the growing aging population and the increasing number of disabled individuals. Traditional bath fixtures can not answer for special needs of these type of residents. A relatively new fixture design, the curbless shower, is extremely versatile and can be considered “universal”. These showers feature a very low or no threshold at all so users may easily walk or roll into the unit. Curbless showers also may have a built-in seat, a hand-held
Curbless (Walk in) shower installation guide:
Walk in Tubs & Showers
Tub To Shower Service
Comfort Walk in Tubs converts existing bathtubs into a walk in shower using the revolutionary TubCut Technology.
Gel Coat Walk in Tubs
We offer a variety of the highest quality triple gel coat finished walk in tubs that is sure to fit your specific needs.
Two Seater Walk in Tubs
Best for couples who want to bathe together in luxury and safety. Finally, a great tub for bathing together in luxurious safety.
Acrylic Walk in Tubs
We offer Premium Acrylic Walk in Tubs that have everything you could possibly desire at the best possible prices.
Wheelchair Walk in Tubs
Perfect for a person with mobility issue or a handicapped person. Easy Wheelchair Slide In Simply Sit and Pivot.
Walk in Showers
Complete handicap accessible shower unit kits. No more threshold issues for the wheelchair bound..
Compact Walk In Tubs
Our Compact walk in tub models are small in sizes yet beautiful. Compact walk in tub model is a free standing walk in tub that is enclosed on three sides
Oversized Walk In Tubs
We offer large walk in tubs for deep soaking experience.
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