My husband (85) has Lewy Body Dementia, which has some of the physical characteristics of Parkinsons. The last time he got into the tub the getting in was fine, but getting him out was a whole different kettle of fish! I'm sure a video of that event would be funny, but it didn't seem so laughable at the time. Fortunately we have a 3/4 bath with a shower not in a tub, and that is what he has been using. But he has missed taking baths. Last week we had a walk-in tub installed, and this weekend was our trial runs (with plastic drip clothes still covering the newly grouted tile.) I think it is going to be a hit!
Does anyone else use a walk-in tub? Any tips and advice for newbies?
We all need to learn from each other and I loved reading the comments on this site.
1. I wish we'd installed this about 8 years ago! It is expensive, and the sooner you put it in, the more value you'll get out of that investment. I wish I'd put it in with spend-down money, but I'm glad we have it now.
2. Be super-sure you have everything you need before you get into the tub. You can't just hop out and get it. This is not an issue when I bathe my husband -- I can get anything forgotten for him. But when I take my own bath, if I've forgotten to put on the exhaust fan it is just going to stay off until I get out!
3. We have to time laundry and the dishwasher so they are not competing with a bath for hot water.
4. Pipes are considerably larger than for regular tubs. This makes the hand-held shower wand quite powerful. (Our son loves it!) Be sure the shower curtain is in place before using the shower wand, even just for a quick rinse of shampoo.
5. I dry my husband's upper body while the water is draining, and even put his top on if he feels cool. (Personally, with all the moisture the air jets put into the air I never feel cool in there.)
6. To use the tub you must be able to take a short step to get into it. There are also models for wheelchair users.
7. I find it MUCH easier to help hubby in this tub than I did in the walkin shower.
8. Get several quotes if you are considering a walkin tub. We found a huge variation.