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marylrudd Asked October 2012

My mom has a walker, but can not get in or out of the tub. Is there financial help to put in a walk in tub?

malloryg8r Mar 2015
In order to get the welfare office to pay anything towards your care, you must meet their income guidelines, key in these is no more than $2,000 money in the bank. Very few people are that broke. It may be more to your advantage to budget for your needs starting right now--cancel the cable bill, skip the big screen TV, etc and put your physical needs first.

xxxxxxxx Mar 2015
Eddie, do you live alone? There are modifications that can be made to a bathroom other than installing a walk in bathtub.

You can install grab bars at key locations, have someone help you get into the tub, noting where you reach and install bars at those locations. Avoid the suction cup ones in favor of the ones that screw securely onto the wall.

Put a shower chair in your tub to sit on. A good one extends outside of the tub and allows you to "skootch" over lifting the legs one at a time over the edge of the tub. Also you should have a hand held shower massage head that is on an adjustable bar so that you can reach it sitting down.

If you can afford it, hiring a bath aide is advised. If you are a veteran, contact the VA to see what might be available for you.

What does your doctor say about your health issues? It isn't necessarily normal to ache and fall down. You may have a need for medication that will ease some of the symptoms.

Now is the time to choose someone (usually, but not limited to a family member) to hold your Power of Attorney for financial and health. That person will act on your behalf, making decisions when you can't. You might want to consult with a lawyer or legal aid. You will need a will if you don't have one, and a Living Will, which is different.

If you are finding it hard to live alone, and you would like more assistance, you might consider moving to an Independent Living facility or an Assisted Living facility.

If you have any more questions, please don't hesitate to ask. Sometimes it gets slow around here and you might not get an immediate response, but we all are here to share and help where we can.

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eddieg Mar 2015
does this go on forever?

eddieg Mar 2015
don't understand

eddieg Mar 2015
what's the question?

eddieg Mar 2015
I almost have gone down several times in the shower. I have gone down several times outside. Twice in one day two weeks ago.

freqflyer Mar 2015
Ok, eddieg, I now see your third answer about a walk-in tub. I really doubt there is any government program that will help a homeowner totally pay to remodel their bathroom at the taxpayer expense.

freqflyer Mar 2015
eddieg, please start your question as a *new* question so that others can see it as it doesn't sound like it is related to the subject of a walk-in tub.

eddieg Mar 2015
walk-in would be a huge help.

eddieg Mar 2015
several problems. mobility and mental.

eddieg Mar 2015
70 trouble with hips and shoulders, help

jeannegibbs Oct 2012
Is your mom on Medicaid, or eligible to apply for it? The Elderly Waiver portion of Medicaid (for people who are still at home) covers some home modification.

We absolutely love our walk-in tub. They are expensive though!

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