I live alone, and have increasing difficulty getting out of the bathtub despite using a bar. I'm on SS and have Medicare and Medicaid, and can't afford a walk-in tub on my own.
I used a portable, extended shower chair while recuperating from total hip replacement. It worked very well - along with security bars. The extended type extends out side the tub a bit allowing you to sit, then scoot over until your in line with shower head.
A walk-in tub is not always the best option. They are bulky, they leak, they come in one piece and have to fit through all the doorways etc. and a lot of times, don't make for an easier transfer. I agree that a transfer tub bench might serve the purpose, but the best option that you might consider for the future is to convert to a shower stall. There are also other ways to modify the tub through a tub cut, bath lift chair, or special chairs that slide over and into the tub. All of that depends on your needs, medical conditions, finances, and how much room you have in your bathroom.
Have you discussed this with your local SHINE or medicaid benefits counselor ? You may need someone to come and assist you while bathing. Medicaide is paying an agency to send an woman to help my adw to shower for a an hour when needed. Talk with the social outreach person at your Council on Aging or area agency on again.
Is the place you're living in - your own home? If it is, you can look in your area for a walk-in tub and then hire someone to renovate your bathroom? I don't know how expensive this will cost you.
Another alternative is find a sit-on chair that you can sit on and slide from outside to inside your current bathtub. Google Transfer Bench Shower. I found some under $100.00 at Walmart and Amazon.
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There are many companies that will provide you the facility of walk in tubs along with the portable toilets.
You can search various online sources.
Another alternative is find a sit-on chair that you can sit on and slide from outside to inside your current bathtub. Google Transfer Bench Shower. I found some under $100.00 at Walmart and Amazon.