How did we get assistance for converting a tub to a walk in shower/tub for my aging parents?

Vespino, until you make a decision, one thing that might help is a tub chair that extends out over the tub. Two legs fit within the tub but the other two extend out onto the bathroom floor.

Mom would sit down outside the tub, inch over closer to the tub, lift one leg at a time while holding onto the chair arm or a grab bar, then left the other leg into the tub, and scoot over to position herself near a handheld shower (which you'd want to add if you don't have one) so someone can help with the shower while she sits.

It takes awhile to get the shower curtain positioned right so that water doesn't spill out, so there is some adjustment, but Mom would not have to stand for the full shower. And when she does, she can sit right back down on the chair.

What we have found works very well is a bath lift. The walk in tubs look great, but for resale value on my mom's home, we didn't think it was a good idea. We paid about $500 or so for a Bellavita brand bath lift... not cheap, but it is cheaper than the walk in tubs. There are youtube videos and also other manufacturers. Just google "bath lifts" and it you'll find info. Good luck and I hope you find something that will work for yall.

Our home came with one of those big walk in showers with a seat Fred, and it was very handy with Dad.We like it to!

Another thing to think about, from a re-sale of your home point of view, if you had one of those walk-in tubs that you see Pat Boone advertising, when you are ready to sell your home you might have to change back to a regular tub which would be another added expense. Now, if you already live in a retirement community, it wouldn't be that much of an issue.

What a lot of people like are the walk-in showers that have a built in seat. That is my future plan for my hall bathroom.... the bathroom needs major repair so I might as well toss the tub and do a walk-in shower :)

If you can't find the money for a tub conversion, google "tub cut out" and you can see how you can retrofit a regular bath tub into a step in tub. My mom has that in her independent living facility. We have a bench that she sits on and we've added a handheld shower head that fits on the tub faucet. You can buy a kit for a few hundred dollars. It works great - mom just has to step up about 3" to get in the tub.

Here are previous threads (numerous) on this same question you just asked:

https://www.agingcare.com/search.aspx?searchterm=walk+in+tubs

My advice is don't bother.

You (or a caregiver) can so easily give her a very adequate sponge bath right by the kitchen sink. It's not like they're playing in the mud, after all. Mom is sponge-bathed weekly . . . and sponge bath really isn't an adequate description.

She's thoroughly washed with soapy wash cloths, one to wash, one to rinse. The caretaker shampoos her hair with a very wet washcloth, shampoo and a fluffy turkish towel around her neck and shoulders. She's able to stand up so her private parts can be thoroughly cleaned; lotioned and powdered all over.

She'd be no cleaner after insisting she climb into the shower, endure the spray that, I'll tell you right now, won't ever be the right temperature; and worry her little self that she's going to fall on the way in and out.

Contact the companies that sell these types of walk-in-tubs and ask them what type of financial programs they offer.

I know Medicare won't pay or contribute to the cost unless said tub/shower be considered a 100% absolute medical necessity. You could submit a claim after the tub/shower is installed, but it is rare for Medicare to pay.

Looking for information on both. Financial aide, plus on construction of this project

Are you seeking construction/retrofitting advice or financial assistance?