The Tub King Blog - Tub Talk: Handicapped

By Kerry Knight

Happy New Year (Photo credit: James Marvin Phelps)

This is the time of year where most people are making New Years resolutions. Where we try and get back on track and do something they think is important to them personally.

In speaking to my mother about New Year resolutions, I was somewhat surprised at her one great hope for 2014. It wasn't money, possessions, recognition, losing weight, or any other typical response. It also wasn't some grandiose wish of world peace or a cure for cancer. It was simple, yet poignant. "I want to be able to enjoy my family with the little time I have remaining."

Photo Credit: tubking.com

You see, mom is in her 80s, with many of the same complications that come with aging. She has fallen more times than I can remember, due to vertigo, weak knees, and onset dementia. She is afraid to try and bathe herself for fear of falling again. She is terrified of finding herself lying on the bathroom floor with none of her love ones around. She refuses to come and live with any of her children. She is adamant about not wanting to be a bother. She is also resistant when discussing assisted living and being attended to by strangers. "I don't want a stranger touching me, especially bathing me!" She so wants to be independent, but that seems to be an impossible dream under the circumstances. Or is it?

One evening while watching late night television she saw a commercial advertising the new Walk-in Tub. She told me about it the next day, and so I went online to learn about it. This seemed like the perfect solution. She could maintain her independence, bathing herself. She would be able to open the door of the tub, sit down, latch the door and control everything from the sitting position. The low entryway meant she could get into and out of the tub with no fear of falling due to the slip resistant seat and floor of the tub. The grab bar on the inside was a big help along with being able to sit while bathing. Standing for any length of time is a problem for her. The shower with the hand held shower wane, the drain release, the faucet handles and all the controls were within easy reach. She could even get hydrotherapy and whirlpool to help with her many medical conditions. The warm, bubbling and swirling water could really help with her aching muscles and joints. The entire tub is compact and water tight due to the door and seal. I was getting excited now. The Walk-in Tub could take the place of her old tub and it was perfectly safe.

The children have decided that this was a small price to pay for making Mom's New Year's wish come true. Now, with the years she has remaining, she can enjoy her children and grandchildren. And we can have the peace of mind that Mom is safe and has renewed self esteem in being able to care for herself in the bath. It's great being able to repay Mom for all the years she has taken care of us.

In this article, I have shared with you my personal story of making my mothers wish come true. The wish for greater independence, freedom from the fear of falling in the bathroom and being able to enjoy her children more without being a burden to them. If you found this article useful or enjoyable, please pass it on to your friends and neighbors. If you have a comment leave it in the comment section below. If you have a question feel free to contact me at the number or email address listed below. Happy New Year to you and yours!

Until next time, stay stress free.

Alan & Kerry Knight are the owners of Tub King, Inc and Senior Bathtub.com in Jacksonville Florida. Together they have many years of experience in the antique and senior bathtub industries. Their companies not only provide superior products they are also award winners, winning the best of Jacksonville Chamber Award three years running. If you would like to contact them call (800)409-3375 or (800) 843-4231 or email them at alan@tubking.com.

Related articles

I recently heard a heartbreaking story about a senior, just getting over a medical procedure, who was attempting to get into a garden tub. As you know, this typically requires stepping down into the huge tub from the floor level. Because of her

weakened condition from the operation, she was not as agile as usual, and slipped on the top edge of the tub, falling into a tub only half full of water. The legs were bruised and badly scraped, but more importantly there was head trauma. She was eventually able to crawl out of the tub and crawl across the floor toward the bedroom. She was not able to reach the phone or life alert. The next morning she was found by her daughter, curled up on the floor. She had lost blood from the cuts, and she was shivering from the cold. Luckily, she would survive.

But what about next time. Her recovery from surgery would now take much, much longer, and the pain and discomfort from the new accident would make her wonder if life was worth living. This sad story could be retold many times over, from so many that have faced similar accidents. It doesn't have to happen. There is a solution.

The Walk In Tub was designed to protect against accidents like this. It stands on level ground as a free standing tub . There is a sturdy door where one can enter and sit down. The threshold while walking in is just a few inches. The seat is ADA compliant for comfort and ease in rising and sitting. The interior grab bar takes the pressure off the back and knees when rising. There is no fear of falling because the tub is compact and protective on all sides. The slip resistant floor and seat further insure the safety of the tub.

Once inside, you can enjoy the warm water as a soaking bath, with a hand held shower sprayer just fingertips away. Or, if you really want to relax just press a button to engage the air jetted therapeutic bubbles that soothe every inch of the body.

Then, turn on the water jets for a stimulating massage, as the inline heater keeps the water warm for a long, invigorating soak.

Remember this. Fear of falling is the number one concern for seniors. So many suffer with vertigo, lightheadedness, and a general lack of balance. This makes for an accident just waiting to happen. Falling is one fear that we can eliminate in the bathroom. Many grown children are realizing how important this can be for their parents, and they are teaming with other siblings to make the surprise purchase for their parents. No greater way to say, "I love you."

In this article, I have talked about how a walk-in tub can save your life. Walk in tubs are designed to prevent accidents and keep the bather safe from the injury of slips and falls. This can eliminate head injuries bruises and cuts that often accompany a fall in the bathtub. I hope you found this article useful. If so, pass it along to your friends and co-workers. If you have a comment, enter it below. I am glad I had the chance to share this information with you.

Until next time, stay stress free.

Alan & Kerry Knight are the owners of Tub King, Inc and Senior Bathtub.com in Jacksonville Florida. Together they have many years of experience in the antique and senior bathtub industries. Their companies not only provide superior products they are also award winners, winning the best of Jacksonville Chamber Award three years running. If you would like to contact them call (800) 409-3375 or (800) 843-4231 or email them at alan@tubking.com.

Mom's Wish for the New Year

Walk-in Tubs Can Save Lives

Contributors