Follow
Share

Mother has several medical challenges which includes hip surgery. She is not able to fully bathe because she cannot get into her bath tub. I am looking for available funding that can pay for bathroom modifications to make her bathroom safe.

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Find Care & Housing
1. Contact the Owingsville municipal offices and inquire if they receive HUD funds for homeowner repairs. I believe that generally the funds are allocated for emergency and health repairs, so you may have to make a case on those grounds if you apply.

It's my understanding that the funding is appropriated on an annual basis, based on a fiscal year ending June 30, so it may be awhile before any funds are actually available.

2. Christmas in April and Habitat for Humanity assist people with home repairs.

I believe that both are based on income qualification. If you have the funds to make the modifications yourself, you probably wouldn't qualify. I'm not sure how they would address the issue of someone living with her mother, i.e., whether your income would be factored in.

3. Some churches also provide these kinds of services; the denomination varies by location. You could call the United Way helpline, 211, to ask about this.

4. There are other alternatives to an immersion bathing. The seats that extend out beyond the tub are I think the safest, without making expensive modifications to the bathroom. Your mother would sit down on the chair, outside the tub, scoot over while holding onto either the seat or the side rails, then lift her legs (or you would lift them for her) into the tub.

Holding onto the side rails or a grab bar in the bath tub area, she would scoot over again so that she's closer to the center of the tub or where the spray comes out.

She won't have to stand at all and worry about losing her balance.

She can also hold onto the grab bar or chair railing to lean to one side and then the other to wash her bottom, or assuming that you're assisting, you could do that for her.

5. You could also use the disposable washing clothes if it's easier, or for partial cleanups between baths.

6. Walgreens carries a No Rinse shampoo and body wash which could be used inbetween baths.

7. If it's possible, throw some towels into the dryer (if you have one) so they'll be nice and warm when you wrap her after her bath. It's easy for older folks to get cold after bathing, especially in the wintertime.

8. If you're thinking of one of the smaller walk in tubs, you're looking at more extensive modifications, and therefore more cost. It's a good idea to consider the alternatives if you're not able to afford the modifications yourself or can't get funding.

There was a post on this subject just last week, and sometime before that Jude also posted on this issue. I wasn't able to locate either through the search function.

9. These are hits from a search for "bathroom modifications" (including your post!) - they may be of help. I haven't read all of them but some may address the issue of funding.

https://www.agingcare.com/search.aspx?searchterm=bathroom+modification

These are additional hits for "bathroom remodel":
https://www.agingcare.com/search.aspx?searchterm=bathroom+remodel

10. If you're not able to get assistance to fund a major remodel, at least try to get grab bars installed and the bath extension chair for safe access.

11. Lastly, depending on the extent and cost, you might want to consider an equity loan if you're not able to get free assistance. Some of the assistive remodeling and aging in place contractors may offer that in conjunction with their services.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter