I am frequently asked by someone considering purchasing one of our automatic openers if they should order the light-weight and more affordable residential unit or the larger, more costly ADA compliant handicap door opener. The answer depends entirely on the application and how it will be used once installed on the automatic door.

Allow me to explain in more detail:

Almost everyone is aware of the ubiquitous walkin bathtubs available that enable a user to step over a low (4”-7”) curb to enter the bathing zone. Some people are also familiar with the more recently created wheelchair bathtubs which offer a large out-swing door that permits a physically able user to transfer from a wheelchair directly onto the seat of the tub. Almost no one has heard of the ADL Sliding door bathtub design now being offered by Best Bath Systems in Boise Idaho.

Sterling Stairlifts now has an outdoor curved stair chair available. This is a unique addition to the stair chair offering as very few manufacturers offer the option for curved stair lifts. The curved application has previously been limited to an interior stair chair only. There has always been a need for an exterior unit that will do more than go up and down a straight flight of stairs and no one that I am aware of has offered a curved exterior application until now.

Is there a need for a rapid drain system and are they worth the extra expense when purchasing a walk in tub?

As a dealer representing several different manufacturers of walkin bathtubs and handicapped bathtubs and who offers a range of walk in bathtub prices I am frequently asked about the cost and effectiveness of the rapid drain systems now being offered by some handicap  bathtub manufacturers.

The question arises out the fact that with all handicapped bathtubs for wheelchair users and regular walk in baths all require that the user remain in the tub until it is completely empty before opening the door to exit the bathing zone. The concerns seem to be:
1. How long will I have to sit and wait for the handicapped bath tub to empty?
2. Will I get cold while I am waiting?

As we age or sustain a disability or illness access into and around our homes becomes a consideration. Due to aging knees and backs and general reduction in mobility, steps and different levels can become an obstacle and sometimes even dangerous.

Finding a home without any stairs at all is not easy in most parts of the country and moving might not be a possibility. Therefore one has to consider the options available in creating a universal design home that will work for aging seniors as well as those living with a disability or illness. If you are an adult child of aging parents the possibility of injury to a parent as they age in place may be a serious concern. Following are some options starting at the least expensive to the most costly.

Most people who purchase handicap bathtubs opt for either the air jet package, the water jet option or the dual option. In my experience it is rare to encounter someone just purchasing the soaking tub. A faucet package is required and most people opt for the separate hand spray, hose and slide bar for added convenience and the option of having a walk in tub shower.

Walk in Showers and handicapped showers with no curb have become very popular to serve the needs of seniors looking to age safely in their homes as well as those living with a disability or catastrophic illness.

As one ages and becomes frailer, sustains a disability or develops a catastrophic illness the consideration falls to their care either by loved ones or caregivers.

In part three of my series I introduce you to Pedro a construction worker in his 30’s who fell from a scaffold while at work resulting in a spinal injury.

Part two of my series gives me the honor of introducing you to Matt an emergency room doctor in his 40’s who’s bicycle ride one fateful day changed his life forever when a car mistakenly knocked him off his bike resulting in a permanent spinal injury. Despite this he remained determined to return to work as soon as he possibly could.