Hi
My husband is new.y diagnosed! We have a very old bathroom that needs replacing. We have been looking at walk in baths. But I really need advice on whether this is a good idea, in the later stages.
I am concerned about whether he will be able to to,cope,with even a low step in. Any other issues with this?
Thank you
Can anyone help please?
I have a walk in shower that is a standard shower width and twice as long with shower curtain. This layout leaves plenty of room for showering, in addition has strong uprights to hold onto. I found a bath difficult to manage
Welcome to the forum.
I’m sure you will get lots of advice from people affected by Parkinson’s here about their experiences with walk in baths.
You might also want to see if you can speak to an Occupational therapists through your healthcare team. Occupational therapy can help people with Parkinson’s continue to carry out everyday activities when they become difficult to do. You might find the information on our website about Occupational therapy helpful.
Warm regards,
Katie
Parkinson’s UK moderation team
Hello wendyredshoes, I hope you and your husband are managing these early days following diagnosis - it can be an overwhelming time.
I note you have been looking at walk in baths and apologies if I am stating the obvious but you’ll be amazed how many don’t realise - you have to get in and close the door before running the water and need to empty the bath of water before opening the door after bathing. Like everything if it works it has a place but I personally think there are better options. My own choice was for a wet room and have never regretted it. I have a diverter screen so most of the water is contained within the shower area. Should I need assistance in the future I will get some freestanding half screens for the carer to stand behind and the control is positioned so that he/she can use it if I’m not able. If you do opt for this option make sure the contractor knows what they are doing if the shower gradient is wrong there can be all sorts of problems!
This is mine in case you’ve not seen one. There is a lot of different ways to get in/out of the bath using a range of equipment but what you need to think about is the simplest and safest way taking into account future need. In my personal opinion that is a wet room but I accept loss of the bath may be an option. Maybe consider getting bath and appropriate bathing aids - consult an OT or specialist dealer as an interim measure which could hold for many years.
Not a black and white I know and no easy answers but maybe it has given you something to think about.
Good luck and best wishes
Hello wendyredshoes Where space is at a premium its shower tray every time please exscuse my does and donts list , Do use anty slip trays but they are mutch more exspensive, none anty slip shoud be leagaly band, so should the shampoo that leaves a slipery surfaces,Do shop around for prices . Do Shop around , Do shop etc etc, you get the idear . Do get at least three prices on any purchase over £15 ,Do get references Do not allow the plumber to use builders foam as a leveling agent under the tray it shrinks eventually, It is the left hand side that allways leaks and is dificult to seal,[ if you are right handed ], If its cheap or they can start next week there is a resone, You get seperated from your money , Dont fall fore it It Four months waiting is fine, Cash payment means no gaurentee.Sorry i am going on a bit but I used to see the jobs that whent wrong over and over again, Pete
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I too have had my bath taken out - which caused me trouble getting in and out despite having a seat that went up and down as needed.
I hated the thought of a shower - I thought there was nothing better than laying in a hot bath.
WRONG I just love my walk in shower I have a fold away seat. During this hot weather there is nothing better than having a cool shower - mine has a hand control too. Hmmm think I hear my shower calling me ha ha. No seriously, I wouldn’t be with out it. By the way it is flush to the floor so there isn’t a problem with the Parkinsons shuffle if you suffer from this like I do.
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A walk in shower will still have a step to get over. Should a wheelchair ever be needed this would be difficult.
The ultimate solution is a wet room. A completely open wet room, no glass dividers and a remote control for the shower so that anyone assisting does not get wet.
I would also suggest, if you are having a complete revamp of your bathroom, that you seriously consider a bidet toilet, again with a control unit that can be operated by another person. Also, think of the summer when the main heating is off and have underfloor heating.
Doing all these at the same time will, in the long run, save money and avoid another refit in the future.
PM me if you would like further details.
Do all that you can now to future proofs your home.
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I agree with Benji but would add a comment which influenced my own decisions. I too opted for a wet room. I live alone and decided on a screen as this helps me dry the space after showering - use a window vac on screen and tiles and towel to dry the chrome. Whilst the screen can be removed and the floor made good to create the space as Benji described, the reality in my case is that as and when or indeed if things ever reached that point, it would be unlikely my present living arrangements would be sufficient. To that end I have already had my name added to the list for extra supported housing which can just sit there until needed, the local council email each year to ask if I want to remain on the list and that’s it. It gives me peace of mind. The bidet WC is a good idea and I too did this opting for an electronic bidet seat which is fitted to a standard wc. My point really is yes benji makes excellent points with which I fundamentally agree but no major adaptation should be seen in isolation from the bigger picture of your whole circumstances. Please consider all your circumstances when making any major decisions.
Hi Wendyredshoes. We had an extension added to our home last year which included a wet room upstairs and 1 downstairs. It has been so useful as I don’t have to Step in to a normal shower tray. I also have grab rails and shower stool/seat. I too didn’t fancy the idea of a walk in bath as commented by other members that you have to get in it before adding water and vice versa when finished. Good luck Poppy x
Don’t fall for ads in the press that advocate ‘walk in’ showers. It’s still a tray, with a lip to get over, and unsuitable for a wheelchair.
Hi all
I’m sure you all know, but if you put in a wet room, your council will reduce your band for council tax.
Also, apply for reduction in council tax due to severe mental impairment if you haven’t already done so.
Every penny saved helps.
Hi Wendy. If constipation is a problem for your husband do look at the bio bidet. I had one fitted to my toilet 6 months ago and it has been a huge help. Directing the spray onto the anus and using the massage function gives a tiny enema that stimulates the urge to defecate. Good luck to you both.
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I found the same. Haven’t had to use it much but very grateful for it when I do.