Transition Tub and Bathroom Expansion

Take a look at this recent project. Client required a transition tub, but there was no way to fit one in the current bathroom. While others walked away from the challenge and declined to quote the job, HandyPro had the solution: expand the bathroom. Completed on time and as quoted.

Rough in plumbing for the new transition tub

Expanded portion is framed in, wired, and ready for drywall.

The new addition, ready for paint and trim.

New floor is installed, tub is fit, and tile is on the wall.

Just a bit a trim work and paint left to finish the job.

Finished Project. Transition Tub by Homeward Bath,
a Cleveland, OH company.

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jared.handypro@gmail.com

330-531-6006

Home Modifications for Improving Quality of Life

Jared Chevraux 

Handypro of the Valley & Northeast Ohio

 Those looking to modify a home for aging in place may not know the options available to them. Below is a small sampling of projects that can make home a safer, more comfortable place to live.

Handicare Simplicity stair lift

 Stair Lifts

A stair lift is a mobility device in the form of a motorized chair that runs on a track along the length of a staircase. It allows individuals to safely travel from one floor of their home to another. Stair lifts can be straight or custom curved to fit a non-standard stair case. Many safety features are integrated into these systems to make them safe and user friendly. 

Ramps

Ramps allow those using wheelchairs to reach a higher or lower elevation that would normally require steps, such as a porch or deck. They are also used by individuals who have trouble traversing typical steps. Ramps can be built from many different materials including wood, steel, and aluminum. The ADA standard for a ramp is 12 inches of length per every inch of elevation. You may hear this referred to as the 12:1 ratio. 

Harmar Highland VPL

Wheelchair Lifts (VPL)

Also known as a Vertical Platform Lift (VPL), a wheelchair lift is a motorized platform that travels vertically between different elevations. They can be installed indoors or outdoors, and take up much less room to install than a traditional ramp. 

Elcoma Stainless Grab Bar
Made in Canton, OH

Grab Bars

Grab bars can be mounted to walls and shower stalls to provide a secure hold throughout the home. Grab bars are typically made of steel and mounted to the studs in the wall for optimum strength. There are other hardware solutions available that can allow a grab bar to be securely mounted to almost any wall or shower.

 

Best Bath Barrier-Free Shower

Barrier-Free Shower Systems

A barrier-free shower is a shower with no threshold to step over. This allows those in wheel chairs and shower caddies to roll into the stall, as well as allowing seniors to walk in without stepping up and over a boundary. A quality barrier free system can be equipped with wall mounted shower seats that flip up and out of the way when not in use. They can also be fitted with a variety of grab bars and a handheld shower head. 

 

Rane Transiton Tub installed
by HandyPro of the Valley

Transition Bathtubs

A transition tub is similar to a walk-in bath tub, though the door swings out. This often allows for easier entry for most users. A quality tub manufacturer will warranty the door seal for the life of the unit, so there is no need to worry about leaks. Transition tubs can come in the form of soakers, or be equipped with therapeutic air jets or water jets, or both. 

Prism Medical - Portable System

Ceiling Lift Systems

A ceiling lift is a motorized lifting system that helps to transition from bed to wheelchair, wheelchair to toilet, wheelchair to shower, etc. The lift unit moves along a track mounted to the ceiling of the home. These systems are designed to be used with only one caretaker and work in conjunction with a sling. Those using these systems typically use a padded sling for most transfers and a mesh hygiene sling for use in the bathroom. Systems are available in permanent or portable configurations.

 

Wall mounted accessbile sink
with custom controls

Custom Construction

Some situations may require a custom solution. For example, fitting a stair lift for a staircase with multiple landings and turns. There are several manufacturers that can custom build a track based on detailed measurements taken on site. Floors can be raised to match elevations. Doorways can be widened for wheelchairs and walkers. A good home modification contractor will always find the best option based on experience, precedents, and best practices. 

Remember that a good contractor will have more than one option and carry several brands to make sure the final project is the best fit for the end user. We are proud to offer over 7,000 products and custom solutions to meet your needs.

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Funding Your Home Modification Project in Ohio

Jared Chevraux

Handypro of the Valley & Northeast Ohio

 Safe, proper, high quality modifications can seem economically unattainable for some seniors wishing to age in place. Fortunately, there are programs here in Ohio that can help minimize the burden of construction and installation expenses for those who qualify. Handypro of the Valley & Northeast Ohio has worked with these programs to install stair lifts, wheelchair lifts, barrier free showers, wheelchair ramps, ceiling lifts, walk-in tubs, transition tubs, bathroom remodels, grab bars, hand rails, widened doorways, and more.

Ohio Home Care

The Ohio Home Care Waiver program is a Medicaid waiver benefit that covers some home modifications for financially eligible consumers up to age 59. This waiver is currently capped at $10,000.00 per year, per individual. To learn about qualifications in complete detail, visit http://ohiohcp.org, or call 1-800-616-3718.

PASSPORT

PASSPORT is a Medicaid waiver program for seniors age 60 and older. Like the Ohio Home Care program, Passport covers some home modifications for those who qualify. There is no set limit to the amount the program will cover. However, the cost of PASSPORT services needed at the time of application cannot exceed 60 percent of the cost of nursing home care. To learn more about the PASSPORT program, visit http://aging.ohio.gov/services/passport/

It is important to note that individuals enrolled in the Medicaid waiver programs have the right to choose their service providers. The work does not have to be awarded to the lowest bidding contractor. Take the time to get to know your potential service provider and choose a knowledgeable, experienced contractor with a proven track record. Above all, choose someone that you trust working inside your home.

Veterans Administration (VA)

The VA has three grants available to assist disabled veterans wishing to complete a home modification. These grants include:

• Specially Adapted Housing Grant (SAH)…up to $63,780.00
•  Special Home Adaptation Grant (SHA)…up to $12,756.00
• Home Improvements and Structural Alterations Grant (HISA)…up to $4,100.00

Disabled Veterans can qualify for both the HISA grant and either the SAH or SHA grant. Service members should contact your local Veterans Administration office for more information.

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