Stress-Free Bath Conversions

When Dan Ueda’s mother-in-law suffered a serious fall, he and his wife needed to find a way to make her home more accommodating. The Pearl City resident knew that despite getting hurt and spending weeks in the hospital, his mother-in-law would not be interested in moving in with his family or into a retirement home. It was at that moment that he began to research ways that he could maximize safety in her house for independent living. When she told him that she was having trouble getting into her bathtub, Ueda was shocked at the statistics surrounding elderly falls in the bathroom.

Each year in the U.S., more than 33 percent of people 65 years and older experience a fall, with 80 percent of the falls happening in the bathroom.

“My mother-in-law had become another victim, and I was determined to not let it happen again,” said Ueda.

After researching, and consulting with several local bathroom remodeling companies, most suggested a full demolition and complete remodel, which far exceeded the planned budget.

“We didn’t need a new hotel quality bathroom … we just needed a practical solution to make her current bathroom safe,” explained Ueda. He was referred to Island Bath Works through a contractor who had hired them for his own mother’s bathroom conversion.

Island Bath Works, a local company specializing in bathtub-to-shower conversions, had both the expertise and affordable prices that Ueda was searching for. Island Bath Works implements an innovative and cost-effective remodeling approach by removing the side of the existing bathtub and fabricating a low entryway that blends in seamlessly.

The conversion does not require plumbing alterations, demolition or major reconstruction, meaning an Island Bath Works tub conversion costs only a fraction of the typical $12,000-$15,000 price tag that installation of a shower stall would usually entail. In addition, the service is covered with a 10-year structural and leak-proof guarantee.

It took Island Bath Works just one day to completely convert Ueda’s bathtub into a safe shower that his mother-in-law could enter and exit without issue.

“They came in that morning and had the conversion of the bathtub and grab bar installation done by the end of the day. Really fast and easy, with no stress at all,” said Ueda.

Most importantly, the upgraded bathroom has given Ueda and his wife the peace of mind that another terrifying fall won’t be repeated in the future.

“My mother-in-law absolutely loves it! It’s been a blessing for her and for us, knowing that she can live alone without assistance getting into the shower,” he said.

Island Bath Works has successfully completed over 1,000 tub-to-shower conversions on Hawaii’s bathtubs and is accredited with the Better Business Bureau. For those with an aging family member or for seniors who want to continue enjoying an active lifestyle without suffering from a serious slip and fall injury, contact Island Bath Works for more information or to schedule an appointment at 468-8000, or visit islandbathworks.com.

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