When most people think of dangerous activities that lead to emergency room visits, thoughts immediately go to getting run over while crossing the road or falling down the stairs. However, for those over the age of 65, the danger lies in their own bathroom. Studies show that each year, one-third of Hawaii residents over the age of 65 will suffer a serious fall in their home. Of those, 80 percent occur doing a harmless daily task: taking a bath.
One local business is leading the charge to prevent such accidents. Island Bath Works is raising awareness in hopes of protecting the aging population. The company’s solution is a fast and affordable bathtub conversion that allows owners to simply walk into their tub, eliminating that dangerous wall that causes so many accidents.
STAYING SAFE WHILE STAYING INDEPENDENT
The walk-through bathtub conversions are done by cutting out the heightened wall of the tub, allowing for a seamless entrance. Fully customizable for any size and style of tub, the lowered step-over height can reduce dangerous falls by up to 90 percent. Hailed as the perfect solution, CEO Eric Thompson aims to proactively assist senior citizens before their first accident.
“With a majority of homeowners converting their tubs after a serious fall, we aim to help clients take preventative measures without having to suffer, first,” Thompson says.
A FAST, AFFORDABLE SOLUTION TO SHOWER ACCIDENTS
Thompson points to the high cost of shower renovations as one of the reasons why people fail to make a change that can save them from serious injury. He maintains that Island Bath Works’ proprietary techniques allow the company to convert the tubs into a safe, accessible option within just one day — and more importantly, at just a fraction of the cost.
“A typical contractor will talk senior citizens into an expensive renovation,” says Thompson. “These can easily range from $10,000 to $15,000 and take weeks to complete. Our conversions can be done within just a single day and for 80 percent less.”
Homeowners benefit from the quick turnaround by not having to shut off their water, apply for permits or wait weeks to use their tub again.
MORE THAN JUST A CUT-OUT AND INSERT
Helen Shaw turned to Thompson’s company after an experience with a discount brand that left her worried about her husband’s safety.
“Years ago, I had gone with the cheaper guys who simply cut through the tub and placed an insert over the cut-out. I never felt comfortable with the quality of the job and worried about my husband tripping over the insert, which was a lot wider than the side of the tub,” she says.
“(Island Bath Works) did an amazing job converting the tub in my master bath to a walk-through,” says Shaw. “They refinished the entire tub, and added a nonslip product into the tub floor for me.”
With each tub conversion backed by a 10-year warranty, Thompson hopes to keep future generations safe from bathroom slips with his innovative solution.
ISLAND BATH WORKS
CONTACT 468-8000
WEB islandbathworks.com
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