Page 5 - Hawaii Renovation - Mar 22, 2020

ISLAND BATH WORKS
COVER STORY
MARCH 22, 2020 HAWAII RENOVATION 5
ISLAND BATH WORKS CONTACT 468-8000
WEB islandbathworks.com
When Dan Ueda’s mother-in-law suffered a seri-
ous fall, he and his wife needed to find a way to make her home more ac- commodating. 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 trou- ble getting into her bathtub, Ueda was shocked at the statistics surrounding el- derly 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 bath- room.
“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 com- panies, most suggested a full demolition and complete re- model, 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 lo- cal company specializing in bathtub-to-shower conver- sions, had both the expertise and affordable prices that Ueda was searching for. Is- land Bath Works implements an innovative and cost- effective remodeling ap-
proach 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 recon- struction, 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 morn- ing 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 up- graded bathroom has given Ueda and his wife the peace of mind that another terrify- ing fall won’t be repeated in the future.
“My mother-in-law ab- solutely 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 con- tinue enjoying an active lifestyle without suffering from a serious slip and fall injury, contact Island Bath Works for more information or to schedule an appoint- ment at 468-8000, or visit islandbathworks.com.