The aging population in the United States has plenty of products, tools, and devices to keep them safe at home. Many fall injuries occur in the bathroom when a senior living at home leans against a towel bar, shower door, slippery shower wall, or simply loses their footing on the damp floor. A walk-in tub can prevent some of these fall risks by providing a more secure, stable, and easier way to get in and out of the bath. Financing can be tricky since walk-in tubs aren’t cheap, but the good news is financial help is available in some situations.
Understand Medicare And Medicaid Programs
Medicare will typically not cover the cost, or even a portion of the cost, of a walk-in tub. In rare cases, you can have your medical professional provide a diagnosis specifically outlining the reasons why you need a walk-in tub and how one would benefit you. The diagnosis and prescription would need to be very detailed and specific, but you still won’t be guaranteed to get assistance from Medicare.
A senior living at home has a better chance of Medicaid helping with some of the financial strain of buying a walk-in tub. Various Medicaid programs are designed to help people with these types of expenses, and many times the programs will pay for the cost of the installation as well.
Financial Assistance For Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs has several programs to help veterans with financial assistance. These programs can be in the form of insurance, home modification grants, and other types of financial aid. Each program is different, so it’s important to understand the one you’re a part of and whether they offer any type of financing for things like walk-in tubs.
Take Advantage Of Tax Deductions
If you don’t qualify for receiving financial aid for any of the above programs, then you may still be able to take advantage of tax deductions when you purchase a walk-in tub. You may have to get a written note from your doctor indicating the walk-in tub is being purchased for medical safety purposes so it can be legally considered as a medical expense. Even the installation costs can be deducted from your taxes. And if a caregiver is caring for a loved one at their home who needs a walk-in tub, the homeowner can deduct the expense from their taxes.
Find A Provider That Keeps Your Budget In Mind
Regardless of whether you qualify for financial help or not, working with a provider that keeps your budget in mind can reduce any type of financial strain when investing in a walk-in tub. The provider should work with your budget and present the available options while also considering your needs from a safety perspective.
Next Day Access has a wide variety of walk-in tubs to choose from to ensure you can find exactly what you need. Our competitive pricing model is designed to suit different budgets, and we will work with you as much as we can to help. If you’re ready to learn about your walk-in tub options, contact us today to see how we can help.
