LWer finds a simple tweak for bathroom remodel

David Camp was one of the many recipients of the City of Seal Beach’s Bathroom Accessibility remodel program. He says he loved the work that was done in his bathroom, but he found that the molded seat was still too low for some people with certain disabilities. He figured out a simple and easy-to-assemble solution by using a shower chair to raise the seat’s height.

Those who want to try Camp’s tweak will need one roll of electrical tape, waterproof tape (Gorilla brand is recommended), scissors and a shower chair. The materials can be purchased at Walmart or any hardware store, and the shower chair can be purchased from a medical supply that carries the “Drive” brand (recommended) or any shower chair that has removable rear legs to have short rear stubs.

Once you have all of the supplies, follow these simple steps: 1. Remove rear legs from shower chair 2. Remover the rubber feet from rear legs 3. Tape the rubber feet to the seat stubs where rear legs were once attached. (the feet will loosely fit on the seat stubs). 4. Wrap electrical tape around the seat stubs until the feet can slip over them with a fairly tight fit. Use the waterproof tape to tape the feet in place.

Position them on the seat stubs so they sit flat 5. Holding the seat, rest the feet on a flat surface and twist them until they sit flat before taping into place.

Once completed, the shower chair should raise the original seat height around 6-inches and its back will grant better access to the two grab bars installed. Be sure to periodically check the chair and tape’s stability before getting into the shower; change the tape when it weakens.

•••• For over 14 years, the city has offered the Seal Beach Bathroom Accessibility Program to help residents in Leisure World modify their bathrooms for safer access.

Due to the threats of COVID- 19, CivicStone, the administrator of the program, has changed the way it operates. It will not hold a workshop in any clubhouse for Leisure World residents until further notice.

Individual appointments can be made via phone, FaceTime, Zoom or Google Hangouts to ask questions and get individualized advice on how to complete applications. Email monique@civicstone.com for an appointment. Residents can also call (909) 364-9000, but email is preferred. All information is kept strictly confidential.

Any Leisure World resident who has trouble stepping into the shower for any reason is probably eligible for a free bathroom upgrade.

The Leisure World Bathroom Accessibility Grant converts the tub/shower combination into a shower-only unit for safer access.

The program is made possible through a grant from HUD, Orange County and the City of Seal Beach. To qualify, applicants must be over 55 years of age and have an annual income as follows: One person, $71,750; two people, $82,000; and three people, $92,920.

“Many residents get confused on the application process,” said Monique Miner, program administrator. “Others don’t realize you can have substantial savings and still qualify for the free upgrade. We are just a phone call away and can help residents apply for the completely free upgrade. But don’t delay completing your application because funds are limited.”

For more information, email monique@civicstone.com or call (909) 364-9000.