When having to deal with aging or a disability, one of the most important things for people is maintaining a sense of safety and independence; however, one of the most hazardous places in a home can be the bathroom, where one wayward slip when stepping in or out of your bathtub can spell disaster.
However, Safe Bath LI is a family-owned and operated company based out of Huntington, NY that specializes in transforming bathrooms into safe spaces, fostering a sense of independence for those whose vulnerabilities can make the common aspects of daily living that most people take for granted a distressing hurdle to overcome.
According to Safe Bath LI President Glenn T. Meskill, the company first opened its doors for business about seven years ago, at which time they were originally a standard bathroom remodeling outfit. However, Glenn came across the idea of transitioning the business towards offering safety services after installing a custom bathroom for his mother.
Noting that she was having difficulty getting in and out of her bathtub, Glenn conducted research that led to his company's trademark: making seamless modifications to tubs to make them far easier to get in and out of, including custom steps and sealed doors that allow their customers to get in or out without having to climb over the edge.
“We cut out a section of the tub so there is a large gap that our customers can step through to get in and out of the shower safely, and there are several ways that we can do this,” Glenn said. “First is our Custom Insert – our most affordable conversion option – where we cut a 24” section out of the existing bathtub and custom fit a factory-molded insert. Next is our Basic Cut-and-Match option, where we install a waterproof polycrylic material to the shape and contour of the tub and then paint-match it to the tub’s color as closely as possible. This allows us to customize the size of the cut, to whatever the customer needs."
Other options include Cut and Bathe, where they remove a section of the tub but include a sealable door that can block up the space, allowing the customer to still take baths if they desire. Cut and Door tubs serve a similar purpose, but instead the gap includes a custom hinged shower door. Finally, the Full Front Cut Tub option sees the entire front section of the tub removed and replaced with a custom-made sliding shower door.
However, Safe Bath LI just doesn't tinker with your tub; they also offer a plethora of other safety gear designed to help those with physical limitations safely navigate their bathrooms and bathe in peace, including secure grab bars, non-slip bath mats, and safety chairs for those who have difficulty standing while showering.
Safe Bath LI typically serves all of Long Island, but are willing to travel to several neighboring states for larger jobs as well. All work is done specifically to the precise needs of their individual clients, and most bathtubs can subsequently be restored to their original condition if need be. Construction is done in less than one day – with no muss or fuss – and the bathtub is able to be used again the very next day.
Glenn noted that Safe Bath LI, which he runs with his three sons, isn't just in it for the money; their mission is truly one of granting everyone with a sense of control and independence in their lives, while keeping them safe and secure at the same time.
To that end, Glenn recounted a story where he modified a bathtub for a woman whose ill husband was in his final days; the ability for him to finally be able to take a few last showers on his own before he passed filled him with great happiness, his wife told him.
“It's really a great feeling when we help somebody take control of their lives and to make them safe and independent in their own homes again,” Glenn said. “I've had people tell me that my company has really changed their lives for the better, and that's exactly why we do what we do.”
To find out more about safe bath Li and to set up an appointment for a consultation, please call 631-923-6502 or visit their website at www.safebathli.com.