I have some options (I have to say it's quite exciting) but I need some unbiased input and you are all it!
Of the following which would you choose for your loved one. let me set the scene:
Detached bungalow with a bathroom that contains a standard bath with shower over, hand basin and wc
Now I can do one of the following - there isn't a HUGE price difference but I want to make sure I get it right first time
1 Take the bath out and put in a walk in bath
Concern currently ..... Fine for now but wont be when she cant walk; Requires commode in her bedroom
2 Keep the existing bath but get a proper hoist for mum fitted into the ceiling on a track
Concern currently ..... fine but I am scare of using a hoist and as Mum's dementia progresses she might be too; Requires commode in her bedroom
3 Take out bath and put in a very low rise (about 1 centimetre above level) shower It has half doors and is the length of the bath
Concern currently ..... None really and I could wheel mum into if she got worse. Requires commode in her bedroom
4 Put in a shower pod in her bedroom
Concern currently ..... Would I need to install an extractor/dehumidifier ? Requires commode in her bedroom too
5 Put in a shower/wc/handbasin/ wetroom pod into her bedroom
Concern currently ..... Would I need to install an extractor/dehumidifier ?
HELP ME PEEPS PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEASE
Does your mom enjoy baths over showers? I have read here that others very much enjoy their walk-in bath, and you would have the option of placing a hand held shower unit in it if you needed that.
I opted for removing the bath and replacing it with an easily available shower unit, but with a 3" curb it will not be wheelchair accessible. One bonus I have discovered is that the shower hose can reach to the sink, where I use it to wash her hair salon style, and to the toilet, where I can use it to assist in clean up there. This can result in wet floors if I'm not careful, hence the dreams of a wetroom. Unfortunately they are not common over here and finding a competent contractor would have been difficult.
As to cost, are you dealing with plumbers or assistive device modification firms? The latter might be more expensive, but on the other hand they're probably more familiar with what needs to be done, especially the issue of what's necessary to ensure that water doesn't run out onto the floor.
Another thing that would be wonderful is a towel heater so mom can have warm towels as soon as the shower is over. I understand they're used more in Europe than here in the US.
As to a dehumidifier, I guess it would depend on the ventilation. Is there already or would there be an exhaust fan (that might be what you call an extractor)? If not, I would think one would be necessary; there will be a lot of steam coming from that shower.
Hoists make me a bit uncomfortable and I think anyone with a bit of dementia might be uncomfortable being in one as well. There's also the issue of preventative maintenance for safety.
Otherwise option 3 looks good.
You're wise to plan ahead for this need before it happens.
THEN, saving all that money on remodeling a bath, you can and should buy something for yourself.