Key Issues to Consider about Bathing

How do we begin discussions in our facility about bathing technologies?

Consider fully defining the scope of the issue before addressing bathing with technological solutions. For instance:

Consider the cognitive and ambulatory status of residents. The status of your residents will dictate the type and amount of technologies you should consider. If you have resident populations that are very dependent, you may want to concentrate on products that assist caregivers with care provision. Products such as bath lifts, height adjustable and fixed height bathing systems, and shower trolleys are some examples. On the other hand, if you have resident populations that are fairly independent or require only minimal to moderate assistance, you should consider products that will maintain, increase, and prolong their independence. Barrier free showers, transfer benches, grab bars, and long handled sponges are some examples.

The bath lift is the backbone of both height adjustable and fixed-height bathing systems. Therefore, when considering these systems, they should be designed around the type of bath lift(s) required for your resident population. Residents who have the physical and cognitive capacity to support themselves in a sitting position may benefit from lifts that enable them to do so. However, other residents who do not have these capabilities may benefit from the use of lifts that allow them to be transported and bathed in a recumbent or lying position. After you have decided on which type of lift(s) are best suited to your resident population, choose bathing systems that are compatible with these lifts. Most manufacturers provide compatible lines of lifts and bathing systems.

Consider tailoring the bathing environment to the specific needs of the individual resident when possible. Although the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guide (ADAAG) provides general guidelines for creating accessible environments, these guidelines are not necessarily optimal or appropriate for every individual. As a result, you may wish to consult with accessibility experts when designing bathing areas that will be utilized by only one resident and tailor it to their needs.

Consider how the environment of bathing and showering areas will affect residents' ability to independently access and use these facilities. Environmental factors such as excessive distance to bathing facilities, poor lighting, low contrast shower curbs and tub edges, tubs with high step-over heights, loose rugs, and slippery bathing and floor surfaces may create dangerous and difficult situations that can pose barriers to otherwise independent residents. Be sure to address these environmental concerns when designing or remodeling bathing facilities.

Consider how the environment of bathing and showering areas will affect caregivers' ability to bathe and shower residents in a safe and efficient manner. For example, excessive distance to bathing areas, small or poorly designed bathing areas that do not provide enough room for proper transfers, and poorly drained or slippery floor areas create inefficient and dangerous work environments. Be sure to address these environmental concerns when designing or remodeling bathing facilities.

Consider the amount of training required for both caregivers and residents. Caregivers and residents will need to be trained on the use of equipment, body mechanics, and proper transfer techniques.