Taking care of seniors with disabilities is a delicate task. Because of their age and condition, they can be prone to injuries, especially when bathing. Slip and fall accidents among the elderly frequently occur in the bathroom, where wet floors and slippery bathing tubs make it hard for them to move around safely without assistance.

1. Heavenly Walk In Tubs
http://www.heavenlytubs.com
Safe Bathing for Seniors
with Disabilities

2. Taking care of seniors with disabilities is a delicate task. Because of their age and
condition, they can be prone to injuries, especially when bathing. Slip and fall accidents
among the elderly frequently occur in the bathroom, where wet floors and slippery
bathing tubs make it hard for them to move around safely without assistance.
When bathing elders with disabilities, the bathroom has to have senior friendly
equipment for their convenience. Also, caretakers must be watching over them at all
times. Below are safe bathing equipment and methods for seniors, according to
university studies and assisted living facilities.

3. A Senior Friendly Bathroom
A study from the State University of New York lists mechanical difficulties, chronic
illnesses, and physical injuries as the leading causes of bathing dependency among
seniors. As such, they have preferences and specific needs when it comes to
maintaining proper hygiene. Fixtures that can help bathrooms accommodate elders
better include:
• More lights, especially around the shower and tub control
- Seniors who have difficulty in sensing often misjudge the temperature when
adjusting the heat and coolness of the water. This leaves them scalded or
chilling after the bath.
• Handrails on the shower doors
- They can hold on to the rails easily for support and stability.
 Transfer seats in accessible showers, and steps and rails for getting in and out of
the bathtub
- Amputees and those who are suffering from paralysis can get around more
easily and safely with accessible safety features.

4. Sources:
 http://www.heavenlytubs.com/
 http://idea.ap.buffalo.edu/publications/bathing%20for%20older%20people.htm
 http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6022a1.htm
Bathing With Care
In addition to the bathroom features, those who are tasked to bathe the elders must
handle them with care. When doing so, caregivers have to do the following:
• Make sure the bathroom is clean and dry
• Check the water temperature
• Be patient in convincing the patient to bathe
- Alzheimer’s sufferers often go through a phase wherein they resist bathing.
Patiently talking them to it may take hours, but is the only way to have them
agree to it. Shouting can scare the patient and make them refuse all the
more, especially when they are in the middle stages of dementia.
• Have the phone and the wheelchair ready at all times
- In case of accidents, it pays to have the two close by.
• Use dry bathing products and alternatives
- This is advisable for bedridden patients. Dry shampoo and sponge baths are
ideal for those who have very limited mobility.
When it comes to giving proper hygienic care to seniors, considering their convenience
and condition is of utmost importance. With the help of safety fixtures and practices,
baths can be senior friendly and injury-free.