Bathing: Equipment, Techniques and Tips

This Fact Sheet accompanies the Bathing class in the Techniques for Everyday Tasks classroom.

Problems with bathing may be caused by:

Temperature of the water is too hot or too cold
Temperature of the bathroom is too hot or too cold
Forgetting that he/she needs to take a shower/bath
Not enough privacy or embarrassed to have the caregiver help
Not enough contrast between tub and floor can be confusing
Fear of falling
Being rushed or taking too long to take a bath/shower
Inability to stay focused long enough to complete shower

Products that make the bathroom a safer and more accessible environment:

Grab bars provide safety during entering and exiting the tub/shower and provide stability during bathing/showering. They should be anchored into the center of a wall stud to withstand the stress that will be placed on them. They must be long and wide enough to grasp easily.
Bath/shower stools or seats and transfer benches prevent fatigue and falls. They must have rigid seat and backs. Legs should be rubber-tipped to prevent movement while seated.
Hand-held showers can be used to direct water while remaining seated on a stool or in a tub.
Non-slip and anti-slip bath mats prevents falls.
Childproof latches on cabinets containing medicine to prevent accidental poisoning.

Physical aspects of bathing

Put a towel over the person's shoulders for warmth and/or if modesty is involved
Do not use bath oils since they make the tub/shower slippery
Use tear free/tangle free shampoo/bath gel
Encourage person to wash self, assisting only when necessary
Let person put on terry robe if drying with towel is a problem

Environmental aspects of bathing/grooming

Have handrails installed
Have a shower chair or bench installed
Use a hand-held shower head
Use a non-slip bath mat inside shower stall/bathtub
Use a anti-slip bath mat outside shower stall/bathtub
Avoid noise, which will echo in the bathroom
Remove everything from the bathroom that could be a distraction
Remove electrical appliances
Make sure the temperature in bathroom is comfortable for bather
Make sure there is adequate lighting
Remove locks from bathroom door (if necessary)
Make sure the hot and cold faucet handles are identified with red and blue colors
Make sure the hot water is set for 120° F or lower.

Tips to increase or maintain cooperation with bathing/showering

Know the person's preference (bath or shower – morning or evening)
A shower usually is easier and safer than a bath
Do the bathing in the morning when the person is not tired
Give bather washcloth so he/she can help while caregiver washes important parts
Limit bath/shower to ones or twice a week and do sponge baths in between
Use same routine every time
Have everything ready before bathe/shower time
Do not force a person to take a bath/shower
When assisting, tell the person what part you are going to wash
Give simple instructions as necessary
Never rush a person
Bathe person quickly to prevent chilling and agitation

Hygiene and bath wipes and No Rinse Shampoo:

Local pharmacy: if not in stock they will special order them at no extra cost.

www.drugstore.com go to the blank spot for the search and type in "no rinse shampoo" or "bathing", scroll to bottom for comfort washcloths and Shield perineal care wipes

Websites for Assistive Devices for Bathing

www.wingits.com for special hardware for installation of grab bars, etc
ecom1.sammonspreston.com go to "personal care"
www.independentliving.com look under "health care" and "household"
www.ableware.com go to "browse our catalog
www.caregiverproducts.com go to product catalog
www.dynamic-living.com look under directory
www.ncmedical.com go to functional solutions online catalog
www.walgreens.com look under "Home Medical" then "Bathroom Safety"
www.homedepot.com look under "Shop" then "Kitchen and Bath" then "Bath Safety"
www.sears.com look under "Catalogues" find "Health and Wellness" then "Bathroom Safety"
www.allegromedical.com go to Bathroom Assist and look under the various categories
www.betterhealthcareproducts.com go to Bath Safety
www.homemedicalstore.com go to Bathroom Safety
www.medsupplyco.com go to Home Care then to Bathroom Safety and look under the various categories
www.elderestore.com go to Bathroom Safety and look under various categories

Local Stores for Assistive Devices for Bathing

Home Depot and Lowe's

Handheld showers
Grab bars
Multi grip tub bar
Shower chair and shower seat

Eckerd's and Walgreen's

Handheld showers
Long handle bath sponge
Bath mats

Products available may vary from store to store. Lowe's generally has store approved licensed and bonded contractors who can install the grab bars for you.

top