How To Choose The Right Bathing Aids For Elders (2024)

Have you ever thought about why it is necessary to have bathing aids for seniors? Things that were easy for someone might become more challenging as they age. Even taking a bath, which used to be a ritual for relaxation and hygiene, may cause stress in older adults and those who care for them. Furthermore, restrooms’ hard flooring and damp surfaces might feel like a formula for harm. Bathroom aids may be pretty helpful because people who are elderly or have poor mobility are already more likely to fall on dry surfaces.

Caretakers frequently intervene to assist the individual in keeping themselves clean and safe. But there is a price to this; it takes time to start. It may also indicate that the older adult is losing their independence. Nothing a friend or family member desires to witness might be their mood and general well-being being affected.

Bathing Accessories For Further Comfort And Assurance

All sorts of bathers can benefit from easy-to-install bathing aids for seniors, like non-slip mats and grasp rails, which are basic yet effective. Even for those in good physical condition, bathrooms are familiar places for slips and falls. Installing non-slip mats in the shower tray and bathtub is an economical way to add extra stability.

For those who struggle with balance or have stiff joints, grab rails and bars placed at hand height on the wall behind the bath or shower offer additional assistance while getting in and out of the water. Grips near the toilet might also be helpful for those who have trouble getting up from a seated posture.

Bathing Accessories To Ensure Safe Bathtub Use

A lengthy soak in the tub benefits many people with illnesses like arthritis since it can help reduce discomfort and loosen up tense muscles. Nevertheless, their condition may also make it difficult for them to enter and exit the bath. This problem has several solutions.

Bath Chairs And Walk-In Bathtubs

A door integrated into the side of a walk-in bathtub allows the user to enter and exit the tub without climbing over the edge. They are frequently used with bath seats, enabling users to sit in the tub in a more cozy, elevated, and supported posture.

Hoists And Bath Lifts

Bath lifts or hoists can fully support a person’s weight and raise them into and out of the bath for those with more limited mobility. While hoists employ electric motors to pull from above, bath lifts are made to raise users from below. Ensuring your bathroom is large enough is vital because it might take up extra space.

Step-In Showers And Moist Areas

If having a tub is not essential, standard and easily accessible options include a wet room that doesn’t need a tray and a low-profile shower tray. An occupational therapist may advise you on which solution is ideal for you.

Best bathing aids you must have

Here is a list of bath aids for the elderly that you must possess:

Grab Rails

Since you’re frequently wet and slippery while getting in and out of the bath or shower, the bathroom is the most natural spot for support rails. A fall in this location can be dangerous if you’re not supported.

In a damp environment, plastic rails are the safest choice; make sure the rail you select has a higher grip to keep your hands from slipping. Earth-bonded metal rails in the restroom are a good idea to prevent electrical accidents.

Walk-in Shower

A walk-in shower also called a “level-access” shower, is simply one that doesn’t have any steps you may trip over. For most people with mobility issues, these are the best options. They frequently include drainage pumps and ramps or slanted flooring to reduce water leakage into the adjacent bathroom.

Wet floor areas

A bathroom modified with waterproof walls and flooring is a rewet-floor space or a wet room. There is no need for a tray because the showerhead is mounted to the wall, and water flows straight down the bathroom floor and into a drain.

Shower Seats

The most reliable alternative for bathing aids for elderly is to install a seat permanently in the shower cubicle or wet area, even if you can utilize portable shower stools or seats in the shower. Ensure the seat is adjusted to your ideal height and that the grip rails — which should be utilized in combination with the seat — are precisely where they should be. An occupational therapist (OT) can provide you with advice on this.

Conclusion

Although remodeling your bathroom doesn’t have to be very difficult, it’s a good idea to consult a licensed occupational therapist before and throughout the design process. Your needs will be identified, and the optimum equipment and adjustments will be determined with an evaluation. If you need help to do different daily duties, get a free needs assessment from your local government. This will determine if you qualify for state help in buying bathing aids for seniors by examining your care and support needs.