Wealshire
Bathing areas
Bathing Areas. - Both showers and tubs should be available
1. Tubs must be accessible on a minimum of two sides, although 3 sides are preferable. Lifting the resident can be frightening and sometimes dangerous. "Walk in" tubs can help prevent injuries and anxiety for both staff and residents.
2. A non-slip seat or chair within the shower can prevent fatigue of both the resident and caregiver.
3. Grab bars should be securely mounted horizontally inside of as well as vertically at the entrance to the bathing area.
4. Hand held showers offer additional control to the resident during bathing.
5. Shampoo, conditioner, and other supplies should be stored only in unbreakable plastic containers. Using push top dispensers may help residents use appropriate portions.
6. Flooring should be a non-slip surface and have as much padding and sound absorption as possible. Flooring drains should have small openings to prevent injury and prevent residents from jamming objects into grill.
7. Room temperature should be adjustable. Feeling chilled can make residents agitated and uncooperative.
8. Showers should be able to safely accommodate the resident, a wheelchair, and a staff member to assist if required.
9. Water temperature should be regulated by an anti-scalding device.
10. Soap, shampoo, conditioners, etc… should be non-toxic in case of accidental ingestion.
11. A patient's right to privacy during bathing should be respected. Curtains are available for shower stalls and doors remained closed during tub bathing. Group bathing is never an option.
12. Shower curtain can be pulled closed shut to allow for additional privacy.
13. No "lip" should be present in the shower for the resident to fall over. If a lip is present it should be marked distinctively.