3. Practical advice and tips for carers > Daily living activities

Daily living activities

7) Bathing and Showering tips video

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 If the person has poor sitting balance it may be too risky to attempt to use a bath even with equipment like this until their balance improves. If balance continues to be a problem the person may need bed baths or an alternative could be considered for the long term such as a wheelchair adapted shower room. Discuss this with an Occupational Therapist or Nurse.

Adding  grab rails next to the bath or shower can be safer provided they are fitted in the correct position for the person. The grab rails should be fitted by an approved joiner. It may not be possible to fit a rail to a thin partition wall.

For some people bathing is no longer a safe option. If sitting balance is unsafe for example. For those people who are very dependent, a bed bath may be the only remaining option. This is usually done by paid carers as part of a larger care package. If it has not been included in a care package, speak to the care provider and ask for this important role to be included. The bed bath should be thorough and the person must be dried well after washing. It is important for the carer to check the persons body and skin for signs of pressure areas, bruising or redness from sitting in the same position for a period of time. This is especially important if the person is also incontinent.