Bathing for Older People - Part X

Recommendations for Existing Bathrooms:


Transfer Bench

Install transfer bench for making easy transfers. These benches generally remain partly inside and partly outside the tub. Persons would sit on the part outside the tub and gradually slide his/her body inside the tub. Transfer benches are available in various sizes and seat types. Some are height adjustable and come with or without a backrest. Benches with rubberized legs ensure safe positioning inside the tub.

Grab Bars

Mount grab bars in the critical support areas. They can greatly assist in easy and safe transferring in and out of the tub. Grab bars come in various designs: horizontal, vertical, diagonal, hockey stick like, combination, wrap-around, swing away or detachable. Grab bars can be wall, floor, ceiling or tub mounted. Ridged, brushed, knurled or vinyl coated grab bars provide better grasp. Because people's physical capabilities and method of transfer vary significantly, their placement must accommodate unique requirements of users. In addition to following codes, the positioning of grab bars must be carefully tested under actual operating conditions.


Recommendations for New Bathing Equipment:


• Eliminate the need for making transfers in and out of the tub and the hazards caused by the activity •use mechanical devices such as bath lifts before offering human assistance

•Provide a build-in transfer device for those who need it

•Explore alternative, non-threatening soaking possibilities that are comfortable and less demanding •locate grab bars at strategic points capable of facilitating transfers
•allow personalization of grab bars to meet unique needs of individuals Walk-in bathtubs

Roll-in Showers

3. Prevent Slipping Inside and Outside the Tub

Slipping inside the tub happens due to the smooth condition of the wet tub surface. When getting out, slipping is caused by the smooth, wet floor surface. Lack of handrails further contributes to the problem.


Recommendations for Existing Bathrooms:


•Non-Slip Tub Floor

Non-slip tub floors can greatly add to the security of the bathers and care-providers. Install bathmats, tub patches or non-skid surface in the tub. Bathmats are rubberized floor coverings and they fit inside the tub. They are placed temporarily and can be removed for cleaning and/or repositioning. Unless they have suction cup-like backing, many bathmats tend to get loose and slip. Bath patches are small non-skid pieces. They are inexpensive and need to be permanently glued to the tub surface. Non-skid tub surfaces are integral part of the tub floors and they cover the entire floor surface. •Non-Skid Bathroom Floor.

Carpet the bathroom floor or place a thick variety of throw rug outside the tub. Even though carpeting is more effective than throw rugs, it is generally harder to maintain. Thicker throw rugs are more slip resistant than thinner ones. The floor underneath the rug must be dry and free of unwanted objects. When stepping on the rug, individuals must not rely solely rely their balance. They must use handrails to support and distribute their body weight.

•Grab Bars

Install grab bars inside and outside the tub. Because slip prevention depends greatly on the quality of the support, it is important that attention is paid to the selection of the grab bars and their placement is carefully studied under actual conditions of use.


Recommendations for New Bathing Equipment:


•incorporate permanent, non-skid tub floor surfaces into the design of bathtub

•extend same non-skid floor outside the tub

•install widespread distribution of grab bars in the form of handrails

•provide "invisible support" that offers assistance when needed

•strengthen soap holders or towel rods so that they can act as invisible supports