Study Modules > Module II: Bathing/Transfer

Bathing, transferring, and lifting are the top three physical burdens faced by the caregiver. Especially, transferring into and out of the tub is a task that requires energy, mobility, and safety precautions. Assistive technology and bathroom modifications can increase the safety of the care giver and care recipient during bathing and transferring activities. In this module, we covered from commonly used assistive devices to newer devices on the market. The devices illustrated in this module are used to serve as examples only for the type of devices that are available to help the care giver and care recipient with bathing and transferring. It is not our intent to recommend these devices over other devices available on the market. This module has video clips that show the important points when transferring a care recipient.

Selection criteria of assistive devices in this module are in the order of: 1. suitability for various levels of physical and cognitive impairments, 2. ability to ease physical stress for caregivers, 3. easy availability, 4. great usability and convenient storage, 5. esthetic, 6. variety of prices, and 7. novelty to the market.

This material covers:

1. Physical changes related to difficulty in bathing and transferring
2. Bathing
   1. Problems in Bathing
   2. Role of Caregivers
   3. Bath Devices
      1. Non-slip bathmats or tub appliqués
      2. Grab bars
      3. Bath transfer pole
      4. Bathing devices
      5. Types of bath seats
      6. Lifts
      7. Washing devices
   4. Environmental Factors
3. Transfers
   1. Procedure of transfer
   2. Transfer devices
      1. Gait belts
      2. Transfer pole
      3. Pivot disk
      4. Transfer disk
      5. Rotating handrail
      6. The couch cane
      7. Toilet transfer/raised toilet seats
      8. Transfer from/to a car
   3. Home modifications
4. Very Short Quiz
5. References
6. Online Resources
7. Local stores for assistive devices for bathing
8. Assistive Technology Online Resources

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