Transfer

II. Bathing

A. Problems in Bathing

The primary purpose of bathing is to maintain the body's health and physical well-being. Traditionally, bathing is a private and personal activity. Many people have never completely undressed in front of anyone else so it is important to remember that this can make them feel uncomfortable and vulnerable. Assistance with this activity is not necessary until an individual has exhibited physical, sensory, cognitive difficulties or performs the task unsafely. Bathing activities should be enjoyable and relaxing but safety should always be the first consideration.

Bathing can become a dangerous activity for anyone, but the risk increases with disability, age, and fatigue. Many older adults stop using the tub or shower due to fear of falling and begin sponge bathing while seated by the sink.

The bathroom is the second most problematic room or area in the homes of older adults at risk. The bathing area had the most frequently occurring problems with the toilet rating second (Mann, Hurren, Tomita, Bengali, and Steinfeld, 1994). Injuries related to the toilet are among the most underestimated by older adults. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (2004), reports that among the most frequent accidents involving older people are falls in the bathroom and on the stairs. Older persons with disabilities are faced with many challenges in the bathroom. These challenges are:

difficulty accessing the room (bathroom upstairs);
maneuvering inside the room (bathroom too small, cluttered);
manipulating the fixtures (turning sink or tub faucets);
transferring to the toilet or bathing area (hold to soap dish, walls, sink, toilet too low);
and/or safely using other bathroom equipment (tub chair, bath mat)

Pynoos & Sanford (2001) states, "The home, whether of the care recipient or the caregiver, functions as a service delivery site. Adequate space and features within the home environment are essential tools for caregiving by caregivers." Their study found that lifting, transferring and bathing are the top three physical burdens faced by the caregiver. Also in their study, caregivers perceived the bathroom to be the most problematic room in the house.

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