Study Modules > Module II: Bathing/Transfer

II. Bathing

C. Bath Devices

7. Washing devices

Hand-held showers are almost a necessity for independent bathing while seated. It also helps caregivers with the bathing task. They are convenient for shampoos and partial bathing. The one pictured below has an on/off switch that is built into the handle for easy access. It includes a wall holder and an extra long 80" white reinforced nylon hose. The length of the hose is important. The longer the hose the easier it is to reach rinse the back of the person without placing a lot of stress on the hose connection. Many caregivers may use a hand-held shower without the on/off switch or longer hose. What to do with the hose when it's time to lather up the care recipient becomes a problem. The hose is left dangling down into the tub while the water continues to flow. The water pressure makes the hose move about when dangling down into the tub. This can be frightening for some individuals with cognitive problems. Other devices that can help make bathing safer, easier and more comfortable include: long-handled bath brushes and sponges, suction-mounted brushes, wash mitts, water temperature controls, bathtub cushions, no-rinse soap, soap holders, towel stands, and caddies for holding bathing items.

There are two other products available that help caregivers bathe care recipients who are bedridden and unable to use the conventional tub or shower. Sometimes giving the care recipient a bed bath is easier than transferring them to the tub or sink. But washing their hair can be a bit more difficult in bed. One solution is to use dry shampoo. There are other products on the market that can make tradition hair shampooing easier for the caregiver. Besides, the care recipient may find that having their hair washed is very relaxing and improves their overall well-being. The following shampoo products are meant to be used together due to their design: the EZ-Shower and EZ-Shampoo Basin. These devices are shown to the reader to serve as examples for devices caregivers may use for bed bath shampoos.

• EZ – Shower is basically a 2 ½ gallon vinyl bag with a two foot hose and nozzle. The caregiver fills the bag with warm water, carries it to bedside, and mounts it on the care recipient's bed headboard. The care giver uses this device to wash the care recipient's hair. The care giver will need to use the basin listed below or some other type of device to catch the water dispensed by the shower.

EZ- Shower and EZ - Shampoo

• EZ – Shampoo Basin is an inflatable, heavy-duty vinyl basin. The device's sides cradle the care recipient's head and shoulders while lying in bed. After task completion, the care giver may empty the water and suds through a drain hose that is located on the basin's side.

While it is important to consider the use of assistive technology to help make bathing activities easier, it is also important to be aware of how the environment affects activity performance. It is the caregiver's responsibility to ensure that the bathing activity is as pleasurable as possible. What the caregiver does and do not do can affect whether the bathing experience is enjoyable or difficult.

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