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Title: Use of assistive devices for bathing by elderly who are not institutionalized
Authors: Mann WC, Hurren D, Tomita M, & Charvat
B
Published: 1996
Publication: Occupational Therapy
Journal of Research. 16(4):261-286
Abstract:
For elderly persons with disabilities, bathing is a frequent activity that
can be both pleasant and dangerous. Bathing involves using water in an environment
with hard, smooth surfaces that become slippery when wet, and many falls occur
in the bathroom. A variety of assistive devices are available to make bathing
safer and more comfortable. Bathing devices rank as one of the most frequently
used categories of assistive devices, yet many elders experience problems in
the use of bathing devices. Study of bathing devices has been little beyond
determination of the frequency of their use. In this article, we developed
a hierarchical model for use in prescribing bathing devices related to mobility
and support. This model, based on level of disability, is called the Bath Device
Prescription Model (BDPM). Subjects were drawn from the University at Buffalo
Consumer Assessments Study (n=319), which considers persons older than 60 years
with disabilities. Subjects who reported difficulty with bathing (n=294) were
divided into two groups based on mental status (Mini Mental Status Exam [MMSE]
scores >24 or <23). This model was tested by first determining the level
of disability of satisfied users of (1) bath mats, (2) grab bars in the bath
area, (3) bath stools, (4) bath chairs, and (5) bath transfer benches. Level
of disability was measured with the Sickness Impact Profile-physical dysfunction
section (SIP-PDS), the body care and movement subsection of the SIP-PDS, the
motor section of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), and the bathing-washing
and drying item of the FIM. Subjects who were having a problem with a bath
device, other than installation, maintenance, or access to the bathroom, were
considered. Disability scores for these dissatisfied owners of bath devices
were compared with the mean score of satisfied users of each bath device. Typically,
dissatisfied owners of bath devices were more disabled than satisfied users,
suggesting that they would benefit from a higher level device, following the
BDPM. This study represents the first reported investigation testing a model
for use in the prescription of bath devices.
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