6 Essential Bathing Aids for Elderly

Bywelcome mobility

Let us start with busting a myth that you tend to lose independence as you grow in age because of mobility issues. Because there are aids like walking aids, bathroom aids, bed aids, etc., that are there to help you with mobility limitations. In this article, we are going to talk about bathing aids because we all know that the bathroom is the place in the home that is prone to most accidents.

 

Thus, we are here to provide you with a detailed list of bathing aids that can help you to use the bathroom independently. Following equipment provides comfort and safety to the elderly:

 

  • Shower Wheelchair

These wheeled shower chairs are like general wheelchairs with bathing specifications. It has safe rubber wheels with rolling wheels, and it also has storage pouches for convenient bathing. The elderly can roll themselves through the wheeled shower chairs under the shower and have a safe independent shower.

 

  • Tap Turners

If you have painful or weak wrists or arthritis, then tap turners are helpful for you. Their function is to attach to a tap for providing a secure grip so that you can turn bath taps easily without putting in any extra effort. There are various styles of tap turners, like some tap turners feature comfort grips to provide extra ease. Additionally, there is no such installation process. You just need to attach this equipment to the tap. For this, you may require a caretaker’s help.

 

  • Non-Slip Bath Discs

You can place non-slip bath discs in the bottom of a bath or shower for providing grips and support. It can also prevent slips and falls while bathing. These discs usually come as a roll, and each disc is individually adhesive for ease of both application and use. Also, these discs are an efficient alternative to a bathmat. 

 

Non-slip bath discs are designed to look seamless within the shower base, and one can clean it alongside your bath. For applying these discs, your caretaker needs to clean the bathroom thoroughly and dry completely. Then you just need to stick these discs on the floor.

 

  • Bath Lifts

Bath lifts are basically a normal seat or reclining chair that can gently lower or raise you in and out of the bath. These lifts provide a safe and independent option for bathing without the fear of slipping. You just need to sit on one side of it, and it will lift you to the other side. It comes in different sizes and designs. 

 

These lifts are operated through the battery and you can control them by a remote. When you purchase this, there are chances that providers will offer you with free installation. But remember to check it a few times before using it if the assembling of parts is correct or has installation issues.

 

  • Grab Rails

Grab rails are commonly useful among the elderly or people with mobility issues. These rails can be installed anywhere needed. They provide support and grip to the elderly so that they can hold something while walking in the shower or getting in/out of the shower. There are different types of grab bars obtainable that you can choose as per your requirement.

 

Its installation process is easy; however, it depends on which type of grab rail you choose. For example, if you go for a classic grab rail, then you may need to fix it properly with someone’s help, whereas if you use suction grab rails, then you can stick it anywhere on a dry and non-porous surface.

 

  • Bath Seats

Bath seats provide support to the whole body of the elderly while bathing. They are fitted with sturdy rubber feet so that they can stay firmly in place to help in balancing the elderlies. They are often adjustable in terms of height. And the best part is that you do not need any installation process. You can just put it on the base of your shower and use it as per your convenience.

 

To choose your ideal bathing aid, you will need to know the mobility issue in detail so that you can purchase the equipment accordingly. Purpose, dimension, types, safety, level of comfort, cost, and doctor’s approval, everything needs to be listed down before making any purchase.

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