Mobility and strength issues make it challenging for the elderly and individuals with disabilities to maintain personal hygiene. Bathing is an essential part of maintaining personal hygiene but it is not easy to maintain an everyday bathing routine when individuals find it difficult to maintain balance.
Fortunately, there are several high-quality bathing aids available at affordable prices that allow the elderly and individuals with certain disabilities to maintain independence while getting in and out of the bath.
What Are Bathing Aids?
Bathing aids are specially designed pieces of equipment focused on helping the elderly and people with disabilities get in and out of the bath safely. These help users in maintaining independence and allow them to maintain personal hygiene. There is a large variety of bathing aids available today such as:
- Bath lifts
- Bathroom grab rails
- Nonslip bath mats
- Bath strips
- Bath cushions
- Bathboards
- Bath seats
- Bath steps
- Drop down shower seats
- Shower stools
- Bath transfer benches
- Shower chairs
- Toilet surrounds
- Raised toilet seats
- Handshowers
- Mobile shower commodes
- Overtoilet frames
While there are lots of bathing aids to help you get in and out of the bath safely, it does not mean that everything is right for you. Bathing aids need to be chosen carefully, preferably after discussing things with an occupational therapist. Ideally, you should consider the durability and strength of the bathing aids. Also, using certain equipment can make things worse. Bathing aids are also available in a variety of styles. You should choose one based on your comfort in using a particular type.
8 Daily Bathing Aids for Elderly and Disabled
- Shower stools
These are lightweight stools that are specifically designed for wet room use. These look like regular chairs but some models fold against the wall to save space when not in use. These stools can also be used outside of the shower.
- Bath Steps
These are specifically designed for people with restricted mobility or knee problems. This allows them to get in and out of the bath without putting too much pressure on their legs. These are made from reinforced plastic and can be used anywhere in the house.
- Bath seats
These are made of durable plastic and there are also models with adjustable heights. These have suction cups on their feet which keeps them in place firmly. These can be easily lifted out as and when needed.
- Bath boards
These are typically made from lightweight but durable plastic and provide effective support for people who have problems standing independently for long periods in the shower.
- Shower Grab Rails
Grab rails are installed near the bathtub. These offer excellent support when an individual is moving in and or out of the shower or bath. They can grab onto the rail to remain stable and prevent the risk of falling. This is an excellent choice for individuals with good upper body strength.
- Bath mats
One of the most common injuries suffered by the elderly and individuals with disabilities is when they slip getting in or out of the bath. These nonslip bath mats have modulated suction cups at the bottom that attach to the bath surface and provide a nonslip surface to reduce the risk of slipping.
- Handheld shower
A handheld shower is an excellent alternative for someone who would like to bathe sitting down. This is ideal for those that do not have the necessary strength to remain standing while taking a shower.
- Bath lift
This is a special type of lift that is fitted over the bathtub. It uses an electric mechanism to provide support for the person. It makes it safe for them to get in and out of the bath. They just need to push a button to raise or lower the mechanism. In short, it gives them much more independence.
Final Thoughts
Overall, bathing aids are designed to allow people with mobility or strength issues to maintain personal hygiene by creating a safe bath environment. Bathing aids can be of great help when the individual needs to take care of certain things to keep things safe. Always get rid of excess water in the bath and try to place all the needed toiletries within your easy reach to reduce the risk of injuries.
Buy the Best Mobility Aids at Get About Mobility
Get About Mobility is a 100% Australian owned and operated business. We specialise in providing disability and mobility care equipment. Our goal is to provide high quality, reliable and durable mobility aids to people with mobility issues.
Please call us today on 1300 168 902 or leave an enquiry and we will get back to you as soon as possible.