BATHING EQUIPMENT Aim To teach safe use of bathing equipment To recognise that equipment is being used safely and appropriately. Background information for bath equipment Bath/Shower Boards fit across the top of the bath and may be necessary for people who need to get in and out of the bath without standing. Bath seats can hook over the side of the bath, wedge inside the bath or be free-standing. Bath/Shower Boards These are boards which fit over a bath to enable someone to access the bath either for using the bath or the shower. They are about 30-45cm/12-18 wide, depending on the design. Each board has two brackets underneath to fix it firmly inside the top of the bath. Bath boards are usually made of wood covered in either white wipe clean plastic or cork. Shower boards e.g. The Alton, are made from metal with a series of holes to allow for water drainage and are coated in white plastic. Considerations a) Acrylic baths must be fitted with seats that transfer weight through the base of the bath rather that the bath sides or are of the hanging type. b) Padded bath boards can be supplied where a service user has a sensory deficit below the waist c) Careful consideration should be given before providing plastic shower hoses because if the mains cold water is run elsewhere in the house this will alter the water temperature in the shower hose and the service user may be scalded by the hot water. Potential Hazards: See safety notices from Medical Devices Agency.
Bath Boards There are four types of bath boards: 1. Standard bath board 2. Brighton - metal with holes for showering 3. Padded 4. Slatted Boards Savannah/Helping Hand/Medici The method of fitting is the same for each board: How to Fit Adjust clamps on underside of board until it fits tightly against the bath sides. May be used alone with a bath mat to shower. Fit according to manufacturers instructions. Technique for Using 1. Fill bath with water 2. Sit down on board, bottom first, holding on to side of bath with both hands 3. Shuffle back on to board 4. Stabilise self by holding on to board itself or rail 5. Lift legs over side of bath 6. Repeat process in reverse to get out Inform carer, regarding checking clamps are tightened periodically. Social Services do not provide bath mats, advise the service user to buy one. Bathboards Available: Alton/Brighton Bathboard - Wide 30 Brentwood 26 & 28 Bathboard - Padded, Long Medici 25, 26.5 & 28 Bathboard - Padded, Short Bathboard Standard 27 & 29 Savannah
Bath Seats Various types of seats are available. The Rentwood has 4 metal legs that anchor the seat close to the bottom of the bath. They are not recommended for use in a plastic/fibre glass bath as they could cause damage to the sides. They are available with fitting instructions. The Derby seat is made of plastic and is secured to the bottom of the bath with 4 large suction cups. Although it is safe for use in all types of bath it may not be possible to secure then if a service user needs to bathe with emollients as they limit the suction (also applies to ordinary bath oil). The Derby also comes with fitting instructions and is available in 6 and 8 heights. The seat enables the service user to lower themselves into the bath without needing to go right to the bottom if they have problems getting up from there. Bath seats are usually used in conjunction with bath boards. Rubber bath mats must always be used. Fit seats according to manufacturers instructions. Other bathing equipment includes: Bath step Long handled sponge Back strap flannel Long handled fleece pad Hair washing trays
Specialised portable bath equipment Mangar Bath Aid, Bathmaster Bath Aid, Bathability, Arjo Autolift, Mangaroo, Mermaid Ranger Description This equipment if placed in the bath and will raise and lower without any effort by the user, by air compression or a spring mechanism. When considering, think has... a. The general considerations prefacing this document been met AND b. Standard bath equipment has been considered/tried c. The carer who also uses the bath can lift equipment in/out of the bath Bathability Used with people who are unable to use standard bath equipment (i.e. bath board, seat and mat) and who have good upper limb strength. 1. How to Fit } Refer to } instruction booklet 2. Technique for Using }
1. How to Fit } Refer to } instruction booklet 2. Technique for Using } Bathmaster bath aid See instruction book for diagram. 1. How to Fit } Refer to } instruction booklet 2. Technique for Using } Safer use of bathing equipment when practising with a Service user 1. Always check the treatment plan prior to practising and clarify who is providing equipment according to eligibility criteria. Ensure you are familiar with the equipment being used. Check plan for manual handling instruction. Check plan to see if seated or standing transfer. 2. Check bath boards or seats to ensure that they are still fitted correctly. If they have been altered, re-fit according to the manufacturer guidelines. Check that they are safe to sit on prior to asking the service user to practice.
3. Ask the service user if they are able to remember how to use the equipment by describing what they would do. If they are unclear, demonstrate the correct use. 4. Observe the service user practising with equipment, and ensure that they are doing correct technique. 5. Do not attempt to carry out the practise session if the service user is unwell or appears unsteady when mobilising. Advise the therapist as soon as possible if the service user becomes unwell during the session. Seated transfer shower or bathboard and seat Sit on the board and swing legs over the side of the bath one at a time. Slide to the middle of the board. Place hands on the sides of the bath just in-front of the board or firmly grasp grab handles if in situ. Lower self down onto the seat using hands and arms to assist and ensure that feet are placed flat in the bottom of the bath, one slightly in front of the other. To get up from the bath seat, again place the hands on the grab rails or side of the bath and push up, moving the feet back to assist safe transfer to the board. Slide to open side of the bath and swing legs out one at a time and turn to face away from the bath, ensuring that both feet are on the floor. Stand from the board, pushing from the bath and/or board. Observe the service user practising with the equipment. Safer use of Swivel Bather Ensure seat is securely in place with handle in down position, and seat facing open side of bath. Bring back of legs to side of bath, sit on seat Raise handle into up position Begin to twist on seat so that the seat moves, and lift legs into bath, as seat is moving. Secure handle in down position To get off Swivel Bather Lift handle to up position.
Begin to twist on seat so that the seat moves and lift legs over the bath edge. Ensure that both feet are on the floor. Secure handle in the down position. Put hands on chair arms and push to stand-up. Standing transfer onto shower board Climb into bath Stand with shower board at back of legs Lower self onto board holding onto board if necessary or bath sides To get up push off bath sides or board, stand up Climb out of bath Variations for fitting a shower or Bath Board and seat in a service users own bath Check condition of bath Check sufficient lip on wall side of bath Check width of bath is appropriate to shower or bath board Check sufficient area for service user to do transfer Check which end of bath the board is best appropriate to be fitted Consider if board will be used with shower or during bathing
SUPERVISED TASKS/EXERCISES CARRIED OUT BY REHABILITATION ASSISTANT COMPETENCIES NAME: TAUGHT MODELLED COMPETENT OT14 BATHING - BATH BOARD & SEAT DATE DATE DATE 1 2 3 Read plan, identify task and any equipment Check bathing equipment is fitted correctly Appropriate explanation of the task and where service user needs to be. Gain consent - Start position of the service user - Position and safety of equipment 4 5 6 Position of RA relative to service user Verbal explanation of the task (demonstrate if necessary) Supervision of task - Verbal prompts and encouragement - Appropriate correction
OT14 BATHING BATH BOARD & SEAT DATE DATE DATE - Correct use of equipment - Rest periods 7 Awareness of safety concerns 8 Completion of task 9 Documentation 10 Feedback to professional who delegated exercise/task Sign and date when achieved Signature of Learner Signature of Assessor Date of Review
SUPERVISED TASKS/EXERCISES CARRIED OUT BY REHABILITATION ASSISTANT COMPETENCIES NAME: TAUGHT MODELLED COMPETENT OT14 BATHABILITY DATE DATE DATE 1 2 3 Read plan, identify task and any equipment Check bathing equipment is fitted correctly Appropriate explanation of the task and where service user needs to be. Gain consent - Start position of the service user - Position and safety of equipment 4 5 6 Position of SW relative to service user Verbal explanation of the task (demonstrate if necessary) Supervision of task - Verbal prompts and encouragement - Appropriate correction
OT14 BATHING BATHABILITY - Correct use of equipment - Rest periods DATE DATE DATE 7 Awareness of safety concerns 8 Completion of task 9 Documentation 10 Feedback to professional who delegated exercise/task Sign and date when achieved Signature of Learner Signature of Assessor Date of Review
SUPERVISED TASKS/EXERCISES CARRIED OUT BY REHABILITATION ASSISTANT COMPETENCIES NAME: TAUGHT MODELLED COMPETENT OT14 BATHING - POWERED BATH SEAT DATE DATE DATE 1 2 3 Read plan, identify task and any equipment Check bathing equipment is fitted correctly Appropriate explanation of the task and where service user needs to be. Gain consent - Start position of the service user - Position and safety of equipment 4 5 6 Position of SW relative to service user Verbal explanation of the task (demonstrate if necessary) Supervision of task - Verbal prompts and encouragement - Appropriate correction
OT14 BATHING POWERED BATH SEAT DATE DATE DATE - Correct use of equipment - - Rest periods 7 Awareness of safety concerns 8 Completion of task 9 Documentation 10 Feedback to professional who delegated exercise/task Sign and date when achieved Signature of Learner Signature of Assessor Date of Review
SUPERVISED TASKS/EXERCISES CARRIED OUT BY REHABILITATION ASSISTANT COMPETENCIES NAME: TAUGHT MODELLED COMPETENT OT14 BATHING - SWIVEL BATHER DATE DATE DATE 1 2 3 Read plan, identify task and any equipment Check bathing equipment is fitted correctly Appropriate explanation of the task and where service user needs to be. Gain consent - Start position of the service user - Position and safety of equipment 4 5 6 Position of SW relative to service user Verbal explanation of the task (demonstrate if necessary) Supervision of task - Verbal prompts and encouragement - Appropriate correction
OT14 BATHING SWIVEL BATHER DATE DATE DATE - Correct use of equipment - - Rest periods 7 Awareness of safety concerns 8 Completion of task 9 Documentation 10 Feedback to professional who delegated exercise/task Sign and date when achieved Signature of Learner Signature of Assessor Date of Review
SUPERVISED TASKS/EXERCISES CARRIED OUT BY REHABILITATION ASSISTANT COMPETENCIES NAME: TAUGHT MODELLED COMPETENT OT14 BATHING - BATH/ SHOWER BOARD DATE DATE DATE 1 2 3 Read plan, identify task and any equipment Check bathing equipment is fitted correctly Appropriate explanation of the task and where service user needs to be. Gain consent - Start position of the service user - Position and safety of equipment 4 5 6 Position of SW relative to service user Verbal explanation of the task (demonstrate if necessary) Supervision of task - Verbal prompts and encouragement - Appropriate correction
OT14 BATHING BATH/SHOWER BOARD DATE DATE DATE - Correct use of equipment - - Rest periods 7 Awareness of safety concerns 8 Completion of task 9 Documentation 10 Feedback to professional who delegated exercise/task Sign and date when achieved Signature of Learner Signature of Assessor Date of Review