BATHING AND BEYOND: ENHANCING MOBILITY AND INDEPENDENCE FOR PEOPLE

WITH DISABILITIES
WHAT IS OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY?

Occupational therapy is a type of healthcare that focuses on

helping people with disabilities or injuries to regain their
ability to perform everyday activities such as bathing, dressing,
cooking, and working. It is a client-centered approach that aims
to improve the quality of life for individuals who are struggling
with physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges.
BATHING AND MOBILITY CHALLENGES

 For people with disabilities, bathing can be a

daunting task. Simple things like getting in and out
of the bathtub or shower can be a real challenge. In
fact, according to recent statistics, over 30% of all
bathroom injuries occur while bathing or
showering.
 Mobility is another major issue for people with
disabilities in the bathroom. The lack of proper
support and equipment can make it difficult to
move around safely and comfortably. This can lead
to falls and other accidents, which can be especially
dangerous in a wet environment like the bathroom.
ASSISTIVE EQUIPMENT FOR BATHING

 There are several types of assistive equipment

available for people with disabilities to use in the
bathroom. One example is a bath bench, which can
be placed inside the tub or shower to provide a stable
seating surface. This can be especially helpful for
individuals who have difficulty standing for long
periods of time or maintaining their balance while
bathing.
ASSESSMENT FOR BATHING

 KATZ Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living can be used as a instrument to assess functional
status as a measurement of the client’s ability to perform activities of daily living independently.

ACTIVITIES POINTS (1 OR 0) INDEPENDENCE: (1 POINT) DEPENDENCE: (0 POINTS)

NO supervision, direction or WITH supervision, direction,
personal assistance personal assistance or total care

BATHING (1 POINT) Bathes self completely (0 POINTS) Needs help with

or needs help in bathing only a bathing more than one part of the
single part of the body such as the body, getting in or out of the tub or
back, genital area or disabled shower. Requires total bathing.
extremity..
ASSISTIVE EQUIPMENT FOR BATHING

 Another example is a handheld showerhead, which

allows individuals to direct the water flow where
they need it most. This can be particularly useful for
those who have limited range of motion or difficulty
reaching certain areas of their body. Other assistive
equipment options include grab bars, non-slip mats,
and transfer benches.
ASSISTIVE EQUIPMENT FOR MOBILITY

 One type of assistive equipment for

mobility in the bathroom is a shower
chair. This type of chair can help people
with disabilities to sit down while
showering, reducing the risk of falls and
making it easier to wash themselves.
Another type of equipment is a grab
bar, which provides support and
stability when getting in and out of the
shower or tub.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT

 When it comes to choosing the right assistive

equipment for people with disabilities, there are
several factors to consider. First, it's important to
assess the individual's specific needs and limitations.
 In addition to assessing needs, it's also important to
consider the individual's personal preferences and
lifestyle. For example, someone who enjoys taking
long baths may prefer a bath lift over a shower chair.
Similarly, someone who travels frequently may
benefit from a portable commode chair. By taking
these factors into account, you can ensure that the
equipment you choose is not only functional but also
compatible with the individual's lifestyle.
ADAPTIVE BATHROOM
BENEFITS OF USING ASSISTIVE EQUIPMENT

 Using assistive equipment in the bathroom can greatly

improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. Not
only does it provide them with greater independence and
privacy, but it also helps to prevent accidents and injuries.
For example, a grab bar in the shower can help someone
with limited mobility maintain their balance and avoid
falling.
 Assistive equipment can also help people with disabilities
to perform tasks that would otherwise be impossible or
difficult. A raised toilet seat, for instance, can make it
easier for someone with limited mobility to use the
bathroom independently. And a shower chair can allow
someone who is unable to stand for long periods of time to
enjoy a relaxing shower.