Is bathing a struggle for your elderly parent?
COULD your elderly parent benefit from adaptations in the bathroom?
As we age, daily routines we take for granted can become more difficult — and struggling to bathe can have a particular impact on wellbeing. An adapted bathroom gives greater freedom — and less worry for yourself. From grab rails to shower seats and adapted taps, there are plenty of small changes that can be made. Or talk to a specialist about bigger changes.
A WALK-IN shower (inset) centres around a pre-cast shower tray with a low threshold of 60mm or less, making it easy to step over if they struggle with steps. And if wheelchair access might be needed at some stage, there are even lower thresholds of 10mm or less. A walk-in shower can often replace a conventional bath without having to change the rest of the bathroom, as the footprint will be the same. A shower door or curtain will be needed to contain water spray. Or a halfheight carer shower screen can be fitted, allowing a carer to assist from outside.
WHILE a shower is a fast and easy way of bathing, soaking in a bath can benefit physical health and mental wellbeing. Again, a walk-in bath can easily sit in the footprint of an existing bath. Some are so compact they can replace an existing shower. A low-access door allows easy entry and exit, and some models have an integral lift that will lower you down so you can stretch out. Others allow you to sit upright in a deeper bath (top right) while saving water.
All walk-in baths from EA Mobility can be fitted with Air Spa massage therapy, chromotherapy and Bluetooth sound systems to enhance your bathing. A free, no-obligation visit by an experienced home assessor will provide you with unbiased and professional advice to find the best solution for your parent’s needs.