Bathing Equipment used by Occupational Therapists.

Adaptive equipment is used by OTs to help people with physical limitations impacting on daily activities of living in order to promote independence and saftey (Wielandt, McKenna, Tooth & Strong, 2002).

Types of Bathing Equipment according to Wielandt, McKenna, Tooth & Strong (2002):

1. Shower chairs

2. Shower stools

3. Bath boards

4. Hand held shower hoses

5. Soap bags

6. Toe wipers

7. nonslip mats

8. Long handled back brushes

Why prescribe equipment?

Surgery or illness can lead to difficulty bathing and can make it an unsafe task (Wielandt, McKenna, Tooth & Strong, 2002). Some bathrooms are small in size and have limited circulation space making it difficulty to bath safely (Wielandt, McKenna, Tooth & Strong, 2002). During rehabilitation adaptive equipment can promote independent functioning and safe discharge in a home environment (Wielandt, McKenna, Tooth & Strong, 2002).

Why bathing equipment?

Bathing is regarded as one of the most exhausting activities of daily living therefore promoting safe bathing is important (Wielandt, McKenna, Tooth & Strong, 2002).

Factors that influence equipment use according to Wielandt, McKenna, Tooth & Strong (2002):

Medical

1. Diagnosis

2. Change in medical status overtime.

Demographics

3. Age

4. Gender

5. Living environment

Equipment

6. Equipment appearance.

7. Speed of equipment prescription.

Personal

8. Patients perception if the equipment is to be useful.

9. Patients perception of the equipment need.

Patient inclusion

10. Including patients in the equipment prescription process.

Occupational Therapy

11. Holistic assessment of the patient and home environment.

12. Instruction on correct us of the equipment for patient and caregivers.

13. Understanding why patients do not use equipment.

Factors related to equipment non use according to Wielandt, McKenna, Tooth & Strong (2002):

1. Short term only use.

2. Not knowing how to correct use certain types of equipment.

3. Not being able to use equipment in the home environment or not suitable for the patients needs.

4. Changes in medical status.

5. Equipment that is not needed.

6. Limited choice in equipment prescription e.g. family insights, values and traditions.

7. Limited training on how to properly use the equipment e.g. patients not feeling confident or having a go.

References

Wielandt, T., McKenna, K., Tooth, L., & Strong, J. (2002). Post discharge use of bathing equipment prescribed by occupational therapists: What lessons to be learned? Physical & Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics, 19(3), 49-65. doi:10.1080/J148v19n03_04