Basic Bathroom Setup

Bathing should be a relaxing and enjoyable experience, but for many seniors, it can become a daunting task fraught with safety concerns. When you're caring for a family member, creating a safe and comfortable bathing environment is essential. In this article, I’ll share my best tips for setting up a basic bath that not only prioritizes safety but also enhances the overall experience. Let’s dive into the essentials and make bath time a breeze!

Let's jump in! (A little pool humor, no? ok, let’s press on)

First the seat

A sturdy bath bench can make all the difference in ensuring safety and comfort. Depending on your needs, you can find bath benches at most major retailers, secondhand stores like Goodwill, or even garage sales. Don’t forget to check with your local senior center, as some offer loan closets for medical and safety equipment.

When choosing a bath seat, there are a variety of models to consider:

• Over-the-tub benches: These extend over the edge of the tub, which I personally prefer for ease of access.
• In-tub seats: These fit entirely inside the bathtub and come with or without back support, depending on your preference.

Make sure the legs of the bench are adjustable. Simply press the button to set the height to match your needs. One critical detail—ensure the bottom of the seat clears the tub wall to avoid scratching or damaging your tub.

 

 

 

The legs are adjustable by pressing in the button and choosing the correct height.

 

 

 

 

Make sure that the bottom of the seat clears the tub wall.

You don't want it to scratch and damage your tub

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's all about Comfort and Safety

Adding small touches can make a big difference. I like to use several hand towels to enhance both safety and comfort. In my opinion, washing a few extra towels each week is a small trade-off for a safer, more pleasant experience.

1. Towel for the floor: Place a towel on the floor in front of the tub. This acts as a bath rug to catch overspray and is more comfortable than stepping onto a bare floor. To keep the towel from moving, tuck it under at least one of the bench legs, or two if possible.

2. Towel for the seat: Lay a towel on the seat for added comfort, as the plastic surface can feel cold. Alternatively, you can run warm water over the seat before use, though this may not warm it significantly.

3. Towel for the tub floor: Place a towel inside the tub near the drain. This prevents the bather’s feet from slipping when standing up. Be careful not to cover the drain, as this could cause the tub to fill with water—unless you want to soak their feet!

Additionally, consider tucking the shower curtain between the legs of the shower seat and the sidewall of the tub to guide water back into the tub, preventing it from pooling on the floor.

A handheld shower head is a game-changer for controlled, comfortable bathing. While a stationary shower head can work, a handheld option allows for better precision, especially when assisting someone with limited mobility.

Let's discuss Hand bars

Permanently installed hand bars are best, but I understand this isn't always possible for various reasons

There are suction cup hand bars like these that are easy to install and do no damage to your tub walls. You do need to be VERY careful as these can come loose very easily.

If you use them make sure to test them first. Give them a good pull to make sure the suction cups haven’t come away from the wall. Even if one side is attached and the other is not, the sense of it not being attached can throw off one's balance and cause a fall. (remember our balance deteriorate as we age)

In addition.

Older adults often have a limited range of motion, so tools like long-handled sponges or brushes can help them wash hard-to-reach areas. Body wash in a pump bottle is another practical option, as it’s easier to handle than slippery bar soap.

 

One final word..

If you hand the portable shower head to the bather, be sure to pull the shower curtain so it’s between you and the sprayer. People often don’t notice where the overspray is going—especially when rinsing under their arms! Protect yourself from a surprise soaking by staying prepare

Conclusion

By following these simple yet effective tips for setting up a bath with a bench seat, you can create a safer and more comfortable bathing experience for yourself or your loved ones. From selecting the right equipment to ensuring proper safety measures, every detail counts in making bath time enjoyable.

Small adjustments lead to significant improvements in comfort and confidence. Happy bathing, and don’t forget to share your own tips or experiences in the comments below!

 

Questions:

• "What are your best tips for making bath time safer and more comfortable? Share your insights in the comments below!"

• Have you tried any of these tips? Let us know how they worked for you or ask any questions you may have!

• If you found this article valuable, share it with your friends or family on social media!

 

Share your experiences or questions about bathroom safety in the comments below