Bathing for the elderly: how to choose the best shower chairs?

The daily ritual of bathing is a routine activity that, for most people, is synonymous with relaxation and renewal. However, for the elderly, this part of the daily routine can pose significant challenges. Therefore, making the bathing environment safer and more comfortable is essential to promote the independence and well-being of the elderly.

With advancing age, and as more difficulties arise during bathing, this task becomes a moment to be avoided by many elderly individuals. The loss of mobility is also a factor that affects bathing, and as a result, many elderly individuals do not desire it. However, it is crucial to maintain a hygiene routine, no matter how challenging it may be.

In this article, we will explore innovative and tailored solutions to make bathing a safer and more enjoyable experience. From bath chairs to environmental adaptations, discover how small changes can have a significant impact on the quality of life in old age. After all, ensuring that bathing is not just a daily task but also a moment of comfort is a crucial aspect of holistic care for the elderly.

What is the importance of bathing for the elderly?

The main concern resulting from the lack of bathing in the elderly is a higher susceptibility to the development of skin infections or urinary tract infections. And while bathing is essential for maintaining bodily cleanliness, it also plays a crucial role in promoting physical and mental health.

• Skin Health and Circulation: Regular bathing helps preserve the integrity and hydration of the skin, preventing issues such as dry skin and irritations. Furthermore, hot water stimulates blood circulation, contributing to cardiovascular health.
• Pain and Tension Relief: Immersion in hot water can alleviate muscle and joint pains, common in the elderly. This therapeutic effect not only enhances comfort but also promotes an overall sense of relaxation.
• Cognitive and Sensory Stimulation: Bathing acts as a sensory stimulus, engaging the elderly in an experience that awakens their senses. Water, aromas, and temperature can contribute to cognitive stimulation and mood improvement.
• Promotion of Autonomy: Maintaining the ability to perform daily tasks, such as bathing, is crucial for preserving the autonomy of the elderly. The sense of independence resulting from these personal care routines is essential for self-esteem and quality of life.
• Infection Prevention: Proper hygiene, especially in the bathing environment, is an effective measure in preventing skin and urinary infections, common in the elderly.

How often should an elderly person take a bath?

While it is understood that a daily bathing routine is advisable, the same does not necessarily apply in the case of the elderly. On one hand, because the physical activity of an elderly person is not the same as that of an adult, but also because this is a challenging and complicated moment. Therefore, it is not necessary to take a bath every day!

Indeed, taking a bath every day is not a strict requirement for good health. Therefore, taking a bath once or twice a week may be ideal for an elderly person – and sufficient to prevent skin breakdown and infections.

How to bathe elderly individuals? Now, discover some tips.

As we have seen, bathing can be a challenging process for the elderly. However, it is also challenging for the caregiver – who must be gentle, empathetic, and attend to the individual needs of the elderly person. Therefore, we have compiled some tips to assist all caregivers during bathing, making the entire process more comfortable, enjoyable, and comforting for the elderly.

• Ensure that the bathroom is properly equipped. This includes handrails and non-slip mats;
• Choose times when the elderly person is more awake, alert, and comfortable;
• Check the water temperature to avoid unpleasant surprises;
• Use gentle and specific products for sensitive skin, promoting skin health;
• Maintain constant communication during the process, explaining each step and ensuring that the elderly person feels involved and respected ;
• Adapt to the preferences and needs of the elderly for a more positive and dignified experience.

Using the appropriate bath products is also crucial to maintaining the skin health of the elderly. In this regard, our Bath Product Line is excellent for providing moments of personal care and well-being. The Bath Gel and Shampoo Molicare Skin help keep the skin and hair hydrated and healthy, thanks to their components with vitamins and natural properties. Their soft and fresh textures allow for a thorough and invigorating wash, providing the elderly with a sense of comfort and well-being.

After bathing, skin hydration with creams is also essential to maintain softness and skin health. The Molicare Skin Body Lotion, with excellent properties, promotes intensive care for sensitized mature skin, being suitable for moisturizing even the most sensitive areas of the elderly body. On the other hand, ATL Moisturizing Cream was designed for daily skin care. Recommended by health professionals, it is a non-greasy body cream with a unique texture that softens and strengthens the protective layer of the skin.

Taking a bath is generally a rejuvenating experience. But for the elderly, this daily activity can pose unique challenges. Considering the use of bath chairs or benches is crucial to ensure not only comfort but also safety during this task. Next, we will explore each of these accessories in detail to help you understand the best option for each specific need.

Bathtub or shower: which is better?

This is a question that often arises when discussing bathing for the elderly. While it is generally agreed that a shower makes bathing easier in terms of mobility, not all homes are equipped with this solution, or they may not be able to undergo such alterations. Therefore, this is a choice with some nuances and variables. However, it is essential to consider that both options have advantages and specific considerations.

In general, for seniors with reduced mobility, getting in and out of the bathtub can be a challenge. In this regard, the shower or walk-in shower is often considered more practical and safer for seniors. In this regard, the shower or walk-in shower is often considered more practical and safer for seniors. Furthermore, the use of a walk-in shower minimizes the risk of falls, providing a more accessible environment for those with mobility difficulties.

Despite this, it’s worth noting that there are auxiliary accessories for both options that can enhance and simplify bath time, making it safer and more relaxed for the elderly, whether in the bathtub or shower.

What are the best accessories for a bathtub?

While bathing in the bathtub has its therapeutic benefits, it’s essential to consider the mobility limitations that the elderly may face. Getting in and out of the bathtub can pose a significant challenge, increasing the risk of falls and injuries. Reduced mobility can make the safe use of the bathtub difficult, and that’s where specialized products and accessories come in to ensure safety and comfort during bathing.

Swivel Bath Chairs

Swivel bath chairs are a valuable addition to ensure the safety and convenience of the elderly during bathing in bathtubs. Fundamentally, these chairs facilitate the process of entering and exiting the bathtub, as they have the ability to rotate. This innovative design is particularly beneficial for seniors with limited mobility, providing a smoother transition and reducing the risk of falls.

The Swivel Bath Chair allows for easier transfer into the bathtub and enables turning the patient into the tub effortlessly.

Another example is the Sorrento Swivel Bath Chair, which features a flexible seat and backrest. Thus, it can provide the user with a secure and highly comfortable seated position, facilitating transfers from outside to inside the bathtub and vice versa. This chair also features a comprehensive cutout to facilitate intimate hygiene, and thanks to its adjustable arms, it easily adapts to all bathtubs.

Bath Boards

Para seniors que ainda têm alguma autonomia, as cadeiras giratórias podem parecer uma solução excessiva. In such cases, bath boards are an effective alternative that also enhances accessibility and safety during bathing. Designed to be placed over the bathtub, these bath boards provide a stable seating surface for entering and exiting the bath.

The Adjustable Bath Board features a distinctive ergonomic design and excellent functionality. It is width-adjustable, accommodating various bathtub sizes. It is manufactured with materials that ensure maximum hygiene and durability, providing a sturdy support during bathing.

Bathtub Support Bars

Grab bars are an extra feature to ensure the safety of independent seniors. When strategically installed in the bathtub area, these bars become additional support for entering and exiting the bathing space. Made of durable and water-resistant materials, grab bars are designed to bear the user’s weight and provide a secure surface to hold onto. Generally fixed to the wall, these bars are placed in strategic locations, such as near the bathtub entrance, to ensure a safe transition.

Suction Cup Grab Bars feature an innovative suction cup system that, through two small levers, allows placing the bar on any surface in the bathroom. They are ideal for use as support in the bathtub – and even in the shower – and, thanks to their excellent visual indicators, allow the user to verify if the bar is well installed. As they have a suction cup system, these bars can be removed at any time and transported anywhere – making them a great option for vacations or periods away from home.

Another option is Fixed Stainless Steel Support Bars. This bar, which should be fixed to the wall, is an excellent solution for both household and institutional use, serving as a support to prevent falls in the bathroom. Locally manufactured, it features a structure made of high-quality round stainless steel tubing, ideal for supporting the user’s weight when gripping.

Finally, the Bathtub Entry and Exit Aid is an ideal addition to enhance the user’s safety when entering and exiting the bath. With easy and simple attachment, it adapts to any bathtub and can be removed at any time. This support is placed at the edge of the bathtub and, by allowing the elderly person to grip onto most of its structure, it is a great source of safety and confidence during bath time.

And for the shower?

The truth is that the shower stall stands out for its versatility and accessibility, unlike the bathtub. However, taking a shower in a shower stall doesn’t always solve all the challenges faced by the elderly during hygiene moments. Therefore, we present some products below that aim to make bathing a more comfortable and secure experience.

Shower Bench

While, as we’ve seen, the shower resolves some of the issues associated with bathing in a bathtub, such as accessibility, it may not address all the challenges. Specifically, balance and stability. Thus, shower benches play a crucial role, as they are a versatile solution that adapts to different needs. Designed for maximum comfort and safety, they transform the shower into an accessible and uncomplicated moment, also allowing for a resting area.

The Dot Shower Bench is the ideal choice if you start to experience a lack of balance in the bathroom, whether inside or outside the shower stall. The Dot is very lightweight and compact, making it an excellent option for small spaces. It is height-adjustable, making it adaptable to various user needs.

On the other hand, the Shower Bench with Arms is made of completely stainless aluminum. Its arms provide extra security to the user, offering a support to hold onto. It is very lightweight and easy to transport, and the legs are height-adjustable, allowing it to adapt to the needs of each elderly person.

For even more limited spaces, the Foldable Shower Seat is the ideal alternative. Installed on the wall, it can be easily folded to leave the shower space free. However, the user always has a seat available, which is made of plastic and features a wide cutout to facilitate personal hygiene.

Shower Chair

Similar to shower benches, shower chairs are essential allies in promoting autonomy and safety during bathing. However, the addition of a backrest provides an additional level of comfort and support for users during bathing. This feature adds a sense of stability and can be particularly useful for seniors who need more back support.

The Shower Chair has been designed to provide a more comfortable use in the shower, even in small spaces. As it has a plastic backrest, it is a safer option for seniors with a lack of balance and stability. The integrated drains and handles enhance hygiene and safety, while its extendable legs allow for adjusting the chair’s height.

How to bathe seniors with limited mobility?

When faced with the responsibility of caring for seniors with greatly reduced mobility, the bathing process becomes truly delicate. The lack of physical autonomy often requires specialized solutions to ensure the safety, comfort, and dignity of the individual during personal hygiene. Shower or bath is the easiest and most comprehensive way to clean the body. But in these situations, they are often not the most viable option. So, what alternatives arise?

Shower Chairs with Wheels

Although shower chairs with wheels can only be used in curbless showers, they play an essential role in promoting a healthy hygiene routine. Designed to provide a practical and secure solution for the challenge of transporting seniors to the bathing area, they ensure both comfort and ease of use. By allowing the caregiver to smoothly move the chair to the hygiene area, it eliminates concerns related to mobility, making the process dignified and less restrictive. These chairs, often equipped with lockable multidirectional wheels, ensure easy and secure mobility.

Comfort and safety are the words that best characterize the Aluminum Shower and Commode Chair. With a padded seat, this chair allows you to enjoy all the benefits of bathing safely. The wheels allow it to be moved more comfortably to the bathing area.

Meanwhile, the Commode Shower Chair with Wheels features a comfortable U-shaped seat, facilitating intimate hygiene. The wheels allow for the safe transportation of the elderly to the bathing area, and it is also effective for individuals who cannot support their body while sitting. Thus, it allows the elderly to enjoy all the benefits of bathing safely.

Bathing in the elderly: Overcoming Challenges

For the elderly, bathing is often a challenge. But it is also an opportunity to implement small changes that make a big difference in their daily lives. Therefore, the solutions we present are tailored to make bathing a safer and more enjoyable experience for the elderly—since the quest for comfort goes far beyond choosing between a bathtub or a shower stall.

When considering each of these products, we are indeed promoting respect, dignity, and safety during bathing moments.

At Loja Ortopédica, we offer all the Bathing Aids solutions to make daily hygiene a moment of comfort, well-being, and health. Always seek advice, of course, with help of a healthcare professional.

We are always available through our Customer Support or on our social media channels.

We know and have what you need!