By Nicole Levison

Not only is showering and bathing essential to health, it is an intimate ritual that we take for granted until we are unable to do it on our own.

As a caregiver, you may be responsible for bathing and dressing your loved one. In addition to respecting his or her pride, you have the additional responsibility of keeping your loved one safe. The young and the elderly are particularly at risk when it comes to the bathroom. In fact—it’s the room where the majority of home accidents occur.

Besides employing safe lifting techniques, here are some tips to stay safe:

• Don’t rush! Find out what works best for your loved one (such as a sponge bath every morning while he/she is feeling energetic).
• Keep the floor free of water, slippery products like lotions, and clutter.
• Place bath time essentials—towels, products, robes, slippers—within reach so that you are not forced to get up and leave your bather alone.
• Be sure the water temperature is not extreme. In particular, elderly folks cannot handle very hot or cold water. Your wrist is a good guide to use, but, again, check with your bather and consider what temperature he/she prefers.
• Take into account if your loved one has sensitive skin and use a fragrance-free cleanser and soaps or products that he/she is partial to.
• To reduce embarrassment, foster communication. Remember that this person you love dearly risks feeling exposed and, while you need to thoroughly clean some private areas, be sensitive!

Bringing the Spa into the Bathroom

While safety is the top priority, you can preserve your loved one’s dignity by taking a cue from spas, where the bather’s preferences guide the personalized experience.

Small and thoughtful services—such as covering areas of the body you are not working on with a towel can help. Try covering your loved one’s upper body with a warm wash cloth while he/she is relaxing, scenting the water with a favorite fragrance (like lavender or rose oil), or not wetting his or her head until the end. Perhaps your loved one would take pleasure in massage, manicures, pedicures, facials, and hair styling? You will find that aromatherapy oils, soothing music, soft lighting, and healthy communication can make bathing more than a daily routine.

Assistive Products

Consider some bath products for additional safety:

• A bath lift
• Bath and shower chair or stool
• Transfer bench
• Inflatable tub for the bed
• Long-handled bath brush or sponge on stick
• Non-slip mat, tread slips, grab bars, and support rails
• No-rinse bathing wipes and shampoos
• Cushioned spout cover
• Hand-held shower

Be sure to read our article on “How to Help Transfer Someone Safely" for more information on saving your back and keeping your loved one safe during daily activities such as bathing.