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What’s the big deal about bathing and bathroom safety? – Part IV

Current Design Has Remained Unchanged For Many Years

Review of available bathtubs and showers suggests that safety was never the major issue in their design! Historically, the development of bathing equipment has been more of chance than conscious design. Institutional equipment has undergone a significant evolution because assisted bathing is very difficult for care-providers but, the design of common household bathtub/showers has remained virtually unchanged. The earliest known bathtub dates back to the Minoan dynasty in 1700 BC, and its form is almost identical to the bathtub forms that are in use today. My Mother’s bathtub, your bathtub, is much like the Minoan tub, the only difference being ours are made of manmade materials and have flowing hot and cold water. Showers are relatively new. In fact, the earliest showers were actually developed for medicinal purposes (e.g. water cure or rain bath) in the early 1800s. Showers only became common with the introduction of indoor plumbing. But, the design of home showers in America has remained virtually unchanged since the end of the First World War!

There are many problems with the present designs of bathtubs and showers.

First, these products are outdated and they fail to meet the physical needs of the aging population. Adaptive fixtures and equipment are “Band-Aid” solutions to complex problems not satisfied by conventional showers and tubs. For example, the “clamp-on” assistance bar installed by my Mother to the outside wall of her tub seemed like a good idea, in theory, but in practice contributed to her death when it moved just enough to set her fall in motion. These devices highlight failures in conventional design and unresolved problems. Grab bars make up somewhat for the absence of adequate support and the need for greater physical security in the bath area. Bath mats overcome the danger of the slippery floor surfaces in their exact location, but are potentially dangerous. They reflect the need for safer footing. Bath seats are a reminder of people’s inability to stand or lower themselves into a tub while bathing. They point to the need for alternative ways of bathing and improved technology.

Second, bathtubs and showers are ability-specific products. They conform only to the functional capabilities and physical needs of young, able-bodied individuals, and place considerable physical and mental demands on the elderly and those with disabilities. For example, the positioning of controls and accessories often requires standing, bending, gripping and a wide range of motion. Bathtubs and showers require good balance, flexibility and strength when both using them, and when transferring in and out of them.

Third, the design of bathtub/showers does not reflect a lifespan perspective. Conceptually, as children, we begin to bathe on our own by the time we are 6 to 7 years old. We continue to do so as grownups until we are about 50-60 years old. Beyond this age, we begin to inherit equipment-related dependence, followed by people-oriented dependence, and finally dependence on both. Bathtubs and showers do not meet the changing needs of people. They are not responsive to adaptation as people’s functional capabilities and physical conditions undergo age-related changes. For example, when unable to stand and bathe, people sit down while bathing. This often takes the form of unstable and dangerous stools, benches, even plastic patio chairs, being placed in bathtubs or showers. The loss of reach from a person’s restricted movement makes controls and accessories inaccessible. Thus, for much of their lives, people either bathe in unsafe conditions or they are dependent on assistance.

My research and Study

The Purpose

My investigation and research was conducted to assess the bathing needs and preferences of older persons living at home; in particular,… my Father. I wanted to generate qualitative data on bathing, and I aimed at understanding a variety of bathing issues. The question is,… how do we design an in-home bathing facility capable of providing greater safety and access to all? How do we provide ourselves, and loved ones, with the ability to live independently, and bathe with dignity and safety in our own homes for as long as possible?

About the Author

George E. Bentley, Esq. is a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist, and known nationally as the “Consumer’s Advocate and Attorney.” He is the leading expert on walk-in bathtubs, ADA guidelines and independent living issues in the US, and author of “The Ultimate Guide to Buying Walk-in Bathtubs”. He founded Bentley Baths – The Amazing Walk-in Therapy Tub Company to help seniors and their loved ones learn about walk-in and handicapped bathing technologies. He is proud to be an Authorized Dealer, factory trained or personally knowledgeable about virtually any product in the market. He will gladly answer your questions for FREE and will is honored to help you work through your education and walk-in bathtub decision-making process. They can be reached by e-mail at George@BentleyBaths.com or phone at 800-688-0055. The company website is http://www.BentleyBaths.com

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