Bath aids for the Elderly and Handicapped: Band Aid Solutions
Although bath aids can be beneficial, many fail to meet the needs of individuals with changing and diverse needs. Most are band aid solutions and do not address barrier free design principles.
Bath aids merely provide assistance when dealing with barriers which is why they are referred to as “band aid solutions”. A conventional bath tub is a barrier for many people. The step-in height of these products can be as much as 23″.
Providing a shower bench or grab bar on the wall does not eliminate this barrier. To adequately provide for individuals with mobility related bathing difficulties we must remove the barrier causing the difficulty to perform safe bathing. Bath aids for the elderly and the disabled are fine as long as they are used in conjunction with barrier-free products.
A walk in bath tub or handicap bathtub is designed to address the barrier itself. The existing bath tubs and showers are removed completely from the bathroom and a product that will no longer be a barrier is installed.
Bathtub design has virtually been unchanged since the early 1700’s and showers unchanged since the early 1800’s. These products were not designed to be barrier-free and do not become barrier-free by affixing bath aids to them.
We must begin to recognize that barrier elimination will contribute greatly to the safety and security of individuals with unique bathing needs. Realizing that dangerous situations exist is a first step in changing the way professionals specify products for individuals and commercial developments.
