If you find yourself having to help someone manage the rest of their life: Bathing needs can be a big area of concern depending on their mobile abilities and their privacy. It is always better to try and prevent those embarrassing moments that are bound to happen. Just put yourself in their shoes: does the door to the bathroom allow anyone standing outside to see all areas of the room? Maybe a small hanging curtain just inside the door, by the toilet, tub or shower? Is the water temperature too hot? Most health care organizations are required to keep the hot water temperature below 110 degrees. Test this with a thermometer, in a glass of ice water. It should always read 32 degrees. Test the water at the bathroom sink and shower with only the hot water running, give it at least 3 minutes.
You might also want to check for imbalance of water pressure and temperature, when another water source is used, a toilet is flushed, or sink turned on and off. If the person receiving care is able to use a separate bathroom and you would like to have a hot shower, you might look into having a mixing valve put on the sink and a shower that allows control of the mixed water temperature. Unless you are a handy person, I would recommend you find a good plumber.
Communication is very important in that they have a way of contacting you is case of a problem or emergency. A two way radio, like what is used in an infant room might work, just some way to keep in touch. Also is the room temperature comfortable, not to cold or hot, you wouldn’t want them to get a chill while in their birthday suit.
With the toilet as mentioned before, you might consider one or two properly placed grab bars. These are always helpful for support and balance. The person receiving care might also need safety rails around the seat or if it is too low, a raised seat might help depending on the height. There is also a commode with armrest that might prove to be more convenient or comfortable, that can easily be moved away rather than fastened to the toilet. Consider the location of the toilet paper roll. I have seen this to be a real challenge, even for you to have access to, if they have to over reach or twist.
The tub can pose a problem if it is too hard for them to step into, again some properly placed grab bars will help. I have found that by putting the bar at an angle will give better leverage at different levels. There are many types of tub mats that will provide a non-slippery surface and a soft place to set and enjoy a warm bath. If they are not able to lie in the tub, there are many styles of benches or seats, some with backs that will give a stable platform for a shower or sponge bath. Also very helpful is a shower handle hose combination that can be raised or lowered, held in a set position and with an on/off valve.
A shower has many of the same issues as the tub, just easier to enter because of the lower egress. If there is no built in seat, a wall mounted fold down one can be installed as long as there is enough support in the wall it is to be mounted on or a portable shower chair can provide a place to relax. I would also suggest a single handled lever for water on/off control that rotates easily. A large soft rubber backed tub/shower rug provides a comfortable starting and ending place for hopefully an enjoyable body renewable time. Montreal home care