Temperature of the bathroom is too hot or too cold
Forgetting that he/she needs to take a shower/bath
Not enough privacy or embarrassed to have the caregiver help
Not enough contrast between tub and floor can be confusing
Fear of falling
Being rushed or taking too long to take a bath/shower
Inability to stay focused long enough to complete shower
Products that make the bathroom a safer and more accessible environment:
Grab bars provide safety during entering and exiting the tub/shower and
provide stability during bathing/showering. They should be anchored
into the center of a wall stud to withstand the stress that will be
placed on them. They must be long and wide enough to grasp easily.
Bath/shower stools or seats and transfer benches prevent fatigue and
falls. They must have rigid seat and backs. Legs should be rubber-tipped
to prevent movement while seated.
Hand-held showers can be used to direct water while remaining seated on
a stool or in a tub.
Non-slip and anti-slip bath mats prevents falls.
Childproof latches on cabinets containing medicine to prevent
accidental poisoning.
Physical aspects of bathing
Put a towel over the person's shoulders for warmth and/or if modesty is
involved
Do not use bath oils since they make the tub/shower slippery
Use tear free/tangle free shampoo/bath gel
Encourage person to wash self, assisting only when necessary
Let person put on terry robe if drying with towel is a problem
Environmental aspects of bathing/grooming
Have handrails installed
Have a shower chair or bench installed
Use a hand-held shower head
Use a non-slip bath mat inside shower stall/bathtub
Use a anti-slip bath mat outside shower stall/bathtub
Avoid noise, which will echo in the bathroom
Remove everything from the bathroom that could be a distraction
Remove electrical appliances
Make sure the temperature in bathroom is comfortable for bather
Make sure there is adequate lighting
Remove locks from bathroom door (if necessary)
Make sure the hot and cold faucet handles are identified with red and
blue colors
Make sure the hot water is set for 120° F or lower.
Tips to increase or maintain cooperation with bathing/showering
Know the person's preference (bath or shower – morning or evening)
A shower usually is easier and safer than a bath
Do the bathing in the morning when the person is not tired
Give bather washcloth so he/she can help while caregiver washes
important parts
Limit bath/shower to ones or twice a week and do sponge baths in
between
Use same routine every time
Have everything ready before bathe/shower time
Do not force a person to take a bath/shower
When assisting, tell the person what part you are going to wash
Give simple instructions as necessary
Never rush a person
Bathe person quickly to prevent chilling and agitation
Hygiene and bath wipes and No Rinse Shampoo:
Local pharmacy: if not in stock they will special order them at no
extra cost.
www.drugstore.com go to the blank spot for the search and type in "no
rinse shampoo" or "bathing", scroll to bottom for comfort washcloths and
Shield perineal care wipes
Resources 
