Bathing

[Wardy01]

Hi, my mum has PSP and can not do anything unassisted. She really wants a bath, but how do we get her in a bath. Any help and advise much appreciated

Thanks

Martin

[Hidden]

I use a plastic bathing chair to get Larry into the tub. An occupational therapist would be able to show you how to do it. That’s how I learned how to do it.

She wouldn’t be sitting in the bath. I use a shower head on a line of hose to wet him and rinse him.

[Wardy01 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks, will look into that

[honjen43]

Sorry your mum wants to have a bath. I know how hard it is for you to make that happen with safety!

My husband got stuck in the bath a couple of times. I got him out by coaxing him onto hands and knees and then put a large bath sheet under his chest and assisted him to raise himself up until he could climb out. This worked once! Then I called my son and/or the ambulance.

It depends on how well your mum can move. And how many helpers you can get in the bathroom together!

Later when in hospital, I found there is a hoist to lift in and out of chairs. It might be possible to use for bathing; however electricity and water do not mix well!

In the nursing home they had a flexible bath, like a swimming/paddling pool. Don't know how effective they are and did wonder how warm the water was.

Have you thought about trying to get access/session in a hydrotherapy pool or a spa pool? Our pool is equipped with hoist to get injured/infirm patients into and out of the water. There would be the added problem of getting swimsuit on and off and it is not exactly a bath with swimsuit on, but could get her a comfortable feeling of wellbeing - as long as she is not worried about swimming.

Never thought about hydrotherapy for my husband nor was it suggested! I know he found it very difficult to get out of the sea 15 months before he was really weak.

Keep trying! Where there is a will, there may be a way! However, sometimes it is just beyond capability.

Hope you get some good ideas from the PSP carers. They are always thinking outside the square.

Hugs

Jen xxx

[Wardy01 in reply to honjen43]

Thanks Jen, we have enough trouble getting her from her chair to a wheel chair. But thought it worth seeing what’s available. We can easily extend the shower for her. But it’s a bath she really craves

Thanks Martin x

[Christine47 in reply to Wardy01]

There is something called a plastic transfer bench I saw on Amazon. This might be helpful. "Tub Transfer Bench by Vive - Bath & Shower Transfer Bench." We have not needed it...yet.

Christine

[Wardy01 in reply to Christine47]

Thanks Christine. I will have a look.

[Heady]

Talk to the OT. There are various bits of equipment out there, it's just a case of finding one suitable fo your Mum and her bathroom.

Lots of love

Anne

[Wardy01 in reply to Heady]

Thanks Anne will do x

[richmond1]

I agree with heady ask OT they sorted if for Mum to have an electric bath seat and although it’s still difficult it’s manageable xx

[Wardy01 in reply to richmond1]

Thanks will try that

[Sayer]

wardy01

Get in touch withyour local Social Services. Ask for an assessment. By law you are and your mum are entitled to this. In fact you are entitiled to haver them as often as required. This should result in you seeing a physiotherapist. The physio. will assess your need and under NHS provide you with any equipment you need and advise you on handling/lifting proceedures. Re bathing ask for a bath chair. This fits in the bath, patient sits on seat and is lowered/raised by the press of a button. Additionally should you need indoor/outdoor wheel chairs these should also be available to you free. Don't forget, if you don't ask you will not get. I'm assuming you live in England. Facilities may be different for scotland/Wales If you think I can help more, get in touch.

PS. The assements are two separate proceedures, one for you and one for the patient.

Ask the social worker what the assessment cover. ASK, Ask, Ask.

PPS. There may be more advice on the WWW/Citizens Advice Bureau

Regards

[e-mail]

[Wardy01 in reply to Sayer]

Hi, thanks for this, very helpful

I will get on to them today we are based in England.

Best Regards

Martin