In class the other day, we were asked to come up with uncomfortable questions that we have always wanted to ask someone with a disability. I can’t remember who said it but, someone was wondering how people with physical disabilities bathe.
I realized that this question had also crossed my mind but when I was much, much younger. I think I was about 11 years old when I got the news that my uncle and his family had gotten into a car accident on their way down to Mexico for my aunt’s wedding. My cousin had a split skull, my aunt had extensive bruising and my uncle was left with a broken leg and a split skull. Thankfully they all recovered but when I went to go visit them, I had so many questions.
I definitely wondered how he showered. I’m sure my aunt had to help him the old fashioned way but upon further research now I found there there are actually some tubs that are designed to make bathing easier.
This new line of tubs was recently revealed November 3rd at the Care & Dementia Show by Gainsborough Specialist Bathing. Aside from the multiple configurations featured above, the tubs include some efficiency measures:
- “Lower running costs: features such as keyhole design, depth indicators and auto-fill options combine to deliver an extremely economical, energy-efficient bathing solution
- Improved operational efficiencies: reduced bathing cycle times allow carers to attend to the needs of the residents more efficiently
- Enhanced levels of care: greatly improved bathing experience for both bather and carer, with cutting-edge ergonomics and technology”
Personally, I think it would be great if the efficiency and water-saving measures could be applied to all tubs but, that’s a separate issue. These tubs seem to be able to accommodate a wide variety of situations and yet still look great. It’s great to know that there are companies dedicated to helping make such an intimate activity an easier experience.
Interesting piece of technology- do you know the price point? Is it covered by insurance? I think it is great that these solutions exist, but I wonder how accessible (cost wise) they are to the majority of the disabled population. It’s amazing that something as everyday as bathing has not been more thoroughly addressed.