Simplify Assisted Bathing with Adjustable Shower Trolleys

Whether it is supporting an individual at home or in a multi-user care environment, assisted bathing requires a lot of planning and thought.

From transferring the end user between rooms, to lowering them into a bath or moving into a walk-in shower, there are a number of potential risks to both the individuals and their caregiver.

However, adjustable shower trolleys help to minimise the risks of falls or strain injury.

Mobile and height-adjustable, they provide a convenient and secure base that enables the user to have assisted bathing in a safe and comfortable lying position.

Not only does it increase comfort and give an individual more dignity, it also makes it easier for a caregiver to maintain an ergonomic posture while assisting the user with washing, drying, dressing and undressing.

To showcase how assisted bathing can be made easier with an adjustable shower trolley, scroll down to get our insights!

 

Reducing the risk of injury

 

One of the most common risks to caregivers with assisted bathing is the risk of a strain injury.

Without an adjustable shower trolley, the process of moving an individual between rooms and washing them is more dangerous for caregivers due to excessive strain on their backs.

 

 

 

Unable to work at a desired height that supports ergonomic posture, caregivers are having to constantly reach down to an individual to perform basic hygiene routines.

Particularly in multi-user environments, the pressure caused by regular straining on a daily basis can put caregivers at huge risk of back and muscle injuries.

It is also important to note that for the individual needing bathing assistance, they are also at risk.

In a vulnerable situation, they need to feel as safe and secure as possible, relying on their caregivers to support them to wash with dignity and in comfort. If a caregiver is finding it difficult to reach them, it causes added stress and impacts their wellbeing.

Luckily, most standard shower trolleys can take away this problem with mechanisms to adjust the height, usually hydraulically.

Hydraulic versions tend to be the most commonly used adjustable shower trolleys due to being cheaper to buy, but do require physical effort by the carer to use their feet to pump and raise or lower the trolley top.

For those looking for ease of use, there are options to have electrically operated trolleys.

The TR 3200 Shower Trolley is one of those that includes this feature, using a water-safe battery system, MagCode charger, and touch button handset requiring very little human effort. With one push of a button, carers can reduce risk and save time by quickly adjusting the trolley to a optimum height, making it easier for them to work and enhancing the comfort of the individual.

 

 

 

Easier access

 

Another key feature of adjustable shower trolleys are collapsible side rails and mattress sides, helping an individual feel secure whilst also giving the opportunity for caregivers to have easy access.

For multi-user environments such as SEN Schools and hospices, these options help to facilitate the ability for several carers to work around the trolley at the same time.

Not only does this increase efficiency of working, ensuring hygiene routines are completed quickly to  reduce stress and anxiety of the individual, it also ensures less physical strain for the caregiver.

Using the TR 2000 as an example, this particular shower trolley has collapsible side rails and a soft trolley liner padding help protect in the event of involuntary patient movements.

Not only does the TR 2000 aid assisted bathing, it also makes it easier for caregivers to clean, as it is easy to remove and rotate the mattress.

 

 

Furthermore, the side rails can be pressed together when travelling through narrow doorways.

This helps to reduce the trolley width to reduce time of transfers and minimise damage to doors.

Access for both caregivers and patients is improved further by the fact that the TR 2000 has drainage holes at both ends, allowing an individual to be positioned in either direction.

 

Greater maneuverability

 

 

When working with individuals who have complex needs, having an adjustable shower trolley that have in-built tilt functions can make a huge different to their safety and wellbeing.

Patients and individuals can often have involuntary movements, or feel anxious about getting wet.

By having a tilt functionality, shower trolleys can give caregivers greater maneuverability, providing a smooth lift action to create a calmer atmosphere and reduce the manual handling required by the carer.

 

 

With Innova’s TR 2000 and 3200 shower trolleys, the stretcher can be easily titled to the ‘Trendelenburg position’, helping to alleviate a person suffering from shock. It can also move in either direction with the tilt control handle that is located at either end, with the tilt position controlled by gas springs, giving caregivers added flexibility to have infinite tilt positions within the tilt range.

Another benefit of including a tilt function is to increase speed of drainage, aiding the drying process so that individuals don’t need to spend too long on the stretcher before being changed.

 

Summary

 

Through this guide, we’ve looked at how adjustable shower trolleys can simplify assisted bathing.

From helping to minimise risk of injury to speeding up the process of changing an individual, there are a range of features and options that are important to consider.

With the help of Innova’s TR shower trolley range, we’ve been able to show you some of those important features, representing the ways they can save time, reduce injuries and improve user comfort.

To discover how we can support you with assisted bathing equipment, complete our contact form below.