Bathing advice please

josiec

Hi everyone,
Could I please ask your advice regarding baths? Its for my elderly gran, not me, but has anybody any experience of the walk-in shower cubicles that can fit into an existing bath space? They are the same size as a bath with an opening door so you can sit in the shower on a stool. She currently has a bath with a shower above which she can no longer use (I only discovered this today! :shock: ) but the upheavel of major renovations such as a wetroom would be too much for her now-she's 87. Thanks, Josie

debbieclap

Hi if you speak to an OT they will do it for you and advise on the best options she should be able to get help with the cost as well.
My parents inlaw had a walk in shower as you described and had no problems with it
All the best

denpen

Hi Josie
I used to work with deaf people of mixed age and different mobility problems, some who had the need had a walk in shower where you can sit and have your shower and these are great for elderly people who have difficulties. I myself have a walk in shower cubicle which looking back is one of the best decisions (mobility wise) we made when doing our bathroom, anyway getting back to your gran, does she have any involvement with social services, if so, her social worker can arrange a assessment for her to have this done. Its worth looking into.
Denise

josiec

Thanks for your replies - she has no social services contact - have just had a look on local council website but not very enlightening! Trying to persuade her to have any work done will be very difficult-I may have to work on her for a while!! The trouble is, she has no idea of what is available but will also find any upheaval in her home very hard to cope with now, so its tricky!!! Regards, Josie

denpen

josiec wrote:

Thanks for your replies - she has no social services contact - have just had a look on local council website but not very enlightening! Trying to persuade her to have any work done will be very difficult-I may have to work on her for a while!! The trouble is, she has no idea of what is available but will also find any upheaval in her home very hard to cope with now, so its tricky!!! Regards, Josie

Hi again
Try getting a appointment with her doctor to see if you can get anywhere, if the doc is approachable they may refer her to social services and then she can get the help she needs with anything care etc.
Just thought it may be worth a try.
Good luck
Denise

josiec

That's an idea, yes, thanks. Really, her house is just too much for her now but she absolutely doesn't want to move. Will have to see what I can sort out! Thanks Denise, regards, Josie

jaspercat

Hi Josie, I have a walk-in shower, it is fantastic, I got mine through the social services, they got me an Occupational Therapist who came to my home to see what I needed, then she helped me to get a disability facilities grant so I didn't have to pay, although it is mean tested.

I would suggest starting with the OT then they can see if she needs anything else love Jaspercatxx

josiec

I didn't think, having looked on our local authority website that they did that for elderly people: I've read the info about the disabled facilities grant but that doesn't seem to apply to her, and it doesn't mention elderly people. She does have some health problems now (hardly suprising at her age!) but I don't think she'd be classed as disabled. It's not made easy, is it? Mind you, I know where my family's stubborn streak comes from now-she doesn't think it's worth having anything done now!! :shock:

sharmaine

You can phone the Occupational Services directly. They're very good at pointing you in the right direction.

woodbon

Hi, Its not something I've come across in elderly peoples houses, but in special flats they build them that way. You may be able to get a grant on the house and have to pay it back on her demise, or moving to more suitable accommdation. That may be possible if she owns her own house. Phone Social Services and talk to them, ask for a person who deals with issues for the elderly, they should be able to give you or find out the information you need. I used to be a carer with Social Services. They also have OTs trained for the elderly. Good Luck. Sue

josiec

I didn't know that - thanks for the info!! Will see what can sort. Thanks again, Josie