The Ultimate Guide To Bathing Stroke Patients (2024)

Maintaining personal hygiene after a stroke is important for both physical and emotional health. However, it can be challenging for stroke patients due to limited mobility and other physical constraints. This guide will provide essential tips and tools to make bathing safer and more accessible for stroke patients, ensuring they can keep up their personal hygiene and feel their best. From shower safety tips to adaptive equipment, we will cover everything you need to know about bathing after a stroke.

Showers are safer than baths

After a stroke, maintaining personal hygiene can be challenging. However, it is essential for your health, self-confidence, and emotional well-being. Here's why taking a shower is generally safer than a bath:

Firstly, showers are safer because there is less risk of falling. Getting in and out of a bathtub requires stepping over the side, which can be difficult and dangerous, especially if you have limited mobility. In contrast, showers usually have a lower threshold to step over, and you can also install a shower chair if needed.

Secondly, baths present a higher risk of drowning. Since a bathtub needs to be filled with water, there is a higher volume of water present, which can be hazardous for stroke patients who may have limited mobility.

To make showering easier, consider installing grab bars and using a non-slip bath mat or shower treads to minimise the risk of slipping. You can also use a shower chair or bench to sit comfortably and safely during your shower. These aids provide stability and make it easier to enter and exit the shower.

Additionally, it is important to test the water temperature with your wrist before getting in to avoid scalding. Gather all your supplies, such as soap, washcloths, and towels, beforehand, so you don't need to move around on wet, slippery surfaces during your shower.

By incorporating these tips and aids, you can make the showering experience safer and more accessible, helping you maintain your independence and personal hygiene after a stroke.

Install grab bars for support

Grab bars are essential for stroke patients to stabilise themselves and improve their balance and stability. They can be installed in the bathroom near the toilet, in the shower, or near the bathtub. Grab bars are particularly useful for getting into or out of the bathtub or shower, or for getting up or down from the toilet.

When installing grab bars, it is important to consult a professional to ensure they are sturdy and placed properly. An approved joiner should be hired to fit the grab bars in the correct position for the patient. The bars should be bolted to the walls to ensure they can support the patient's weight.

Grab bars can also be used to secure a bar of soap in a nylon stocking, so that the soap does not fall or slide away. This can be helpful for stroke patients who may have limited mobility in their arms or hands.

In addition to grab bars, other modifications can be made to the bathroom to assist a stroke patient. These include a transfer tub bench, a shower chair, a raised toilet seat, or a non-skid bathmat.

Use a shower bench

Using a shower bench is a safe and practical way to bathe after a stroke. Shower benches are recommended by healthcare professionals as they reduce the risk of slipping and falling. They are also a good option if you have trouble standing in the shower.

Before you begin, ensure you have all the supplies you need within arm's reach, including soap, washcloths, shampoo, conditioner, and a towel. It is important to test the water temperature with your wrist before getting in, to avoid scalding.

Shower benches come in a few different styles, so choose one that suits your needs. A bath transfer bench can help you get in and out of the shower more easily, and some have a backrest and armrests for added support. If you opt for a shower bench with a backrest, remember to position it facing the showerhead. You can also get a shower bench with a handheld showerhead attachment, which makes it easier to wash and rinse your body without needing to stand up.

When using a shower bench, it is important to follow some safety precautions. Make sure the bench is secure and will not slip or slide. Always have someone nearby to assist you if needed, and keep a bell or another form of communication device within reach.

Prepare supplies in advance

Preparing supplies in advance is an important step in bathing a stroke patient. Here are some detailed instructions to help you with this process:

Firstly, it is crucial to have all the necessary supplies easily accessible. These include soap, shampoo, conditioner, washcloths, towels, and any other personal care items the patient may need. It is recommended to have liquid soap or soap in a pump bottle, as it is easier to handle than a bar of soap, which can be dropped easily. You can also fill plastic bottles with flip-top lids with shampoo and conditioner. Thin terrycloth washcloths are preferable as they are easier to manage and less expensive. Make sure you have a towel and a bathrobe ready for the patient to use after their bath.

You should also consider the safety equipment required for the patient's comfort and stability. This includes grab bars, which can be installed on the shower wall or bathtub to provide support and balance. A shower bench or a chair with rubber feet and handholds can be placed inside the shower or bathtub to provide a safe and comfortable seating option. Additionally, non-slip bath mats or bath safety strips can be placed on the floor of the tub or shower to prevent slipping, with an additional mat outside the tub.

If the patient prefers baths, a bathtub seat can be placed at the rim of the tub to make it easier for them to get in and out. For showers, a handheld showerhead with a hose can be installed to direct the water stream as needed. An anti-scald product can be attached to the showerhead to prevent accidental burns, and the water heater temperature should be set to no more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

It is also important to prepare the bathroom environment to make it warm and clutter-free. Ensure the bathroom is clean and tidy, with a warm and comfortable temperature. You may also want to consider having an extra set of clean clothes in the bathroom in case of any accidents.

By preparing these supplies in advance, you can ensure the patient's comfort, safety, and dignity while assisting them with their bathing routine.

Test water temperature with your wrist

Testing the water temperature with your wrist is an important step in bathing a stroke patient. This is because stroke patients often have limited mobility and may have spasticity, making it difficult to adjust the water temperature while sitting under the showerhead or in the bathtub. By testing the water temperature with their wrist, the patient or caregiver can ensure that the water is not too hot or cold before exposing their full body to it. This is especially important for stroke patients as they may have reduced sensitivity or difficulty reacting to extreme temperatures.

To test the water temperature, turn on the shower or bathtub faucet and let the water run for a minute or two to reach the desired temperature. Then, place your wrist under the water stream or hold it in the tub. The inside of the wrist is more sensitive than the back of the hand and is, therefore, a better indicator of a comfortable temperature. If the water feels too hot or cold on your wrist, adjust the temperature accordingly and test it again until it feels comfortable. This is crucial as water that is too hot can cause scalding, while water that is too cold can be uncomfortable and cause the patient's body temperature to drop.

Additionally, if the stroke patient has limited hand dexterity, consider installing lever-handled faucets that can be easily turned on and off with a wrist or arm. This will provide the patient with more independence and control over their bathing experience.

Remember, it is important to be cautious and patient when bathing a stroke patient. Take the time to ensure the water temperature is just right and make any necessary adjustments before proceeding with the bath or shower.

Frequently asked questions