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Why Shower Chairs are an Important Feature within Care Homes

Why Shower Chairs are an Important Feature within Care Homes

Within care homes, there are a few features that can be used that not only help to improve the level of care being provided for residents, but that also help improve their quality of life and wellbeing. Shower chairs are one of the best features to have in a care home, and in this post, we’ll be covering some of the benefits of having them installed. Keep reading to find out more.

Improved Safety

One of the biggest benefits of having a shower seat installed is the improved level of safety it provides. Without the need for standing up in a slippy and confined space, the risk of falling or sliding is greatly reduced. Residents can simply step in and out of the shower rather than standing up and moving around the shower for prolonged periods of time.

Reduce Strain and Injury

Due to the increased safety of a shower seat, such as those offered by the NHC Group, the risk of injury is greatly reduced. Shower seats reduce the risk of injury from falling, slipping, and poor balance. It also takes the strain of standing for prolonged periods of time away, which can be a major cause of discomfort and strain injuries for care home residents. As well as benefitting the residents, shower seats can also help to reduce the risk of strain and injury for those providing care as well. Shower seats make it easier to provide care, as the resident is in a more secure situation while being showered and doesn’t require assistance with balancing, allowing the carer to focus on other tasks such as assisted washing, passing items, etc.

Increased Independence and Dignity

One of the most important aspects of running a care home is increasing the opportunity for residents to remain as independent as possible. This helps to improve their self-esteem, general happiness, and mobility too. Improving dignity and providing respectful care is one of the most important aspects of a good care home. Improving the opportunity for better independence is one of the ways in which care homes can help to improve dignity for residents, at the same time as improving their wellbeing and safety. Taking away a lot of the risk of falling and the need to balance themselves allows residents to be more involved in washing themselves rather than relying on a carer to do it while they focus on standing in the shower. This means residents can gain back some of their ability to be self-sufficient, helping to improve their self-esteem.

Improved Comfort and Wellbeing

When making decisions for care home features, improving the comfort and wellbeing of the residents should be at the forefront of the decisions made. Alongside the benefits of safety and improved independence and dignity, shower seats have the added benefit of better comfort for residents. This is especially true for those that may have more limited mobility or suffer from aches and pains when standing and trying to wash. Taking away some of the strain of the process of showering can help encourage residents to want to regularly wash, something that can become difficult if they are uncomfortable or struggle to stand to shower.

Helps with Providing Care

Shower seats can also help carers to provide a better level of care for residents that require assistance while showering. It can help by providing a more independent level of assistance, encouraging the resident to wash independently, which can allow them to feel more comfortable. The resident doesn’t have to rely on things such as grab bars to stand, meaning they have their hands free to wash themselves and the carer can instead focus on tasks such as passing items, preparing warm towels, or even allowing them to wash independently while they prepare breakfast, giving the resident more privacy should they wish to have it.

Improve Risk Assessments

When planning risk assessments for care homes, eliminating opportunities for risk makes the process a lot simpler. Adding a shower seat to a resident’s routine and all the benefits it can bring mean that risk assessments are less complex for a shower routine. As there will be a reduced risk while showering and fewer opportunities for dangers and injuries, risk assessments will be easier to put together for care staff and management.

Better Safety Standards for Your Care Home

It will also show that your care home is willing to invest in improved safety, care, and wellbeing for residents if you invest in safety and comfort features such as shower seats. Future residents, family members, and care inspectors will view care home in a better light if it is shown to have an interest in investing in things that will help residents and make their daily lives safer and more comfortable. It will also make a care home a more attractive option for those thinking of living there if there are better opportunities for independence and comfort.

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