21 April 2022

Adapting a Bathroom for an Elderly Couple

 

The Challenge

A 92 year old gentleman was unsteady on his feet and unable to step up into the shower tray, had had several falls and had a very old electric shower with a cramped and small enclosure.

His 88 year old wife struggled to help him in and out of the shower.

They found out about Care & Repair from a friend who was already one of our service users. The couple did not want to wait up to three months for an assessment via Adult Social Care. They also believed their personal savings would prevent them qualifying for a Disabled Facilities Grant.

 

The Solution

A member of our team visited the couple to discuss their needs and agreed a plan with them to adapt the bathroom.

The design options they were given allowed them to maintain their independence. The team tendered the work to contractors on the Approved Contractors List and supervised the works through to completion.

The works included a new electric shower with anti-scald device fitted for safer showering, a shower seat and anti-slip floor covering. This meant that it was easier for our client’s wife to help her husband with his bathing needs and the adaptations gave our client back control over his personal and bathing needs.