Bath Equipment for Children With Special Needs

Outfit a bathroom for a special-needs child with the right equipment.

Determining which bath equipment is best for a child with special needs is an important part of parenting that requires the same time and attention as any other health or hygiene-related decisions made for the child. The financial investment can be considerable, as well. Taking the time to understand what features are necessary for a child's well-being, comfort and safety pays off in the long run.

The Basics

Safety is the first consideration when buying bath equipment.

All bathroom equipment for special-needs children should include basic features that support safety, hygiene and the child's comfort. A main feature is rustproof metal so that the equipment lasts after multiple uses in water. Health and safety concerns include a wipe-down nylon or vinyl surface on any seats or hand grips, watertight controls surrounding any mechanized or electronic parts and industrial-strength suction cups for anything that mounts to a surface for stability.

Since bathroom equipment can be heavy for some parents or caregivers, consider features that allow the user to fold or move the equipment quickly during setup or cleanup. Buy for longevity, but keep in mind that as the child grows, he may outgrow certain equipment.

Chairs and Lifts

Bath and shower chairs are seats that support the child at a specific height in a bathtub or under a shower. They provide stability and comfort and support the child so that the parent is able to reach the child's body for full cleaning.

All chairs should include locking joints. Most chairs have flexible angles for the arms, legs and back. Some chairs include a headrest, which may be stationary or adjustable to different angles.

Bath lifts are lifting chairs that change height so that a child may submerge parts of her body underwater while remaining stable in the chair. All bath lifts should include a basic warranty on a motor, if one is part of the chair. If the child's tub is deep, a lower chair is required.

Bathing Systems

Some children with special needs benefit from having a bathing system that includes a bath or shower chair with a lift and the additional features of a commode and a transfer bench that assists the parent in moving the child between the tub and the floor or commode.

Commodes can rest over the toilet or they may be free-standing and require a parent or caregiver to empty them. The severity of the child's needs dictates which type is best, but buying the components of chair with lift, commode and transfer bench in one system can offer an economical alternative to multiple pieces.

Bars and Anchors

Bars for grip and for stability mount to the walls of the shower area. The child may use them to aid in moving between the tub and the bathroom or for increased stability while bathing. Bars may attach to the wall on both ends or swing out for adjustable support.

Anchors support the special-needs child in a variety of ways. They may include arm rests, elbow rests, hand grips or wrist anchors with hand grips. A larger, long, flat anchor, similar to an ironing board, may be appropriate for some children who can bend at the waist.

References

• Cincinnati Children's Hospital: Assistive Technology
• Cincinnati Children's Hospital: Parent Notebook