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Bathing is an activity whose meaning and purpose shifts as a child grows, and if we are to get our recommendations right, we need to design for the child’s whole development into adulthood and beyond – not just look at a snapshot in time.

When we think about personal care needs, as occupational therapists, our assessments tend to focus on physical function. It makes sense, particularly when we are working within statutory frameworks like the Disabled Facilities Grant, where we are asked to identify the barriers that prevent someone from bathing and managing personal hygiene safely and independently.

July 24th marks International Self Care Day, a day to remind us to pause and reflect upon our habits and rituals that nurture our wellbeing.

Traumatic injuries can vary from spinal cord injuries, fractures, brain injury and/or other major orthopaedic trauma. For activities such as bathing that requires mobility and coordination, trauma can inhibit occupational engagement and independence with the need for assistance ranging from minimal support to full dependence on caregivers and/or assistive devices.

Children and adults with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD) experience complex health needs such as, epilepsy and respiratory problems, physical disabilities that greatly limits their ability to undertake everyday activities due to restricted mobility, limited or no verbal communication, sensory processing challenges, and mental health difficulties.

Bathing can be a personal and essential activity for our physical health, mental health, wellbeing, and overall quality of life. However, safety can be compromised for many individuals due to aging, disability, injury or environmental constraints.

In association with The Occupational Therapy Service, Abacus Specialist Bathroom Solutions, the leading manufacturer of accessible baths, will be hosting its latest Abacus Academy CPD webinar for medicolegal/traumatic injury case managers on 30th April 2025.

Whilst adaptions and equipment aren’t the only solution to support bathing, this blog will reflect upon how adaptions and/or equipment can enhance an individual’s quality of life and foster a great sense of autonomy.

For many, bathing is one of the first daily activities we engage in and goes beyond just the physical skills required but rather, involves a combination of physical, sensory, cognitive, and emotional capabilities

By creating a secure attachment to a parent or carer, a child is able to develop socially, emotionally, and cognitively because they feel loved and safe to explore their environment.