Does the patient have any issues with tone? Typically drop-down shower
seats have no arms or positioning belts. If a patient has increased
tone, it may kick in and cause them to slide off the seat or to hit
the walls of the shower causing injury. If they have decreased tone,
do they have any trouble maintaining a sitting position? If so, how
many hands does a caregiver require to keep them on the seat? It is
almost impossible to support someone to maintain sitting while also
manipulating soap, washcloth, and other needed items safely and/or
successfully. If the patient is able to do any of the bathing
themselves, I would also observe and see if any of the movements
needed (i.e. bending to wash feet, reaching with two hands to shampoo,
etc.) trigger tone or decrease sitting balance.
Also, it is important to know if the patient has seizures. If so, are
they well controlled or do they happen often? If a seizure happens
while in the shower, what will the result be?
That's just the beginning of the list of questions I would want to
find out. Anything that might cause fall risk or decrease safety with
that type of seat that could be altered by a different type.
Good luck. Hope this is helpful.
Mary Alice
Mary Alice Cafiero, MSOT/L, ATP
m...@mac.com
972-757-3733
Fax 888-708-8683
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On Mar 26, 2009, at 5:32 AM, Veronica wrote:
Hi, does anyone have any (research) information that would help
substantiate why it would be a BAD idea for a teenager (or adult)
with a neurological condition to use a drop-down shower seat? One
of my collegues has a child that she is currently working with and
the mother is applying A LOT of pressure to try and get this done.
We're trying to give her best practice information and it would be
helpful if there is any documentation/research into the use of drop-
down shower seats and safe handling.
Many thanks
Veronica
Children's Occupational Therapist
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