If you've enjoyed lounging in a spa or have experienced the simple pleasure of a bath at home, you've benefited from warm water therapy. It relaxes away joint stiffness and muscle aches, facilitating blood flow throughout the body while encouraging relaxation and a heightened sense of well-being. Unfortunately in the past, residents of long-term care facilities with mobility issues may have been cleaned up in the shower, a shallow tub, or even settled for a sponge bath in bed, but may have been unable to enjoy the physical and psychological benefits of a soak in the tub due to problems with transfer logistics or issues with positioning.

Thanks to advances in design, Invacare's Supine Series Bathing and Hydromessage System allows residents of long term care facilities to enjoy the positive effects of warm water therapy no matter their ambulatory abilities. Just like the soaking tubs found at spas and resorts, the Bathing System tub is deep enough to allow the full immersion of a resident into the water for a soak in the supine position. A padded back rest provides comfortable support while helping the individual to stay in position. It's also equipped with four hydromassage jets powered by a 3/4 horsepower motor to provide further relief from muscle tension and soreness along with restoring flexibility to stiff joints. The increased blood flow may facilitate the healing of wounds as well.  Residents living with conditions such as arthritis, neuromuscular issues, or recovering from injuries or surgery would find relief through warm water therapy.

  

Design features such as its key-hole shape and extra room at the hip and shoulder areas allow for ease of transfer and caregiver access to assist with bathing while lending a stylish note to a bathroom's decor. Its generous size accommodates larger bathers with ease and comfort, too. The off-white tub compliments any color scheme.

Other features ensure that the bathing experience is as safe as it is comfortable and relaxing. An anti-scald mixing valve and thermometer guard against burns while ensuring comfort.  A built-in closed loop disinfecting system cleans and sanitizes the tub and fixtures between uses, preventing cross-contamination.

The caregivers were remembered during the design process, too. Controls for the system are on a centrally located panel at the foot of the tub, making adjustments a breeze. A shower valve and handheld head lets the caregiver shampoo the resident's hair easily and comfortably. One model can be raised and lowered to facilitate transfers that use lifts as well as eliminating caregiver back strain brought about by bending over while bathing a resident. Filling the tub only takes three minutes, allowing the caregiver to stay focused on the resident while preparing for the bath.

Since ancient times, warm water therapy has been recommended as an effective treatment for a variety of aches, pains, and conditions. Thanks to advances in design, it's available to more people than ever before, and can be easier than anyone ever imagined to implement for caregiver safety as well.

Fran Jablway,
Medical Consumer Writer
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO