Bathroom Safety The patient/client will not be left unattended in the bathroom during any bathing procedure. If a patient/client requests to be left alone, the patient/client must be advised of inherent risk and the patient’s/client’s decision must be documented. • Gather all supplies necessary for completion of the bath prior to assisting the patient/client to the bathroom. • Weak or unsteady patients/clients should not be allowed to stand in the shower. A shower chair or tub bench may be necessary. Report this to the supervisor. • Handrails (grab bars) should be used when getting the patient/client in and out of the shower or tub. • There should be a non-skid bathmat or abrasive strips on the bottom of the tub to prevent falls. • Clear pathways of clutter or furniture. • Provide good lighting. Suggest the use of a night light in the bathroom, if appropriate. • Keep the floor free of water or spills. • Never provide a tub bath or shower unless it is ordered on the Care Plan. If the patient/client requests one, report this to the supervisor. Life Threatening Emergency Guidelines • If an emergency arises, contact the supervisor immediately. • Activate EMS immediately (call 911). Stay with the patient/client until the emergency response team arrives and report appropriate information to the EMS personnel. • At the conclusion of this visit, document completely on the Visit Note the details and care provided. • Lifesaving measures are not given to patients/clients who have been issued a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order. A copy of this order and the signed authorization will be found in the patient’s/client’s home, and you will be made aware of these patient/client. Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Adult abuse can happen in any home or at any socioeconomic level. Abuse may occur in various ways: • Bodily harm. • Inadequate food or water. • Hazardous living conditions.
