Case study: OT says vacuum cushion is now an essential part of a man’s routine for supported bathing

Staff at a Yorkshire assisted living complex can now deliver dignified, safe, and supported personal hygiene to a man with dementia via a unique bathing support system.

The man lives in supported accommodation and receives 24-hour care.

He has recently been diagnosed with dementia and has complex mental and physical disabilities. He is non-verbal and is hoisted for all transfers. He has high muscle tone in his arms and legs, which mean he benefits from being immersed in water. He previously enjoyed baths when he lived at home, and this is something his family told the care team that he loved.

Since moving into supported accommodation and being diagnosed with dementia, staff had been unable to support him to shower as he became distressed when the water hit his body.

He would hit out at the people supporting him. Staff tried to lower him into the bath via the ceiling track hoist, but, as soon as his body contacted the water, he became distressed.

Staff had therefore been strip washing daily on the bed, which was also distressing for the man due to the number of movements required while he was lying on the bed.

The occupational therapist (OT) involved in the man’s case, Julie Snowden from Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, felt that there were some issues with proprioception and him feeling unsafe and disorientated when he did not know where his body was in space. He also needed postural support as his core stability was poor, and he benefited greatly from the feeling of being safe and ‘cocooned’.

Julie suggested trying AAT’s Aqua Liberty vacuum posture support system, hoisting him slowly into the bath with the bath cushion already in place.

Aqua Liberty is a vacuum support cushion system that fits any bath and any user. It is developed in the UK in partnership with disabled individuals and OTs.

The lightweight adjustable system comprises a central, flexible backpiece that fits any bath. It is quick and easy to secure into position and to remove. Any of a range of “mix and match” vacuum posture cushions is then easily attached to the backpiece to provide infinitely re-mouldable, adjustable, and pressure-free support for the bather.

In this case, an AAT Comfortable Plus cushions was used. Combining a corset and seat in one, the Comfortable Plus Duo delivers correct torso and pelvis positioning, stabilising him vertically and laterally, holding him in place without pressure.

By making use of vacuum technology, the cushion can be precisely altered by carers to deliver optimal comfort as needed, without pressure points.

Commented Julie: “Although he initially became slightly worried, once his body came into contact with the bath cushion and he was sitting in it, he became visibly relaxed. Staff were able to support him to bathe for the first time! Bathing with the Aqua Liberty is now an essential part of his routine; a bath helps him to relax, reduces muscle tone, aids digestion and is something he now thoroughly enjoys.”