Toilet or shower chair follow up
Follow up
It is important that people know that they can contact the service at any time if they have a problem with their toilet or shower chair.
Some services add a sticker with the service contact details on the product.
Usually a person who uses a toilet or shower chair has other assistive products. If you are doing a follow up visit for another assistive product, also check the shower or toilet chair.
A follow up will help you find out:
- If the toilet or shower chair is still meeting the person’s needs
- If the toilet or shower chair needs any repairs or replacing.
Ask the person the following questions to help you understand if the toilet or shower chair is still meeting their needs:
- Are you using your toilet or shower chair?
- Do you have any problems using your toilet or shower chair?
- Do you have any questions about your toilet or shower chair?
If the person is not using their toilet or shower chair, or has problems using it, find out why. You can then find a solution together.
Use the information that you collect to decide with the person if any actions are needed. Common actions are outlined below.
Repair or maintain the chair
Loose screws or brakes can be tightened with simple tools.
Remember David?
David is a frail older man who lives with his wife Leitengi. He uses a toilet and shower chair
During follow up David explains that the shower chair feels wobbly when he uses it. You check over the chair and find one of the adjustable legs is loose. You tighten it and show David and his wife Leitengi how to do so if it happens again. The chair is now safe and steady.
Replace parts
If the removable bucket of a toilet chair is damaged, this can be replaced without replacing the whole chair.
Think about which spare parts should be kept in stock.
Question
Who could help you work out commonly needed spare parts?
- Manufacturers will know which spare parts are commonly needed when you first start to purchase a new product.
- Keep a record of repairs carried out by your service. Over time this information will help identify which parts often need replacing.
Replacing the chair
The chair should be replaced if rust or cracks are found.
Rust or cracks in the frame or seat of a chair can be dangerous.
Further training
The person and their caregiver may need further training in how to use their chair, or how to transfer in and out of it.
Remember Aida?
Aida uses a toilet chair positioned over a toilet during the day, and her daughter helps her to get there.
At night time, Aida has the toilet chair by her bed.
During follow up you ask Aida ‘Do you have any problems using your toilet or shower chair?’
Aida explains that sometimes she cannot move fast enough to get to the toilet in time. This has caused a couple of embarrassing accidents.
You explain that establishing a routine of going to the toilet (during the day) at regular intervals could help.
Aida and her daughter agree to try this, starting with every 2 hours. You also agree that if there is no change, Ada should see a health professional to make sure there is no underlying health problem.
Reassessment
The person may need a new assessment for a different type of toilet chair, shower chair or other assistive product if their needs have changed.
Referral
Refer to a healthcare professional:
- If you are worried about the person’s health
- Their mobility or toileting needs have changed a lot recently.
Refer to another service if the person could benefit from assistive products that you cannot provide.
Refer to rehabilitation services, if the person could benefit from rehabilitation to help them manage their self-care needs.
Question
Remember Cali?
During a follow up visit, Cali tells you that her health has become worse and she doesn’t feel safe using the shower stool now. She finds it hard to sit upright without support, and is worried that she might fall off the stool.
What actions will you discuss with Cali and her daughter?
- As Cali’s health has become worse, you should ask her if she has seen a healthcare professional recently. If not, refer her.
- Cali’s needs have changed so she should have a new assessment for her toilet and shower chair
- During the assessment, find out if there are other activities Cali finds difficult. She may also benefit from other assistive products.
You have completed Lesson five!
If you have any questions or comments, post them on the discussion forum.