A relaxing and therapeutic bath experience is not exclusive to trendy spas and exotic resorts: bath therapy is a part of daily life at Brompton, Heather, and Orchard Heights assisted living communities in Western New York.  The bath experience at these Hamister-affiliated residences has three main elements: the spa experience, private in-room bathing, and individualization.

Many residents are ardent fans of the spa experience.  “We take a holistic approach to bathing,” commented Sherry Black, Assistant Director of Personal Care at Orchard Heights.  “We play soothing music and specially trained bath assistants give shoulder and back massages.  More and more residents are asking for a Spa bath all the time.  They say that it makes them feel so much better, not only clean, but relaxed.  They look forward to it, without any worries about bath time falls.  Our Spa tub has a sealed door for easy transfer, which means that residents do not have to lift a leg to get in.  And our assistants are always at hand for whatever they might need.”

The residents of Brompton Heights are equally enthusiastic about its two whirlpool rooms.  Brompton's personal care team recently began to use the whirlpools for therapeutic reasons.  “One of our residents had a wound for over ten years," said Kay Dekker, Regional Director of the three communities.   "We introduced him to the whirlpool to improve his circulation.  Not only did he love it, but his wound has now healed 100%.”

In addition to private spa rooms, all rooms in Hamister-affiliated residences have private bathrooms.  The newly renovated Brompton Heights leads the way in safety and convenience features.  New showers have two shower heads: a stationary head provides a relaxing experience, while a removable head is more useful for difficult-to-reach areas.  Showers are walk-in and easily accessible, which reduces fall risk.  Fold-down seats enable residents to enjoy bathing while maintaining independence.

Michele Kennison, Personal Care Director of Heather Heights of Pittsford, believes in tailoring the bathing experience to the individual needs and preferences of each resident.  Staff carefully remembers whether residents desire toweling assistance or whether they would like towels waiting for them on a chair or rack.  They use multiple towels to maintain residents’ privacy and dignity.  “For residents with dementia,” Kennison explains, “we eliminate distractions, such as bathroom fans.  Fresh color creates a warm feeling in our bathrooms.  People with dementia have a hard time seeing white, so color can make the bathroom inviting and comfortable.  We also take personal bathing history into consideration.  If a resident had a bad bathroom fall before coming to live with us, we make special efforts to reassure him of his present safety.  Little things like this create positive energy.”

Staff members personalize the bath experience by remembering the times that residents prefer to take their regular baths or showers, waiting for more independent residents outside the bathroom, or engaging in pleasant conversation with residents who need assistance during bathing.  By emphasizing the social, restorative, and relaxing aspects of the bath experience, the staff of Hamister-affiliated assisted living residences has transformed a simple activity into a moment of pleasure and pampering.