Exploring support needed by home health aides in choosing bathing equipment: New challenges for occupational therapy collaboration

Abstract

In Quebec (Canada), home health aides are gradually being involved in choosing bathing equipment for community-dwelling clients with bathing difficulties, a task traditionally performed by occupational therapists. This article explores the support home health aides want in assuming this clinical task. Three home health aides having previously intervened with clients with bathing difficulties. Home health aides were first observed while performing an assessment, followed by an in-depth individual interview. Results indicate that participants wish to be trained to acquire further knowledge about bathing equipment and learn to use a tool that would guide and document their observations. They sought partnership with a designated occupational therapist, who would be available to answer questions and assess clients with a complex clinical situation. These results suggest that needs of home health aides are not currently met and highlight clinical as well as organizational implications.