We have been informed by a Social Worker today that clients are not entitled to have a shower unless it’s on medical grounds, ergo no carers should be supporting clients to have a shower. I would appreciate your thoughts on this.

Answered by Sheila Scott

Dear Jane,

I have to be perfectly honest, like you I am mystified by this advice.

Having a shower is a matter of personal preference. Some people always have a bath but as I often do in these circumstances I think about my Dad. He is in his nineties and he always has a shower now. He tried a hydraulic bath seat but didn’t like it and he is perfectly happy now with a shower.

If a person is able to make the decision to take a shower then that is fine if they don’t have mental capacity to make the decision then the people that know them best will be able together with you make the decision about what is in the best interest of the service user.

I think that the person who told you this may have got this the wrong way round.

There may be medical indications why someone should not have a shower for instance there could be a leg ulcer or a wound which must not get wet.

That is quite different to what is suggested in your question.

Very best wishes.

Sheila