Assistive Technologies for Bathing
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Maximising Effective Social Care Pathways for Assessment and Provision of Assistive Technologies for Bathing for Older Adults
IRAS ID
341327
Contact name
Phillip Whitehead
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of York
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 6 months, 30 days
Research summary
When older adults have difficulty bathing, they often also experience a decline in independence with other daily activities. Although adult social care services offer assistive technologies — like bath seats, grab rails, and walk-in showers — to help, access is inconsistent and waiting times vary across services. Long waits can lead to a loss of independence and an increased need for other health and social care services.
This programme will investigate the entire process, or "pathway," an older adult goes through to receive assistive technology, from initial contact until case closure. Our goal is to simplify this process, reduce inconsistencies, and understand how usable these technologies are. We will also examine whether they help older adults maintain independence and reduce the need for further care.
We will work with two diverse insight panels, including people who have used assistive bathing technologies and the social care staff who support their use. Together, we'll design and execute a comprehensive research programme featuring:
• Pathway Mapping: We will survey up to 30 local authorities to map common pathways for accessing bathing technologies.
• Interviews: We will interview older adults who have experience with these technologies, including those currently waiting, those who have received them, and those who purchased them independently.
• Cohort Study: We will compare the outcomes and costs for individuals who receive their assistive technology within different timeframes. This data will be combined with other studies.
• Decision-Making Tool: We will identify the priorities of both users and providers to create a tool that helps local authorities make better decisions.
• Implementation: We will use a theory of change to inform interviews and workshops with those who assess and provide the technologies.A PhD student will additionally focus on the impact on caregivers.
By combining these findings, we will develop suggestions for improving the assistive technology pathway for older adults.
REC name
West Midlands - Coventry & Warwickshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/WM/0001
Date of REC Opinion
16 Mar 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion