As I have mentioned, the other communities I have stayed in were independent and assisted living and my accommodations included a full bathroom and kitchen. At first glance my room at Keswick seemed to be equal to most hotels I have stayed in. As I was unpacking my toothbrush in the bathroom, I realized that I didn’t have a shower!
This shouldn’t have been a surprise, because I have been to many nursing homes in my career and very few have rooms with private baths or showers. However, I didn’t bring a robe or anything to cover up on my morning march down the hall! Almost like clockwork a staff member arrived at my room with a gown and toiletries for my stay – like I said it’s a little like a 5 star hotel.
In the morning I headed down the hall for the shower. It was a huge shower with plenty of room, no barriers to entry and the ability to adjust the shower spray in any direction imaginable. If I wasn’t in a hurry, I could have spent a lot more time there. I am a huge proponent of Universal Design, while it might not be feasible for showers and bathrooms to be this large, they should all strive to be accessible. It makes it easier for those with all abilities.
It would be easy to take a negative viewpoint on the experience of having to walk down the hall to take a shower. However, I have stayed in a few upscale bed and breakfasts where I had to do the same thing.
I know that there are some models of care that are focusing on private baths, and I can see how this will be a great benefit to residents, especially those living in these communities long-term.
Well, I stayed in a nursing home for five days, after spending a week in a hospital following knee replacement surgery. The room was much like a large motel room, with bathroom and shower. However, showers were allowed on a schedule, and the schedule was every four days! Furthermore, I contracted a case of SCABIES while there.
The cleanliness conditions were less than dexpected. An infestation of scabies, and the inability to take a shower every day. Phooie!