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

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. OBJECTIVE: This article explores the support home health aides want in assuming this clinical task. PARTICIPANTS: Three home health aides having previously intervened with clients with bathing difficulties. METHODS: Home health aides were first observed while performing an assessment, followed by an in-depth individual interview. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that needs of home health aides are not currently met and highlight clinical as well as organizational implications.