Bathing Safety for the Elderly and Disabled: Can Residents be Protected From All Hazards by Bathing Water? Technology's Answer
By Fathers, Bruce; Nursing Homes: Long Term Care Management ,Publication Date: September 2004
Article discusses how technology can be utilized to protect children, people who are older, and people who have disabilities from burns caused by hot water in a bath or shower. Medical statistics have shown that these injuries are among the leading causes of severe burn injuries in the United States. Children under the age of five, older people, and people with mental and physical disabilities are among the most vulnerable to these injuries. Three different types of safety valves that can be employed to control water temperature are discussed: (1) Type P, or pressure-balancing valves, (2) Type T, or thermostat mixing valves, and (3) Type T/P, or combination valves. Type P valves are designed to adjust water temperature automatically by maintaining a mix of hot and cold water to within three degrees of a set temperature. These valves are useful when compensating for sudden temperature fluctuations caused by flushing toilets, but cannot make adjustments for sudden or gradual changes in supply temperature. Type T valves can compensate for both temperature and pressure fluctuations, and are designed to mix hot and cold water at a constant temperature. The main advantage to using a Type T valve is that they have a temperature-sensing device. Type T/P valves offer the most reliable protection, as they can respond to temperature fluctuations and ensure safe bathing temperatures.
Published by: Nursing Homes Long Term Care Management (Website:http://www.nursinghomesmagazine.com)
Link to text: http://www.nursinghomesmagazine.com/Past_Issues.htm?ID=3411
