Shower curtains

[Luis Mata Mendez]

Hi all,

I have been asked for advice about the use of shower curtains in residents’ bathrooms, and my response was “no.” Does anyone have any policies regarding this?

Regards,

Luis

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[Carrie Spinks]

Hi Louis,

I have not been able to find too much information on this sorry.

Victoria Department of Health have a health care bathroom guide:
https://www.health.vic.gov.au/dementia-friendly-environments/bathrooms

-Shower screens stop water from spreading, important if showers are next to toilets. Shower curtains are better than fixed or rigid screens but are harder to clean.
-People value privacy. Half-height shower curtains have privacy for those seated and keep staff members drier.
-Grab rails in showers should be effectively colour-contrasted against walls for good visibility.

The AHF Guidelines state that curtains are optional depending on the IPC policy https://www.healthfacilityguidelines.com.au/component/adl-bathroom-1
They are factored into their data and layout sheets

There are antimicrobial shower curtains that can be purchased – but these still require cleaning.

The risk of potential reservoir of microbial pathogens in an aged care facility or home care would be lower if single use bathroom. Other risk considerations may be trip or falls hazards or resident/client holding on to the curtain for balance if the curtain and brackets are not collapsable.

Hope that helps

Carrie

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