Bathing adaptations in the homes of older adults and their carers (BATH-OUT): a qualitative extended follow-up study with concurrent nested outcome assessments

OBJECTIVE: We previously completed a nested qualitative interview study, as part of a feasibility randomised controlled trial with 21 older adults and five carers who had an accessible shower installed in their home. The objective of this study was to follow-up the participants approximately 24 months on. DESIGN: This was an extended follow-up study comprising semi-structured interviews to explore the longer-term experiences of the older adults. To elaborate and add breadth to the findings these were supplemented with concurrent nested outcome assessment measures. SETTING: The study was conducted within one local authority City Council housing adaptations service. PARTICIPANTS: Thirteen older adults (mean age: 76; SD: 6.87) and three carers from the original study completed the extended follow-up study. INTERVENTIONS: The intervention in the original study was the provision of an accessible showering facility either by immediate provision or routine 4-month wait. RESULTS: Findings were presented thematically with three themes identified: environment, autonomy with personal care and wider occupation. Improvements in the physical and social environment combined with greater autonomy in personal care were reported to impact more widely on older adults’ occupations including other self-care activities and leisure. These are consistent with domains underpinning social care related quality of life particularly personal safety, cleanliness and occupation. The results of the outcome assessments support the qualitative themes demonstrating sustained improvements in quality of life, independence in daily living and reduced fear of falling. CONCLUSION: This research suggests the positive lived experiences reported immediately after the installation of the accessible shower are still evident up to 28 months later in this cohort of older adults. Future research should investigate medium to longer-term outcomes with a more diverse sample. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN14876332; Post-results.