Project summary
Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) in partnership with Queensland University of Technology and AFH Europe Sp. z o.o. has been awarded an ARIIA grant for their project ‘From Manual to Automated: Evaluating the usability and acceptance of an automated shower system in residential aged care’.
This project assesses the impact of automated technology on the showering experience in residential aged care. We will examine the implementation of the "Sit & Shower" automatic bathing device, tracking showering habits, preferences, and behaviours of residents and carers before and after the trial.
The current process of caregiver-assisted showering is physically demanding, time-consuming, and emotionally challenging. This research will investigate whether the adoption of this automated showering device can enhance residents’ autonomy and dignity, while simultaneously reducing the workload and physical strain of caregivers - who often experience injuries from lifting and bending while manoeuvring residents. Alongside, processing qualitative and quantitative data on how residents, their families, and staff experience the “Sit & Shower”, key clinical indicators will be collected throughout this research project and compared against the pre-study baseline, to document communication, adverse responsive behaviours during showering, pain, time spent and exercise and mobility opportunities during the showering process.
Education, engagement, and knowledge translation is a priority, with multiple webinars throughout the project in tandem with the development of digital stories, infographics and industry/academic publications to widely disseminate findings.
Project outcomes
Background and Aims
This project assessed the impact of the Sit & Shower automated bathing device on the showering experience in residential aged care. The study focused on tracking showering habits, preferences, and behaviours of both residents and caregivers before and after the trial.
Traditional caregiver-assisted showering is physically demanding, time-intensive, and emotionally challenging. This research aimed to explore whether the adoption of an automated showering system could enhance residents' autonomy and dignity while also reducing the physical strain and workload of caregivers, who may experience injuries from lifting and manoeuvring residents.
What We Did
Following approval for low-risk (human participant) ethics, we conducted a focus group to introduce the Sit & Shower device to residents without dementia, aged care staff, and facility management. Participants had the opportunity to learn about the device and share initial thoughts.
After the focus group, four residents and six staff members volunteered to participate in a trial. Residents had the Sit & Shower device installed in their bathrooms for 14 days, during which staff were trained on its use and assisted residents with it. Participants (both residents and staff) were invited to complete surveys before, during, and after the trial, as well as participate in post-trial interviews. Additionally, facility staff, management, and researchers were interviewed for a video.
Outcomes
The project successfully completed its planned evaluation with residents (and their caregivers) who did not have dementia. Feedback from these residents was mixed—most acknowledged that the Sit & Shower device generally functioned as intended, but they did not feel it was necessary as they were mobile or independent enough to shower with minimal assistance or by using a regular shower chair. Many preferred to shower independently with minimal assistance (and reported appreciating the contact with carers during this process) or to continue using a standard shower. Additionally, the Sit & Shower system required more space than was available in some bathrooms within the aged care facility, which created infrastructure challenges.
Impact on Aged Care and Workforce
The implementation of automation technology has the potential to support aged care staff by reducing the physical strain associated with caregiving tasks. However, successful adoption depends on ensuring that such technologies align with the needs, preferences, and physical environments of aged care residents. Importantly, automation should not replace human interaction but rather enhance the quality of care by allowing staff to focus on meaningful engagement with residents.
Resources
The project website is available here: https://research.qut.edu.au/designlab/projects/sit-and-shower-project/.
Next Steps
The research project team hope to continue trialling the device in aged care in Australia, particularly with residents with dementia.
Key contact for further information
Professor Evonne Miller – e.miller@qut.edu.au
Richal Ghimire – rghimire@sccliving.org.au