Assisted Bathing: How Can We Promote Modesty, Comfort, and Cooperation?

Pediatric Pioneers: Assisted Bathing: How Can We Promote Modesty, Comfort, and Cooperation? (Episode 7)

Audio Runtime: 47 Minutes; Learning Assessment Time: 21 Minutes

Jodi Bellam, founder of The Blue Hug and a seasoned homecare agency owner with over 16 years of experience, joins host Carol Chiang, OTR/L, to unpack one of caregiving’s most sensitive challenges: bathing. Together, Carol and Jodi explore why this essential ADL often sparks resistance and what clinicians can do to ease that burden. You’ll hear stories from the field, and you’ll learn about creative strategies and new tools designed to preserve dignity, increase cooperation, and reduce caregiver stress. Whether you’re troubleshooting a tough case or seeking fresh solutions, this conversation will leave you feeling more equipped and empowered.

Learning Outcomes

• Analyze the evidence around resistance to bathing and its implications for caregiver burden and client well-being
• Determine the situations in which modesty-preserving bathing aids and structured routines provide the most benefit for maintaining dignity, safety, and ADL engagement
• Solve patient case scenarios involving barriers to bathing due to cognitive decline, trauma history, or sensory sensitivities using adaptive equipment and evidence-informed strategies

Guest Bio: As the founder of Better Off at Home and the creative mind behind the Blue Hug shower garment, Jodi Bellam has spent over 16 years transforming the experience of assisted bathing into one of dignity and comfort. Her extensive background in elder care drives her deep commitment to supporting families and improving the quality of life for seniors aging at home. After a 35-year career in advertising, Jodi transitioned into the caregiving industry to make a meaningful impact, eventually developing innovative solutions to address the sensory and emotional challenges of hygiene. Known for her compassion and dedication, she focuses on creating a better experience for both caregivers and patients by fostering trust and practical innovation.

Disclosure: Our guest today is affiliated with a company that develops technology in the area we’re discussing. While we won’t be endorsing any specific product, listeners should be aware of this connection as part of our commitment to transparency.

This is an audio-only course. Additional materials are available for download within the course. To receive continuing education credit, complete the course and the accompanying quiz.