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Do They Bathe Seniors at Assisted Living Facilities?
Date Updated: March 28, 2025
Written by:
Rachel Lustbader is a writer and editor with a background in healthcare and technology. Her work has been published on websites including HealthCare.com, BiteSizeBio.com, BetterHelp.com, Caring.com, and PayingforSeniorCare.com. She studied health science and public health at Boston University.
Both of Rachel’s grandmothers had very positive experiences in senior living communities, and Rachel saw firsthand the impact that kind, committed caregivers and community managers can have on seniors’ and their family members’ lives. With her work at Caring, Rachel hopes to help other families find communities, caregivers, and at-home products that benefit elderly loved ones and make life less stressful for family caregivers
Yes, they bathe seniors at assisted living facilities. Most communities offer varying levels of personal care and help with essential daily activities, depending on an individual’s needs and tailored care plan. However, service provision varies between facilities, so seniors should ensure that a community offers adequate support for their needs.
State Regulations Regarding Bathing Seniors in Assisted Living
Several definitions exist for activities of daily living. However, all include tasks related to hygiene, such as bathing. Assisted living regulations and licensing terms vary among states. In some jurisdictions, facilities must provide assistance with ADLs. For example, Pennsylvania mandates that assisted living communities include help with ADLs related to personal hygiene and activities in their core service packages. Hawaii has similar regulations. North Dakota’s Administrative Code states that assisted living communities should provide or coordinate personalized support services, which include bathing. However, laws in Washington don’t require that assisted living communities provide help with ADLs.
Other Relevant Rules
Most states require that facilities conduct initial move-in assessments to create personalized service plans, with input from residents, their families and health care providers. The majority also require periodic evaluations to update plans and ensure seniors receive all necessary support. Care plans set out precise services, including when and how the facility plans to deliver them. When bathing seniors, caregivers must respect their dignity and support them to be as independent as possible. Residents can report any issues to their local Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program if they feel that caregivers fail to perform their duties.
Although no national legislation covers services in assisted living facilities, they must provide basic services to qualify for Medicaid and Medicare certification. Essential services include assistance with daily activities. Without certification, facilities can’t accept federal funding on behalf of eligible residents.