Attendance Allowance (AA) guide

You should answer the question about having a bath or shower even if you never have one, as you may need one but have difficulty managing. If you need a bath every day say so.

Think about the following when filling in the form:

• are you unable to wash yourself properly without help, for example, because of muscle and joint pains or fatigue
• are you tired or breathless after washing or bathing
• do you have difficulty handling soap, squeezing a toothpaste tube, lifting your arms in order to wash round your neck, or using a towel to dry yourself
• do you need help to wash or dry any area of your body, such as your back or feet
• are you only able to wash your hair with help
• do you need help to comb your hair
• do you need help to cut your finger or toe nails
• if you shower because you cannot use the bath but would prefer a bath, say so
• can you use a shower without help? If not, explain why and what help you need
• if you have a walk-in shower because you cannot use a conventional one, say so
• are you in danger of slipping because of muscle weakness, giddiness or problems with balance
• what help do you need getting in or out of the bath or shower
• do you need to hold onto somebody or something for support or do you have aids or adaptions
• do you use aids or adaptions
• have you fallen or slipped in the bath or shower
• do you need somebody to be present in case you get into difficulties? Say why
• do you get dizzy or have breathing problems due to the heat or steam
• if you have a bath or shower and you would like to use them but are unable to do so, say why
• are you frightened of falling when you bathe or shower? Why are you frightened, have you previously fallen or had dizzy spells
• do you need to be reminded to have a wash, bath or shower? Say what you need to be reminded of
• do you hear voices telling you not to wash, bath or shower and what do the voices say
• do you need to be motivated or prompted to wash, bath or shower and what motivation or prompting do you need