With any method, a little advance planning is essential. The supplies and equipment you'll need will depend on your dad's situation. Although you can go all out and remodel the bathroom for a senior, this isn't practical -- or affordable -- for many families. A few less ambitious steps can go a long way toward creating safety and comfort.

Bathrooms are wet, slippery places; for a frail parent, they're a hazard zone. Bathing is also a temperature-sensitive activity. We all know the "ouch" of stepping into a too-hot shower, or the "brrr" of being naked in a chilly room.

Check the temperature. Make sure the room is warm before starting. Have plenty of dry bath towels and washcloths on hand. Check the water temperature yourself, even if your father is able to work the faucets. The ability to judge hot or cold by touch declines with age.

Get rid of hazards. Remove loose throw rugs that create a tripping hazard. The same goes for electrical appliances with loose cords, like hair dryers or shavers. Gather up stray soap bars, small bottles, and brushes that may get underfoot. Wiggle the towel and shower curtain bars; if any are loose, as they often are, it's best to remove them altogether rather than risk your dad yanking one off and falling. Some families remove sliding-glass shower doors, which can be perilous in a slip or fall.

Keep supplies accessible, and use ones that work for older adults. Put soap, shampoos, and washcloths in a handy place, such as a plastic basket. A couple of soap pointers: baby soaps and shampoos work as well for the elderly as for the young. They rinse off easily, don't sting the eyes, and are gentle on sensitive skin. No-rinse soaps and shampoos are helpful for people with a strong aversion to water, a trait of some people with Alzheimer's and dementia. But they leave a residue, so you'll still need to rinse now and then.

Invest in safety equipment. Handy and life-saving equipment essentials include grab bars, which you can install wherever they're needed; a shower or tub chair; and a rubber hose that attaches to the shower nozzle or tub faucet. A hose allows you to direct the flow of water as needed, and is less irritating than an overhead spray. If your only option is a tub, you may need a "transfer" bench, which allows your dad to swivel or pivot his way inside. You'll find all of these items at medical or hospital supply stores, with options to fit different budgets.