Showering Barriers and Interaction Preferences of Older Adults with Mobility Disabilities for a Robotic Showerhead

Bathing and showering are among the most challenging daily activities for individuals with long-term mobility impairments, requiring substantial physical effort, coordination, and environmental support. Background/Objectives: This study aimed to understand showering challenges faced by older adults with long-term mobility disabilities who used wheeled mobility devices. We evaluated user and caregiver perspectives on three Soft Robotic Showerhead (SoRoSh) concepts: Elongation, Swing, and Two Showerhead designs. We explored preferred interaction modes (user-guided, voice-controlled, gesture-controlled), desired features, and perceptions of how such technologies could improve independence, safety, and usability. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 participants: 6 older adults aged 63–77 (M = 72.83; SD = 5.03) with at least 10 years of lower-body mobility disabilities, and 6 subject matter experts aged 30–78 (M = 60.83; SD = 16.82), including professional caregivers and family care partners. Participants discussed current routines, unmet needs, and provided feedback on the concepts and interaction modes. Data were thematically analyzed. Results: Participants reported challenges such as difficulty lifting arms, reaching body areas, handling showerheads, maintaining balance, and using unstable shower chairs. Voice control was strongly preferred due to low physical effort, whereas gesture control was viewed as impractical. Manual control was valued for familiarity, with many favoring hybrid approaches. Desired features included integrated controls, joystick input, adjustable spray modes, wake-word activation, and streamlined design. Participants believed these technologies could enhance independence, safety, and emotional well-being. Conclusions: Adaptive showering technologies should prioritize accessibility, intuitive multimodal control, customization, safety, and privacy to support independence and quality of life.