10 things that make it easier to shower with illness or disability |
Posted: October 27, 2017 |
For many of us, showers are times of relaxation in the evening, or a way to wake up in the morning. Mainly, it’s a quick everyday activity, a necessity of life. However, for those living with chronic illness or disability, showering can be a challenging activity that requires a lot of time and effort. If you find showering difficult, know that you are not alone. Heat, steam, standing for an extended period of time and trying to scrub your body with soap from heavy and slippery bottles, are just some of the things that make it difficult. Depending on the illness or disability, the person can suffer from sensitive skin, fatigue, pain and dizziness which can all make the process of showering harder than it should be. These things will help people shower independently, however if you require further support you can find a care worker perfect for your individual needs at Better Caring. The Better Caring platforms provides access to workers who can provide assistance, ranging from social support to personal care. This enables clients to live with the level of independence that they are comfortable with.
Shower Seat Many people with chronic illness or those living with disability can find it difficult to stand for extended periods of time. Having a shower seat or stool can make showering much easier if you face fatigue, dizziness or pain. Chairs can also make it easier to reach your legs and feet for shaving and washing. There’s a whole range of shower seats from those with backs, or those without. Some swivel while others are fixed with arm rests. All shower seats should have non-slip feet that ensure your safety while showering.
Pump Bottles or a Soap Dispenser Heavy soap or shampoo bottles can become a hassle to deal with, especially when they get wet and slippery. Rather than having to constantly deal with large bottles, try filling up some pump bottles with your shower products. This is great for people who struggle to grip and lift items due to joint and muscle pain as you simply have to push down on the pump and soap is dispensed. Similarly, soap dispensers will help with the same issue, but with the added benefit of being able to secure it to a wall, which means no more bending down and dealing with several bottles.
Shower Caddy If you prefer the pump bottle over a dispenser, you can still get the bottles up to an easy to manage level with a shower caddy. Getting the bottles up on the wall means you don’t have to bend down. This minimises the risks of slips and triggering things like dizziness and pain from bending down.
Shower Filter For those who have sensitive skin conditions, a shower head that filters the water can be a huge relief. Chemicals in the water, such as chlorine, can be quite irritating on sensitive skin. A shower head that filters out chlorine, bacteria and other contaminants can make the water much more pleasant and tolerable.
Adjustable and Detachable Shower Head In addition to a shower head with a filter, one that is adjustable and detachable can help those with illness or disability in a variety of ways. If you’re using a shower seat, you can move the shower head down to your level. Being detachable also gives you a lot more control and makes it easier to get the water where you need it. This means you can shower quicker, using less energy and hopefully less troublesome.
Non-slip Bath Mat A non-slip bath mat should be a staple for all baths and showers, as they can all be dangerously slippery when wet. For those who struggle with balance, fatigue or dizziness, a non-slip mat is crucial.
Spa Gloves Spa gloves are great because they work like a regular sponge or loofah but you don’t need to hold or grip on to anything. These exfoliating gloves are cheap and easy to find at most supermarkets and are great for those who suffer from arthritis and similar conditions.
Grip Bars Again, this is a great piece of equipment if you get dizzy, fatigued or struggle with balance in the shower. A well-placed grip bar, or several in certain locations of your bathroom, can help keep you safe by preventing trips and falls. Even if you use a shower seat, a bar can help you get down and up from your seat.
Razor with Grip Handle If you struggle with gripping, holding and moving items, especially smaller items because of weakness or poor muscle control, a razor with a large grip handle can make all the difference. When things get wet and soapy, they can be slippery making it quite difficult to hold, especially for those with arthritis. Having a large grip also prevents you from dropping the razor and having to bend down to pick it up.
Microfiber Cloths Those with chronic pain or sensitive skin know how hard it can be to find soft towels and how uncomfortable it is to dry or wash with scratchy towels. Microfiber cloths are much softer and are great for washing areas that are particularly sensitive, like the face. So, these are 10 items that can make showering easier. If you live with disability or chronic illness, showering can be a difficult time that requires a surprising amount of energy. These items aim to make it safer, easier and quicker to get clean and refreshed.
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