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For so many of us, taking a bath or shower is not only about washing away the dirt and sweat of the day but also a daily activity of relaxation. Maintaining good hygiene is a key part of our social and professional interactions. It also decreases the risk of developing health issues such as infections and skin breakdown.
The ability to shower or bath safely and efficiently can often become extremely challenging following a surgical procedure, injury or illness. The good news is there are myriad options to make showering easier and much more accessible.
Key Takeaways
- Showering and bathing are key activities of daily living that can become challenging to perform independently following surgery
- Mobility issues in any part of the body can make getting into and out of the shower or tub difficult
- Using different aides in and out of the bath can improve safety and restore independence
Kelly's Story
Kelly is a 30-year-old professional weekend warrior. After her 9-5, her 5-9 finds her training for different obstacle races on the weekends. Recently, as she neared the finish line in a challenging 10k, the only thing standing between her and the end was a cargo net climb. Unfortunately, the cargo net won, and Kelly ended up with a torn shoulder muscle that required surgery.
When she was finally cleared to get her surgical site wet and return to showering, she realized showering with only one arm was more of a challenge than the race! Using the Sammons Preston Bendable Sponge she was able to reach all the places she was desperate to scrub. Following her surgery, Kelly needed to keep her arm in a sling at all times. She was able to use the Joslin Shower Sling to give her the support she needed while allowing her to wash and rinse her arm easily.
After going through the trauma of the surgery, she wanted to be able to relax in a warm bath, but with her tub being a deep soaker type tub she was worried about getting into and out of the tub with the support of only one arm. Installing a Homecraft Sturdy Bath Tub Grab Bar gave her more support to use her non-surgical arm to feel secure to help when getting out of the tub instead of relying on the edge of the tub for support.
While rehabbing her shoulder she is already planning the next obstacle course!
Howard's Story
Howard has been through it. He is 70 years old and has been living with neurological complications since childhood after surviving polio. He has always had mobility issues and has some difficulty with walking, often using a cane to help him in the neighborhood. Despite a few obstacles along the way, he is living in his own apartment, cooking his own food and avidly reading all things history.
After a recent fall, he has become extremely anxious about getting into and out of the bathtub to take a shower. Stepping into the tub is difficult and he is fearful of slipping both in the shower and when getting out onto the tile floor. Using a Plastic Transfer Bench was a game changer for Howard. He was able to sit on the bench and easily get his feet over the side of the tub. Sitting in the shower also made him feel safer and able to wash his entire body.
With the addition of a Homecraft Hand Held Showerhead he was able to bring the shower closer to him when seated, helping him more easily reach all the parts of his body, top to toes! As important as it was to him to feel clean and smell fresh, he was able to safely bath on his own, giving him back his sense of independence. Although his family has always been extremely helpful, showering is something he prefers to do alone in the comforts of his own bathroom!!
Recap
Showering and bathing are key activities of daily living that are often impacted after surgery or injury. Maintaining good hygiene is an essential part of the healing process and by using adaptive products and equipment, people can regain a sense of independence following an injury. Our mental health and sense of self is often impacted following an injury and being able to have that shower concert or finishing that book while soaking in the tub can help relax our nervous system. It’s time to get in and get clean!
Kelly's Products
Howard's Products
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Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on this site, including text, graphics, images, and other material are for informational purposes only and are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.
