Ways to Do Grooming and Bathing Tasks Alone Easy Read Volume 15 Issue 5 September / October 2005 Translated into plain language by Helen Osborne of Health Literacy Consulting Original article by Bill Dupes Almost everyone wants to be independent and do bathroom tasks alone. This includes taking baths or showers, shaving, combing your hair, brushing your teeth, and other grooming tasks. But some of these tasks are hard to do when you have limb loss. The good news is that there are many simple, safe, and low-cost ways that people with limb loss can do grooming tasks. Here are some tips and ideas you can use. When you do grooming tasks at the sink Problems If you have a prosthesis and cannot grip or hold a small item such as toothbrush, comb or flossing device If you have limited movement (range of motion) and cannot scrub your back or other hard-to-reach places What you can do Wrap the item s handle with foam rubber tubing, or Buy items with thicker, built-up handles, or Put a bicycle handle grip around the item. Then make a longer bath brush by adding a wooden dowel or wire to the handle. Page 1 of 9
If you have no arms and cannot brush your teeth Mount an electric toothbrush to the sink s countertop with a clamp. Put toothpaste on the brush with a pump dispenser. Once it is in your mouth, the toothbrush can do the rest. If you have one arm and cannot floss your teeth If you have one arm but want to brush and dry your hair at the same time Then use a tuning fork flosser (found at most drug stores). Attach a hair dryer to the wall. Move your head under the dryer until your hair is dry. You should be able to tilt the dryer so air blows where you need it. If you use a prosthesis and have Page 2 of 9
trouble shaving Shave with an electric razor (not one with a blade). Try a flexible-headed razor (the head moves from side to side) as it may be bulky enough to use with a prosthesis. If you sit in a wheelchair and have exposed pipes under your sink Cover your lap with a towel or Cover all exposed pipes to keep from burning your legs. If you sit in a wheelchair and spend a long time at the sink or have trouble looking in the mirror Put a folded towel or thin pillow on the front edge of the sink for comfort and support. Install a full-length mirror or magnifying mirror at a height where you can see yourself. Page 3 of 9
When you take a shower or bath Problems If you have trouble stepping into or out of the bathtub or shower What you can do Install grab bars to hold on to. The best place to put these bars is on the wall by the bathtub. You get the most support when you attach the bars with screws into studs (beams) behind the wall. You can also attach grab bars to the bathtub but they do not offer as much safety or support as bars on the wall. If you cannot stand when you take a shower or bath Put a bath seat or waterproof chair in the tub or shower. You can also use a bench that Page 4 of 9
extends outside of the tub so you can sit first and then slide into the tub. Glue nonslip pads to the feet of the chair or bench to keep it from moving and also protect the tub. If you have trouble transferring into and out of the tub Sit on a corner edge of the tub, leaning against the side wall for support. Turn slightly and put one foot in the tub and the other out of the tub. (Reverse this when you get out of the tub). Place a bench or chair next to the tub. It should be at the same height as the tub. If not, cut its Page 5 of 9
legs so the height matches. Put a rubber mat on the side of the tub to help keep you from slipping. If you cannot carry your bath supplies (such as shampoo and soap) Install a shelf on the tub edge to hold soap. Buy a wire-frame shower caddy that sticks to the wall with suction cups. This way, you can put it where you need it. You could also buy extra rings or hooks to add more items on the caddy. Choose soap, shampoo and other grooming supplies that either hang on a hook or come in a pump bottle. Page 6 of 9
If you are afraid you might fall when getting into or out of the shower or bath Put a rubber mat or nonslip strips at the bottom of your shower or bath. Make sure the floor outside the shower or bath has a nonslip surface (such as slip-resistant tiles or linoleum). Do not have area rugs or small objects that could cause you to slip and fall. Make sure your cleaning products do not leave a slippery film. If you cannot feel heat, cold or pain... Then use a thermometer to check the water temperature before you get into the bath or shower. Page 7 of 9
If you cannot easily move in the shower or bath Try a hand-held shower head. This allows you to get into and out of the tub without stepping over a stream of water. Some hand-held shower heads fit over the tub tap; others need to be installed. Make sure you can reach the shower head and check that the hose is long enough to spray all parts of your body. Check the shower head to make sure that the handle is easy to grip and all knobs and controls are easy to use (even when wet). Page 8 of 9
Ways to learn more Occupational therapists (OTs) and independent living specialists can help you find other ways to do grooming tasks alone. Here are ways to find these healthcare professionals: American Occupational Therapy Association 301/652-2682 www.aota.org Independent Living USA Independent Living Centers Directory www.ilusa.com/links/ilcenters.htm Translated from Special Report: Paving the Way Toward Better Health Grooming, Bathing and Safety Tips http://www.amputee-coalition.org/inmotion/sep_oct_05/grooming.html Page 9 of 9