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A nice warm bath or shower can offer relief to people who have arthritis and other muscular and joint ailments. Bathing is also important for maintaining healthy hygiene and a sense of well-being. Unfortunately, some people who would really enjoy the benefits of a warm shower or bath find it difficult to get in and out of the tub or to stand in the shower, particularly those who are weak or who have balance issues. There are products that can provide assistance and safety as you go about this daily task.
If you can stand, but need some support to get into or out of the tub, being able to hold onto something secure might be the solution:
The SuperPole is a tension pole that is secured between the floor and the ceiling and provides a full range of heights to hold onto. By holding onto the pole at a comfortable level, you can use your arm strength for balance and support. A Bath Rail also provides something to hold onto. There are many styles, all fitting over the tub edge without doing any damage to the fixture. Make sure to select the right height and grip style to suit your needs. We like the Bath Rail that has three gripping areas. The various angles on this rail make it easier to reach as you maneuver out of the tub. Grab Bars of varying lengths, textures and colors can be mounted on the wall in strategic locations where they can help provide support. It is important to follow all precautions regarding appropriate wall preparation when installing a grab bar. If the wall is not strong enough to support the weight, the grab bar will not be able to provide the support you need! Do not be tempted to use a towel bar as a grab bar substitute. Towel bars are not designed to hold the weight of a person if they begin to fall. Find a professional to install the grab bar - for your own safety. (We recommend Wing-It's support hardware where blocking or studs are not available.)
If your balance is poor or your legs are weak:
You can sit and slide over the edge of the tub with a Transfer Bench. These seats span from inside the tub, over the rim to the outside of the tub. The bather sits on the chair outside the tub and then slides their body on the bench, into the tub. The bather still must lift their legs over the edge of the tub, but they can do this one leg at a time from the seated position. When fully in the tub, the bather's body remains above the water (at the same height as the edge of the tub). We recommend a bench seat with a back because it provides more support and comfort. A Bath Lift is right for people who need to be able to soak in the warm water, but cannot crouch down or get up from the floor of the tub. The Bath Lift gently lowers the bather into the tub or raises them up with the press of a button.
Once you are in the tub or shower, there are other aids that can assist with bathing:
Treat yourself to some tools that will prevent you from having to twist and stretch while you wash:
Sponge On A Stick helps you wash your toes, feet and back. These devices come in different lengths and with different sponge tips. A Curved Back Scrubber has a "U" shaped handle that allows you to reach your back without raising your arm or lifting your shoulder. The Long-handled Hair Washer lets you wash your hair and massage your scalp without lifting your arms. The Soap Swing is a nylon bag that holds your soap, with a long handle that attaches to the shower wall. This arrangement always keeps your soap within reach, even if you drop it.
Bathing can be a relaxing, soothing experience that promotes blood flow and proper hygiene. Take a few precautions to make it safe and comfortable as well.
© Copyright 1999 Dynamic Living, Inc.
Dynamic Living Newsletter may only be redistributed in its unedited form. Written permission from the editor must be obtained to reprint or cite the information contained within this newsletter.
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