Making Bathing A Lot More Comfortable For Wheelchair Users
At Forward Day, we understand that individuals with mobility issues don’t see bathing the way most other people do. If we’re being honest, most of us take the act of bathing for granted. It is just a part of our daily routines and the process requires little to no thought. However, for those with disabilities, the very thought of getting into the shower can be a harrowing one.
This is especially true for wheelchair users. Individuals who use wheelchairs can be understandably concerned with the transfer process. Caregivers are often required to assist their wheelchair-using recipients by helping them transfer from the wheelchairs to the bathtubs and back again once the bathing is complete. In some cases, it may even be best to eliminate the bathtub from the entire bathing equation.
Also Read: Ensuring Your Safety While Sitting In A Wheelchair
Use Pre-Packaged Bath Cloths
Sometimes, a bathtub is simply not an option. If the wheelchair user in your life simply cannot be transferred to a bathtub in a safe and comfortable manner, an alternative bathing solution is necessary. Some medical professionals recommend using a basin of warm water and a clean washcloth or hand towel. However, as Jack Bennett of Active Seniors Club reveals, the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACCN) says this is not the best option.
“A preferable alternative to basin bathing is the use of pre-packaged bath cloths which require no rinsing,” he writes, “These products provide a pleasant, mess-free bathing experience and perform the tasks of cleaning and moisturizing in one step. Furthermore, they leave behind an anti-bacterial barrier which protects the skin against infection.”
Add Grab Bars to Your Bathroom
If your wheelchair user is able to get up from his/her wheelchair with some assistance, grab bars will make wonderful additions to your bathroom. They provide something sturdy to hold on to, improving the balance and sturdiness of your care recipient. Grab bars work wonders in helping to prevent slips and falls in the bathroom.
“Sturdy, mounted grab bars equip wheelchair users with the support they need to pull, steady, and push themselves up and down during a transfer as well as during a shower,” explains the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, Experts recommend installing grab bars at sitting and standing heights both inside and directly outside of the bathing area.”
Make the Switch to Shower Bay
A daily shower should be enjoyed, not dreaded. The warm, gentle massage of water running through our hair and down our back is one of the best parts of our day. As mentioned earlier, most of us take this rejuvenating sensation for granted, but many people with mobility limitations miss their shower time because it’s too dangerous and time-consuming for a family member or caregiver to assist them.
At Forward Day, we had wheelchair users in mind when creating our unique Shower Bay portable shower. Because Shower Bay can be snapped together in any room of the home where a faucet is nearby, there’s no need for expensive renovations. Using a shower wheelchair, a user can simply roll into Shower Bay to enjoy a shower with running water.
If you have any questions about our high-quality shower wheelchairs or our Shower Bay portable showers, please don’t hesitate to contact us to ask them. Give us a call at 1-877-593-4461 or email us at info@showerbay.com
