Personal hygiene is essential for a healthy quality of life, so when there are roadblocks in the way, it can have devastating effects, especially for those with disabilities, whether they be mental or physical.
The limitations that come with disabilities can make anything to do with self-care far more challenging than is often understood by others, which is why it is important to put things in place that can make life a little easier.
This piece will look at a few adjustments and helpful tools that can help make personal hygiene less of a chore, so let’s get into it.
- Bathroom Modifications
The bathroom can be a difficult place for individuals with disabilities, and these challenges can often put someone off even trying to look after themselves, which is understandable. Thankfully, there are various modifications that can go a long way in aiding someone.
One of the easiest adaptations could be installing grabbing rails near the toilet and in the shower, as they can provide stability and support while you need to move around. Raised toilet seats or commode chairs also can make moving on and off the toilet easier, and while you are at it, pop a specially designed chair in the shower for added comfort and safety during bathing. Having these little changes in place might not seem much, but it can make a significant difference to the person using them. Check out disabled bathroom equipment suppliers to get your hands on what you need.
- Adaptive Tools for Independence
Adaptive tools that are designed specifically for personal hygiene tasks can make the world of difference to those who want to keep their independence. For example, ordinary self care items that have been adapted with long-handles can help people get to those hard to reach areas without having to bend or strain. Brushes, sponges, nail clippers and toothbrushes are just a few examples of what you can get with long handles, and you can also use built in or portable grips on items to help. Get researching to see what products and tools are out there – you might be surprised on what you find.
- Simplify Hair Care
Hair can be difficult to upkeep even under the best circumstances, so if you have hair or a hairstyle that is unmanageable for you, either changing the style or simplifying the hair care that it requires can go a long way.
Short hair is generally lower maintenance than longer hair, but there is no need to give up your locks if that won’t make you happy! Use protective styles such as braids when you sleep, and use dry shampoo on the days when you want to feel fresh but don’t have the mental or physical energy to wash your hair. Washing your hair with a handheld shower can also require much less effort than a full-blown head-to-toe wash if you have the right adaptations for it. Having these options can make the thought of having to use the bathroom less daunting.
