Bathing Tips for Survivors

Getting ready to shower

Use a bath bench or chair to make showering easier. A few styles are available. Check your local pharmacy for options.

Make sure someone is nearby to help you if needed. Keep a bell handy or have another way to call for help.

Install a hand-held shower head with a hose.
Use a long-handled brush or wash mitten with a strap to scrub hard-to-reach parts of your body.
Use liquid soap in pump bottles.
Use plastic bottles with flip-top lids for shampoo and cream rinse.
Use thin washcloths. They’re less expensive and easier to manage than thicker ones.
Wipe your feet dry before you leave the bathroom or put on a pair of non-slip footwear.

To wash your strong arm, sit on a bath bench or chair, put a soapy washcloth between your knees and move your arm back and forth over the washcloth.
After shower, once you’ve wiped your body dry, gently rub on lotion to prevent your skin from drying out. Begin by sitting down and squeezing some lotion onto your thigh. Then use your strong hand to apply the lotion to the rest of your body.
To apply moisturizing lotion to your strong hand, squeeze the lotion into the palm of your affected hand. Then rub the back of your strong hand into that lotion-bearing palm.
Use an empty roll-on deodorant bottle as a handy container for lotion, cologne or after-shave.
To prevent the spread of infections, rashes or athlete’s foot, always use cotton swabs when applying ointments