Being able to wash, groom and take care of private hygiene needs are of great importance and significance, particularly when it comes to dignity and retaining independence. Naturally age, illness, an accident or a disability can make personal care a major challenge, however a number of aids are available that can counter these problems. Some can even help an individual retain their independence indefinitely.
One of the big problems when it comes to activities like washing, cutting nails and brushing hair is holding the implement in question.
The first challenge is to be able to hold the item and the second challenge is to be able to reach or direct it to the point where it is needed. Control of movement and use are of great importance.
The holding aspect can easily be assisted by the use of ergonomic designs that take account of how and by whom the aid is being used. This can involve making handles larger (bigger diameter) and longer as well as having grips that are moulded to the contours of a gripping hand (i.e. the fingers).
Extending the handle, or section between the handle and the point of action, can help to eliminate the reaching problem. Making this extended handle section hinged or bendable can also make reaching around the back of the body, head or limbs much easier too. Some of these aids allow the user to adjust them for each use of type of use.
The materials from which these aids are made from can improve the way that they work. Soft easy grip materials are better to hold and this also makes them easier to manipulate and use. They also feel better and are less tiring and wearing on the hands.
Other grooming products can include inflatable washbasins and various attachments and removable additions to a toilet. A good example is a bariatric toilet seat which is larger and wider than a standard seat and consequently more comfortable for the larger person. Soft gel toilet seat cushions and bidet pan inserts are other examples of cleaning and hygiene related bathroom aids. All can make the bathroom a more user friendly and versatile area.
Not all of these aids can help an individual to retain their independence. Some of them are intended for use by a carer or family member and they make the looking after a patient’s personal grooming needs less traumatic. Some of these aids are for those who are confined to their bed, or have very limited mobility within the home.
More information about the various grooming and personal body care products available can be found through various sources where a number of small but useful aids are described in more detail.
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