Personal Care

If you find dressing difficult, there are a number of things you can try to remain independent with dressing. Choosing appropriate styles and fabrics, adapted clothing as well as using special techniques or equipment can all help to make dressing easier - 

• skirts and trousers with elasticated waistbands are often easier to manage than those with fasteners
• loose fitting, stretchy clothing without fastenings, such as T-shirts, are often easier to manage and eliminates the need to fasten buttons or zips
• if choosing clothing with fasteners, make sure the fastener is easily accessible, such as being at the front
• magnetic or Velcro fasteners are usually easier to manage
• clothes made from knitted or 'jersey' fabrics are often easier to manage than more stiff, woven fabrics
• smooth, slippery fabrics such as silk are usually easier to get on and off, as they glide easily over your skin or other layers of clothing
• zip fastenings can be quicker and easier than buttons, although open ended zips can be difficult to align and fasten if you have pain or stiffness in your fingers
• extended tabs or loops can be added to zip tags to make them easier to grip and fasten

If you are having difficulty getting in and out of a bath, standing in or using a shower or standing at the basin, there are a few things that you can do yourself -

• put nonslip strips, mats or tiles in your tub and shower to help prevent falls - to combat tripping, secure any loose corners on mats
• be sure to keep the bath clean to avoid slippery soap scum or mould
• keep the bathroom floor dry, making sure it has no water on it - a weighted shower curtain helps make sure that no water leaks onto the floor
• your bathroom should be adequately lit during the day and night
• Equip your shower with a handheld or adjustable shower head. You can manoeuver it where you want it, minimizing your movement in the shower
• put items you use regularly in easy reaching distance so you don't have to stand on steps, bath edges or move around a lot to reach them
• take your time as the more you rush, the more likely you are to fall
• Prepare in advance, make sure that you have everything you need to complete the task before getting into the shower/bath.
• If you are particularly vulnerable to falls or you have fallen before it would be advisable if possible to have a backup plan. This could be a friend, family member or neighbor who you could call to tell them you are going to have a shower/bath and to expect a call from you after an allotted time to ensure that if you do fall someone is aware.

Using the toilet is a function that most people take for granted and if assistance is required it can cause distress.
Here are some things you can try –

• make sure the way to the toilet and the room is well lit at night
• consider if a special frame, rails or a higher seat would be best to help you get on and off the toilet
• never use a walking frame to hold onto whilst standing from a toilet, as it is not designed for this purpose and could easily tip over
• talk to your GP about any continence issues

Meeting personal hygiene needs following toilet use.

To promote your dignity, skin integrity and personal hygiene, it is important that you are able to meet these needs as independently as possible. The following are tips to support you in achieving this:

• Ensure that everything is to hand before using the toilet- incontinence products, paper etc.
• Try moist toilet tissue or wet/soapy cotton gloves which can be disposed of after use. Do not put either of these products down the toilet, have disposable bags available to dispose of later.
• Have a small towel or flannel which is easier to use for drying.
• Have any creams or emollients close to hand to reduce the need to stand until necessary.

If you think you would benefit from some equipment or adaptations in the home to help you with your personal care, then you should head over to our equipment and adaptations section.