A person in a wheelchair might not know how to take a shower or bath because some challenges arise. The first thing they need to do is find the best way to get into and out of the tub safely and easily. When they decide to get into the tub, it may be difficult if their arms are weak. A person will need someone to help them enter and exit the bathroom if they cannot move around very well by themselves.
It would be awesome if you had room for your chair inside your shower/tub area, as this would make things easier for you because there would be no need to transfer you all over your home while taking a shower or bath. If you do happen to have room for your chair inside your shower/tub area, it would be much easier and safer to take a bath or shower. The first thing you will need to consider is your bathroom layout and finding the best way to get in and out of the tub without hurting yourself.
You can make this happen by making sure you have grab bars, supports, and other equipment installed around the tub for safety measures if needed. You also want to make sure that everything else in your bathroom, such as your cabinets, faucets, showers, etc., are all accessible so that no matter what happens, you can still complete taking a shower safely and easily. You must stay safe because there could be some nasty falls if you are not careful.
To get in the tub, I recommend having someone there to help you. When I try to get in my wheelchair, it can be very difficult because of how heavy it is, but also just because I’m getting into a chair that is high off the ground. The first thing that will need to occur is that your helper will need to spread out a sheet over the seat of your shower/tub where you’re going to sit so they don’t slip while helping you get across safely. Next, they will go ahead and pull back your wheel locks and put your brake on so you do not roll away or get pushed around while trying to get in and out of the tub.
After they have all these things done, they will go ahead and help you transfer into your shower chair. Once you’re in there, they may need to help you transfer again onto the seat of the tub, which is where we want you to sit. If it is a big enough side, they can help support your back with some pillows that would probably be nice and comfortable, but don’t push it if it’s too much because you could get injured!
The next thing I recommend whenever taking a bath or shower is having two people around just in case something happens where one person can’t help out and catch the person if they start to fall. This is why I say two people because one can be right there to help you keep your balance, and the other one can go ahead and get a wheelchair or anything that can help get you back into your chair easily. If you do not have someone, then what I recommend is having some type of item around your bathroom, such as a stool, chair, etc., so that you’re able to sit down on it very carefully.