Grooming Safety for Amputees

Although prosthetics do allow for a decent amount of movement and mobility, simple tasks that were once taken for granted can become much more difficult for amputees. The range for someone with prosthetics is limited, so completing simple tasks such as brushing your teeth, doing your hair, getting dressed or taking a shower are much more difficult and frustrating. However, do not feel defeated because there are several ways to complete these tasks safely and with a lot less effort.

Brushing Your Teeth and Doing Your Hair

One of the major downsides of prosthetics is that they cannot grip things as tightly as the human hand. Routine tasks such as brushing your teeth become much more difficult. One way to make this task more convenient is by creating a bigger handle for your toothbrush. Try adding some foam rubber tubing or put the toothbrush into a bicycle handle grip. Both these solutions will create a stickier and thicker grip making it feel like less of a chore. This same idea not only applies to toothbrushes but hairbrushes and several other things as well. As long as you can get that large and tacky grip you are good to go. You can always switch to an electric toothbrush to help maintain your oral hygiene.

If your range is limited, using a hair dryer can be very difficult as well. Try mounting your hairdryer to the wall or purchase a hair dryer stand that will do the holding for you. It is much easier than trying to hold it yourself- perhaps even relaxing!

Showering

Mount a shower caddy or shelf in an easy to reach location, so that all your toiletries are in the same location. Grab bars are a lifesaver when it comes to showering and bathing. That extra support makes getting in and out of the shower or bath a whole lot easier- not to mention safer. Mount these bars on the walls where there is enough support and use a metal or plastic that won’t rust. If you have trouble getting to the toilet, putting a grab bar on the wall next to it can be a major help as well.

Many tubs and showers may claim to have slip-resistant flooring, however, it is not always adequate. Add a rubber mat that adheres to the ground. When you are done showering, hang the mat over the tub to dry in order to prevent mold and mildew growth.

If you are unable to stand while in the shower, installing a bath seat that is the same level as your wheelchair might be the best option for you. This way you do not have to lift yourself up or down from your chair making the transfer in and out a lot easier.

Getting Dressed

One of the most useful objects to use while getting dressed is a shoehorn. It helps to easily slip your heel in and out of your shoes so you don’t have to bend down and fidget with it. Consider wearing clothing with elastic waistbands instead of snaps or buttons. You could also get what is called a dressing aid stick or dressing hook to help you out.

You may feel defeated at times, but there is always another way to do things. Our way of life has been improving since the beginning of time, and advancements happen every day. Hopefully these suggestions can help you pull out that creative side in you. Let us know in the comments of any tips and tricks that work for you!