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In the bathroom

A few simple processes and assistive products will make everyday bathroom tasks easier. You can see some suggestions to help you in the bathroom below.

Questions to consider:

  • Do you have non-slip flooring in your bathroom? Do you have a non-slip mat in your shower or bath?
  • Do you have grab rails next to the toilet, shower and bath so that you don't rely on door frames, towel rails or other bathroom fixtures for support?
  • Do you have a plug-in sensor night light? Can you leave a light on at night to help you see your way to and from the bathroom?
  • Do you have a thermostat to control how hot your water gets? 

Plan

Group items for the same task together so that you have everything you need. Try laying out your towel, clothes and any products you need next to you on a chair or dry surface. Having a sturdy chair in the bathroom to sit on for drying and dressing takes the strain off your body and allows you to take your time. 

Prepare

Products with long handles make it easier to reach your lower body, back and hair. A magnifying mirror makes it easier to shave or put your make up on. Foam tubing or non-slip handles make items easier to hold and maneuver. Try using a tube squeezer to help get toothpaste onto your toothbrush.

Pace

Sitting down saves you lots of energy and makes it easier to reach your lower legs and feet. Try washing your upper body first and then your lower body using products with long handles to help you. 

Simple solutions 

Washing and drying feet and toes

Using brushes, sponges and toe washers with long handles reduces the need to bend to reach your feet. Have loops or soft handles sewn onto towels to help grip the towel when drying and use a clean, dry toe washer to dry your feet. Alternatively, wrap a towel around a dressing stick with a long handle.

Putting socks, stockings and shoes on

Try sitting down to dry yourself and get dressed and use a foot stool to help you reach your feet. If reaching your feet is difficult, using equipment with a long handle can make it much easier. Try products like a shoehorn, sock aid or dressing stick. You might like to consider shoes with Velcro straps or elastic laces instead of having to tie your laces.

Using zips, buttons and clasps

If you find pulling up zippers or doing up buttons fiddly, try using a button hook or zip puller loop instead. This can also help keep zips up by hooking the loop over a top button. Make sure to dress a weak or painful arm or leg first for less discomfort.

Clipping nails

Suction nail clippers hold themselves in place to make one handed cutting easier. Modified large nail clippers will also help you see what you’re doing.

Managing medications

Find medication organisers at your local pharmacy. Most organisers carry up to four pills per day. Pill crushers or splitters help you take the correct dosage so that you feel your best. You can set up a pill reminder alarm on your mobile or leave an alarm next to your pill organiser.

Administer eye drops easily

There are lots of handy tools to help make sure you can administer medications. Ask your pharmacist for an eye drop guide or other solutions if you struggle to apply medicine.

Assistive products for in the bathroom

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  • 3 Hook Dressing Stick

    This stick incorporates three hooks, two at one end and one on the other.

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  • Aidapt Dressing Stick Shoe Horn Combo

    A lightweight dressing and shoe horn aid featuring a soft foam shaft for ease of...

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  • Aidapt Long-Handled Brush and Comb Set

    This extra-long handled brush and comb set has ergonomic handles that are easy to grip...

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Simple bathroom modifications

  • Install lever taps to make turning taps on and off easier.
  • Install a hand-held adjustable shower head to wash your back and feet.
  • Try using a shower seat to make washing easier.
  • Install non-slip adhesive on the bathroom floor and inside the bath and shower.
  • Plug in a sensor night light to help you see your way to and from the bathroom.

  • Install lever taps to make turning taps on and off easier.
  • Install a hand-held adjustable shower head to wash your back and feet.
  • Try using a shower seat to make washing easier.
  • Install non-slip adhesive on the bathroom floor and inside the bath and shower.
  • Plug in a sensor night light to help you see your way to and from the bathroom.
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