Difficulty with washing and showering
Have you noticed that washing or showering takes more effort than it used to? Perhaps you feel tired after a shower, even before the day has properly begun. Or maybe you put it off because you dread standing up, drying off or getting dressed. That can feel frustrating, especially when something that always came naturally suddenly requires a lot of energy. Difficulty with washing or showering can affect your daily routine, your independence and your self-esteem. Sometimes it’s down to pain or tiredness. Sometimes insecurity plays a part, for example due to a fear of slipping or falling. It’s important to take this seriously. There are often practical ways to make washing and showering safer and easier again.
What do you notice?
Washing or showering can become difficult in various ways. For example, you may find that you get tired more quickly or that you need more help than you would like.
Common complaints include:
- difficulty standing for long periods in the shower;
- pain when bending over, turning or reaching;
- uncertainty when getting in and out of the shower;
- fear of slipping;
- difficulty washing or drying their hair;
- low energy after a shower;
- difficulty getting dressed after washing;
- need for help, whilst you would prefer to do this yourself.
Sometimes people adjust their behaviour without realising it. For example, you might shower less often or wash whilst sitting at the washbasin. Or you might only shower on days when you have little else to do.
