Caring and Dressing in Arthrities
Personal Care
Personal grooming is important because you will fell well when you know that you look better. In the bathroom safety is an important factor. There are many ways to make your personal routine safer and more efficient. Some of them are listed below:
- You can purchase a raised toilet seat that will permit you to sit down more easily. It may be as many as six inches higher than the standard seat. Many models are available to fit different toilets. Arm rests can also be purchased to fit around the toilet to give you more stability as you sit down and stand up.
- Use a non-slip mat in the bathtub.
- You can purchase various types of grab bars for your bathtub. Check to see if there is a place to install them securely.
- Use a small stool or chair in the tub to sit to shower or a bath bench that reaches from one side of the tub to the other.
- Long-handled sponges and brushes are available or can be made, to assist you in washing areas that you can’t reach.
- For those who must use wheelchairs, either routinely or occasionally, it is very important to be sure that the bathroom door is wide enough to accommodate the chair. When purchasing a wheelchair or when moving, be sure to check this measurement in advance.
Getting Dressed
Many specially designed clothing items are now available for those who require garments that are easier to put on and take off.
- If you have shoulder or hand problems, it is important to purchase clothes that are loose and open in the front. Velcro fasteners are often used instead of buttons or zippers. Also, special button-hooks and zipper pulls with long handles are available.
- For women, a variety of bras are available with front closings. For men, clip-on ties are available in all styles.
- Putting on shoes is difficult for many people with arthritis, especially when hip, knee, or back mobility is somewhat restricted. Your local shoe store or variety store may have a long-handled shoe horn and elastic shoelaces, which you may find helpful. Shoes are also available with Velcro fasterers.