FAQs: Bath Routine

I recently wrote a blog post about how my hair gets washed, and this post is about my bathing routine. When I was first injured it was a surreal time for me as I realized all of the things that I would never  do again. One of these things was showering. I remember thinking, "Will I really never stand in the shower to wash my own hair/body again?!" It was such a normal thing that I'd done for myself almost every day of my life from the time I was a young girl.

I know that some paralyzed/disabled people have roll-in showers and shower chairs that they sit in (a chair that's made to get wet) in order to take care of their bathing/showering needs, but I don't. I'm sure we could've had some additional renovations made to our house since the downstairs bathroom is close to my bedroom, but I wasn't really interested in going the whole roll-in shower route. Bed baths might not be the most "high-tech" option out there, but my mom and I decided that that's what wanted to do for us and our situation.

We do a bath every afternoon. It really doesn't take too long; probably about 20 minutes from start to finish (including getting me back to bed, undressed and situated after we're finished). Depending on what day of the week it is, we either do my bowel program and a bath, or we just do a bath and then do some range of motion exercises. (Range of motion is exercises or stretches that help keep the muscles in my limbs flexible since I'm not able to move my body parts/muscles like able-bodied people do.)

Any other questions regarding the ins/outs of the life of a quadriplegic? If so, just leave a comment and ask your question, or send me an e-mail!