Adaptations in the bathroom

Managing in the bathroom if you have arthritis

Top tips for the bathroom

• Liquid soap in a push-down pump bottle is easier than using a bar of soap.
• You can also try refilling a suitable pump bottle with your favourite shampoo, conditioner or face cleanser.
• Try fattening the grip of a toothbrush by wrapping an elastic band around it.
• A thick towelling dressing gown is much easier than struggling to dry yourself with a bath towel.
• You may find using a microfibre towel helpful, as they’re much lighter than normal towels and you don’t have to rub yourself. They can be found in outdoor pursuit shops.
• Use a lightweight electric razor.
• Use an electric toothbrush.

Gadgets and aids for the bathroom

• Lever taps are easier to use than regular taps. You can buy these, or fit tap turners on to existing taps.
• You can get long-handled versions of most equipment, including long-handled sponges, hairbrushes, combs and toe wipes.
• A long flannel strap with rings at either end can be great for drying those hard to reach places.
• A toothpaste squeezer might help.

Getting in and out of the bath

If you find getting in and out of a bath difficult, think about getting some of the following:

• a grab rail
• a non-slip mat
• a bath board and seat
• a powered bath seat lift
• a walk-in bath – although these can be very expensive.

Before you buy a new walk-in bath or a powered bath seat it’s worth speaking to an occupational therapist to ensure you get a suitable model for your needs.

Taking a shower

• Grab rails and fold-down shower seats can help you shower more comfortably.
• Free-standing shower stools may be suitable if wall-mounted seats aren’t an option.
• Walk-in showers or wet rooms can improve access, but may
  involve higher costs.

Using the toilet

Equipment that can help includes:

• a grab rail beside the toilet
• a raised toilet seat
• a toilet frame
• a bottom-wiping gadget
• a portable bidet which fits onto a standard toilet pan
• an automatic flushing toilet with built-in bidet, which washes and dries you
• gadgets that convert toilets into automatic flushing toilets.

Periods

Inserting and removing tampons or menstrual cups might not be easy, especially during a flare. But there are alternatives that should be easier to use.

A number of different companies have now designed easy to use menstrual cups to make them as easy to use as tampons. So have a look around and see if there are any which might be suitable for your needs.

Period proof underwear can also be a good option if you want to avoid menstrual cups, but still want something that’s reusable.