Having Parkinson’s disease having to take a bath or shower will become a challenge. This is a result of tremors, rigidity and the progression of Parkinson’s symptoms the activity becomes not only restricted but in some instances painful. Additionally balance challenges will increase the likelihood of a fall resulting in serious injuries. Consequently, it is essential to take safeguards while showering/bathing for the utmost safety.

Bathing, toileting, individual cleanliness and proper grooming are fundamental activities of daily living which are a personal private activity. With Parkinson’s these will become overwhelming activities that will demand you respect the care recipients privacy and dignity.

Bathing

Preparing the bathroom specifically the bath tub or shower is the preliminary step and vital to safety. Remember a fall with injuries causes additional difficulties you don’t want to deal with.

• Have a professional contractor install two (2) handrails, one on each side for entering and departing the bath tub or shower. The temptation for a person with PD to grab a towel rack, faucet or soap dish for support is reality and would end up in a disaster. Install a shelf in the tub/shower in order to eliminate bending to pick up items. These shelves should be between shoulder and knee in height. If you have a tub consider having professional contractors convert to a shower stall which is safer and easier to use instead of a tub/shower combination. Ask the professional contractor when putting in the shower if they can take the rim out and shower doors for wheel chair accessibility as well as designed for proper drainage so as not to flood the bathroom. Buy a shower chair. In the event a tub/shower combination is the only option buy a transfer bench so the person with PD can transfer from outside the tub to the inside. If using a transfer bench for a tub./shower use a hand held showerhead pointing the water away from you to adjust the temperature. Have shower curtains install place one inside the tub and the other outside cutting slots in the inside curtain to accommodate the transfer bench. This will help keep the floor dry.

I would suggest going to a thrift store or good will as you can find these at a fraction of the price. A fundamental safety precaution is to have rubber non-skid matters in the tub or shower.

• If possible stay away from bar soap for safety and convenience. Pump soap is a preferred option as the person with PD is less likely to drop or have slip out of their hands and the floor becomes slick for a soap film. Soap on a rope is another option. Consider a phone in the bathroom in case of emergency, be proactive and forward thinking. Lower your hot water temperature to less than 120 degrees. Don’t use bathroom rugs, if you do make sure they have rubber backing.

The process

• Initially turn on the water, cold first then the hot adjusting to an acceptable temperature. This will eliminate the possibility of being scalded from hot water; all this is completed prior to getting into the tub or shower. Wash the feet and legs first as they are less sensitive having the person hold the grab bars as you work moving the water spray around rather having them move. Wash using slow, purposeful movements, don’t rush when showering. When shampooing the hair have the person seated with the head tilted back so soap want get into the eyes then rinse thoroughly making certain there isn’t any residual in the hair as this causes dandruff. That is common with people with Parkinson’s. Assist the person out of the shower or tub making certain the feet are completely dry prior to stepping out then wrap in a terry cloth robe which makes drying easier. If a terry rob isn’t available use several small towels rather than on large towel. When toweling, make sure the underarms, groin, between the toes, behind the knees and for women under the breasts are dry. This helps prevent fungus, skin rashes, irritations and bacterial infections. If you are applying lotions use only those that are non-alcohol base. You should be able to bath two or three times a week utilizing warm not hot water, this may prevent the skin drying which would increase the probably of rashes and irritations.