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Bathing
1. Grab bars on the shower walls..I found tub bathing is out of the question unless I use the tub as a shower. Stepping into and out of the tub requires handrails on the walls to assist in balance. I have two rails, one on the same wall as the shower head and a second on the adjacent back wall. These two rails are also especially helpful with maintaining my balance when showering, and shampooing or conditioning my hair. . 2. Application of Deordorant..To lift the paralyzed arm for application of deodorant, I put my paralyzed left hand in the bathroom sink and bend over to expose my underarm. Using my good right hand, I apply the deordorant. This same technique of lifting the arm is useful when drying the underarm after the shower. Insufficient drying can lead to an underarm rash.
3. A non-slip throw rug beside the tub is necessary when stepping out of the tub onto a slick linoleum floor. A wet foot on a linoleum covered floor turns it into a skating rink. Not a good thing when we are trying hard to prevent falls.
4. Shampoo and conditioner dispensers mounted on the shower wall are also helpful. Pouring shampoo or conditioner into your hand with that same hand is messy and difficult. Look at bath accessory stores for dispensers that mount on the shower wall.
5. To apply shaving cream, spray it on the side of the sink and apply it to your face with your working hand.
6. Washing Hand and Fingernails.. To wash one hand without the assistance of the other, I screwed a fingernail brush onto a 1"X 4" board that I cut to fit the bottom of the bathroom sink. A good fit between the walls of the sink keeps it from sliding back and forth as I move my hand across the bristles.
Dressing
1. A dressing chair in my bedroom has helped shoes, socks, trousers and shirts go on much easier.
2. Put belt on trousers before putting trousers on yourself.
3. Button closers on trousers are much easier when the button hole is enlarged to allow use of the index finger to pull the hole to the button. We shop for trousers that have a button closer. Single handed dressing is much easier after one accepts that last year's trousers no longer fit this year's expanded waist.
4. The metal hook and eye fasteners on trousers are very difficult, but possible after opening the hook side to enable the index finger to pull the two sides together. Spread the hook opening wider with pliers or a screw driver.
5. Shoes. I use dress shoes with hook and loop closers (Velcro) to avoid tying shoe strings.
6. To carry more "stuff" in the pants or shorts pockets, I wear the "cargo" style clothing with extra pockets on the working side.