One of the most important tools a caregiver can own is a handheld shower head. If your loved one is unable to shower themselves, or if they need to be seated while showering, a standard shower just won't work. Here's why:
- A standard shower will spray water in your face if you are seated in a shower chair. (not fun.)
- It may be difficult, or impossible, for an elder to adjust the water pressure on a mounted shower head.
- It may not be possible to shower all parts of the body if the person is seated under a standard shower head.
Showering is already a stressful part of elderly caregiving. Many seniors are afraid of slipping in the shower, or being burned by water they can't see to adjust.
The end result of using a bad shower head could possibly be a person who, after a bad experience being sprayed in the face, still isn't clean. Or worse...
there could be an injury if an elder with poor vision/balance tries to adjust an overhead shower and falls.
there could be an injury if an elder with poor vision/balance tries to adjust an overhead shower and falls.
What to Look For In A Handheld Shower
When you start shopping for a handheld shower, you want to look for three features:
- Length of the hose
- Efficiency
- Adjustable pressure settings
The hose length is the most important feature. If the hose won't reach very far, then it won't do you much good. If you are showering someone else, then you want a cord that will allow you to do what you need to do--without requiring your elderly loved one to get up and move positions.
Once you are practiced at the art of showering another person, you will get faster at the job. But you could still use a lot of extra water. This is especially true if you are giving a therapeutic shower, or if you have a loved one who likes to lounge in the relaxing spray for awhile. (who doesn't?)
The good news is that most new shower heads are designed to provide maximum water pressure while using 20% less (or better) water than a standard shower head. That saves you a little extra cash and means that your loved one can enjoy a longer shower, guilt-free.
Adjustable pressure settings on a shower head change the force of the water flow. Most people already have at least three settings on their showers. A handheld shower with at least 5 settings usually offers a range between "soft" shower and "full body massage". The massage setting has always been super popular with the elderly I have showered.
Price is also important, but even a nice, brand-name handheld shower with several settings will only set you back between $20 and $50.
Best Handheld Shower for Elderly Caregivers?
Now you may be wondering which handheld shower is the best for your caregiving needs. My personal favorite is the Waterpik NSC 659. I've used several brands over the years, but Waterpik makes a durable shower head that provides these essentials:- 6 spray settings
- Broad shower head (3.5 inches)
- 5 foot flexible hose
- Water saver option
Waterpik shower heads are also tough. Which means if it slips out of your hand and swings against the tub or faucet, you won't be dealing with cracks.
This model is also affordable at under $50.
Of course, it isn't the only option. There are lots of good brands on the market, but Waterpik has worked the best for me.
As a second-runner up, I recommend the Delta 75700. It has 7 settings, a six foot cord and a cheaper price tag. It was not as long-lasting, springing a leak after two years, but during those two years it was a nice shower, and the extra long hose was incredibly helpful.
The good news is that most new shower heads are designed to provide maximum water pressure while using 20% less (or better) water than a standard shower head. That saves you a little extra cash and means that your loved one can enjoy a longer shower, guilt-free. ladies lawn suits prices , lawn suits with prices 2015
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