How to Shower Someone in a Wheelchair

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Last Updated: March 13, 2024

You may have a relative or know someone who is in a wheelchair. When it comes to them showering the majority of the time they need assistance with getting out of their wheelchair into the shower chair, washing, and getting back out of the shower safely. These quick steps will guide you through properly showering someone who uses a wheelchair. Also included are tips you should pay attention to that way mistakes won't be made.

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Getting the Shower Ready

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It is nearly impossible to bathe someone in a regular wheelchair, so it's best to buy a shower chair.
Place it on the bathroom floor and on the bottom of the bathtub. Be sure to have a bath mat on the outside of the tub with anti-skid material underneath it.

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Purchase latex gloves, a loofah, and any other shower accessories needed.
Be sure it is in the correct place and it won't slip or slide when the person sits on it.
Wait until it has reached a lukewarm temperature. Make sure it is not too hot or cold. Use your wrist to check the temperature of the water - it is more accurate at telling how warm the water is than your fingers are. Make sure the showerhead is in place and is not spraying out of the bathtub or shower.
Make sure the gloves fit you right and that they will not slip off while you are showering the person.
Put their dirty clothes into a laundry bin. Make sure glasses or contacts and any jewelry or accessories are removed.
If the person does not need their hair washed, place a shower cap on their head.
This may require more than one person to do, depending on the person being assisted.

Part 2

Part 2 of 4:

Transferring the Person

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That way they know what is coming next. This is important because any sudden movement may throw their balance off.
Use verbal cues throughout the transfer. Each step, they will be needing assistance even if they feel they don't need it.
Time is important to them when it comes to comprehending the next steps throughout their transfer. After explaining each step let them have a few seconds to completely understand what movements their bodies will need to be making.
The backs of their legs must be near the tub and in line with their shower chair. As their legs are near the back of the tub make sure they are centered on the shower chair making it easier for the transfer in the tub.
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Have the person reach with their hands. Hold the back of their shower chair. As they are in this position, help them with their balance.
- If they are incapable of reaching their hands to the back of the shower chair simply direct their hands to the base of the chair.(where they sit)
As they are positioned on the side of the chair carefully live their legs over or in the tub.
Double check the chair and where their body is positioned before showering them.

Part 3

Part 3 of 4:

Showering Them

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If the person requires getting their hair washed, do this first.
Wait until all parts of their body are wet, including hair if necessary. Allowing the warm water to run on the person helps remove any loose dirt, and relaxes the muscles.
3
Shampoo the person's hair. Turn the water off, place a small amount of shampoo into your hand, and lather it into the hair. Make sure you clean the scalp thoroughly, and that each piece of hair is properly coated with shampoo. Scrub the head for about 45 seconds to a minute, and then turn the water back on and completely rinse off all the shampoo.
- Do not wash the person's hair every day, as this can damage the hair.
- Do not use excess amounts of shampoo. This can strip natural oils from the hair. Start off with a small amount, and add more if necessary.
Place a small amount of conditioner into your hands, and work it through the hair. Conditioner will not lather, so make sure all of the hair feels slick after applying. Leave the conditioner in hair for a few minutes. You can begin washing the body while the conditioner sits in the hair, or you can simply just turn the water back on so the person does not get cold. Rinse the conditioner off thoroughly, making sure none is left behind.
5
Allow the water to run on the person for ample time again. Then turn off the water and begin washing their body. Depending on their skin type, find the best soap for them. It can either be liquid body soap or bar soap. Lather the soap into the loofah. Start at the neck and shoulders, moving in circular directions at a calm speed and the right pressure. Scrubbing too hard or fast can irritate their skin.
- Work your way down to their feet and make sure you cleanse the buttocks and genitals effectively.
- Once you have scrubbed the entire body with soap, turn the water back on. Rinse off all the soap, making sure none is left behind.
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Inform the person that you will wash their face. Instruct them to close their eyes. Get the person's face wet, and turn the water off. Begin to wash their face with a cleanser that is right for them. Gently rub the cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin without making any contact with the eyes.
- If any cleanser happens to get into the eyes, rinse immediately.
- Wash face for approximately 30 seconds, and then turn the water back on and rinse off.

Part 4

Part 4 of 4:

Finishing the Shower

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There may still be soap, shampoo, or conditioner left behind. The final rinse makes sure everything is rinsed off.
Turn the handle all the way off, making sure the water stops running completely.
Using a clean towel, start at the neck and work your way down until they are completely dry. Using another smaller towel, gently pat their face dry. Do not rub, as this can irritate their face. Lastly, if the hair was washed, grab another towel or hair wrap to wrap their hair and allow it to dry, or blow-dry the hair.
Carefully lift the person, with assistance if needed, and place them back into their wheelchair.
5
Dress the person. Put on fresh and clean undergarments. Never re-use undergarments. Carefully dress the person in the desired outfit.
- If they have glasses or contacts, assist them in putting those back on.
- Put back on any accessories or jewelry as desired.

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Warnings

Make sure the shower chair is securely placed and cannot move around.

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Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Make sure there is anti-skid material before showering.

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Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
Never try to transfer the person being assisted alone if you do not think you will be able to! This can cause serious injury to the person, and possibly yourself.

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Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
Be sure not to tug on the person's arm or anywhere they are uncomfortable being grabbed from.

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If the water is too hot, it can burn the person being assisted!

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Check what allergies the person has and make sure none of the products being used will irritate their skin.

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