I take Lexapro, Lamictal, Abilify, yet have Problem Taking Showers

Thank you so much for your comments. I'm not afraid of falling (I'm 75 years old) although at times I am but that's not the reason for my not showering. It just seems overwhelming to get in the tub and once I do I enjoy it so much and give myself kudos for finally getting it done. I tell myself I will start taking showers more often and then maybe it will just turn into an everyday thing but that never works. I have been told that elderly people do get lazy with their hygiene but I don't feel that this is the case because I have always been immaculate with myself but not for a long time. Seems since my sister died on September 20 of 2015, my cat died shortly before my sister passed and I quite my job when Judy became ill with a rare form or cancer and I just could not concentrate anymore with so much on my mind. After that my life changed to much. I'm rambling here so I'll end my comments here. Thank you again for taking the time to write to me. : )

Depression is actually high for elderly who go through so much loss and are often isolated Its worth getting treatment no matter how old you are! Start by calling your primary care provider and they can refer you, or the senior center. You are truly worth it and worth being taken care of and you are not alone

I’m disabled but I have bought 2 bar grips and a really good bath mat that’s as long as my shower floor, but I’m still afraid of falling. I have fallen a couple of times and cracked some ribs. I have a shower chair but it fills up the whole shower and is inconvenient. Sorry if I sound like a crazy old lady who whines.

And theres also dry shampoo which many travelers swear by😉
Not to make light I know a retiring beautician who volunteers and goes to folks homes -maybe someone around you? Worth asking

Yippee skippee, I took a bloody shower today but didn’t wash my hair but I’m clean and I truly believe it is due to you folks. All your encouragement, support, and kind words of advice are the reason I got into the shower and scrubbed the heck out of my skin. Thank you all very much!

Thank you so much for your comments. I'm not afraid of falling (I'm 75 years old) although at times I am but that's not the reason for my not showering. It just seems overwhelming to get in the tub and once I do I enjoy it so much and give myself kudos for finally getting it done. I tell myself I will start taking showers more often and then maybe it will just turn into an everyday thing but that never works. I have been told that elderly people do get lazy with their hygiene but I don't feel that this is the case because I have always been immaculate with myself but not for a long time. Seems since my sister died on September 20 of 2015, my cat died shortly before my sister passed and I quite my job when Judy became ill with a rare form or cancer and I just could not concentrate anymore with so much on my mind. After that my life changed to much. I'm rambling here so I'll end my comments here. Thank you again for taking the time to write to me. : )

If it makes you feel any better, you are not alone. I struggle to get in a bath or shower too. It just feels too difficult. Also, I have to monitor my oxygen constantly, especially with any activity, and it isn't possible to wear an oximeter, or oxygen therapy, in the bath or shower. I have been sponge bathing, using disposable washcloths/wipes. I am trying not to beat myself up and just use the ways I can cope with to get clean. I am hopeful that things will normalize if I can get my oxygen readings stabilized. If not, I just do the best I can in the easiest way possible. I hope this is some small encouragement to you. We have enough to deal with, with this LC nightmare. I think it's important to do whatever feels easiest whenever we can.

You don’t say why showers are difficult. Is it stepping over the tub? Some years ago when I was caring for my mom, she couldn’t lift her leg over the tub. We got an extended chair so she could sit and lift her legs and slide over into the tub. That became too difficult as well. The cost of converting to a walk-in shower was daunting but I decided to use one of her life insurance policies to get her what she needed now. We got a removable bench which I haven’t needed yet but soon. So we got a walk-in and now it’s me who needs it. It was a great and helpful necessity.