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

Hi! Don't feel alone. I, too struggle with hygiene. I am the same way. I live in my parent's basement (58/yrs old) and have mobility issues. It's a struggle for me to get motivated enough to get upstairs. And then when I do, I get in the recliner and still skip the shower. The only things that make me shower are an appointment if I know I'm smelly or that my "creases and crevices" get irritated.
It's a struggle for a lot of us. You are not alone at all.

I hope that anyone having problems showering as I do, has installed grab bars inside the shower. When mine were installed, I told the installer I wanted to sit on the floor of the shower and he could measure how far up to put the grab bar. Figured if I slipped and fell I could easily reach the grab bar. Also have a vertical grab bar just as I enter the shower so I have something solid to hold into while getting into the shower & while turning on the shower and adjusting the temperature. It's also important to have low foot access when entering the shower as you don't want to have to a high step that could cause a trip and fall. With these things in place, I do feel more secure when showering. Having spent many months in the hospital then in 4 nursing facilities, I found that the wet body wipes really are handy to have if you can't shower. They leave you feeling fresh and clean and no odor. Most drug stores carry them.

@bea4me I hope the grab bars are not the suction type. They have a tendency to pop off, sometimes with the slightest weight pressure on them!

Definitely would not trust the suction type. Had the metal ones installed by a company that specializes in upgrading tubs and showers. The grab bars are VERY sturdy and just might save my life. They look nice, too. It's definitely a job for a professional & well worth the money. It's important to feel safe when you shower & I sure do with these grab bars.

I do have the suction type (one) but my manager may be able to get some metal ones put in. I would feel much safer with those. Thanks for the info. : )

@nscappa, maybe not. they might surprise you. maybe they might be willing to help you with some of the other things you find hard to do. such as the dishes, clothes. the small things. this all depends on how close you are to them. bring up about the water and dishes and clothes first. then go from there. little by little. @danny5

This is the most confusing thread I have read on the Mayo site!

@kndaustin71, if you're confused? you ought to be in my shoes. i'm really confused. @danny5

Hi, I think I may have a few suggestions that might help; they have been things that I've tried and finally feel I can get in the shower & be successful. I have two grab bars installed in my shower. Their positions are one to the right and towards the corner, near the shower curtain and the other one is to my left on the inner shower wall. The one in the right corner is vertical and can help me pull up to get out of the shower. The one on the inner shower wall is horizontal at about hip to waist level and I can use both to steady myself as needed. I should let you know here that I have a shower chair that stays in the shower (I live alone) and also have a handheld shower sprayer so I have control over where & how water hits me (works great!) With these items I have been able to shower myself, which is important to me. I'm a senior, have had a liver transplant years ago, heart, kidney and a myriad of health issues through my life over past few decades. I try to get a shower at least once a week and the investment in these items has made all the difference. Balance has been an issue & having confidence that I won't fall or that I'll be able to get myself out safely are a big deal, so it's been worth it. I've showered sitting in bottom of tub (ain't great; not easy to get up or down) having the shower chair has really helped; I put hooks on wall right outside shower curtain so I have a towel for my hair and a towel for my body where I can reach them easily and oft times I towel my head and sit back down on shower chair to dry my body. All these things combined have made it possible. I hope this may be helpful. If you have questions, feel free to ask. Best wishes!

@sunflowergal Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I see you have been a member here for a while, and this is your first post.

What a great contribution to this thread, and hearing about what works for you! I bet there are several fellow members who will take a close look at their current set-up and think about changes, now. Thank you for sharing.
Ginger