Tips For Managing Showers

Along with this community, I also spend quite a bit of time in our COPD.net community. One of the hot topics there is the difficulty navigating showers – especially when one experiences fatigue, lack of energy, and/or shortness of breath. Considering many here have expressed similar concerns, I thought it would be neat to look at tips for showering with heart failure.

Tips for showers with heart failure

Here are some showering tips gleaned from insightful conversations within our COPD community, discussions right here in our heart failure community, and valuable insights shared by the patients I work with.

Walk-in shower

Stepping over the side of a tub might be a breeze for those who are generally healthy. But for those with lung or heart concerns, it can become burdensome. A practical solution is the installation of a walk-in shower. This not only minimizes the energy needed to access the shower but also enhances safety by reducing the risk of potential falls.

Stay seated

Conserving energy during showers can be achieved by staying seated. Consider incorporating a shower bench for added comfort. Or, if that is not feasible, a simple chair in the tub can serve the same purpose effectively.

Hand-held shower head

Opting for a hand-held shower head provides the flexibility to adjust water settings while seated, offering both convenience and ease of use. It also allows for precise control in directing water flow to specific areas on your body.

Oxygen

If you have home oxygen prescribed, it may be a good idea to wear it while you are showering. This can prevent you from becoming short of breath by maintaining healthy oxygen levels while you are showering.

Ventilation

Of course, hot, humid air can make it feel as though the air is heavy and hard to inhale. So, keeping the bathroom well-ventilated can help keep the humidity down. So, if possible, keep the door open, a window open, and an exhaust fan on. Each of these can help keep the humidity down in the bathroom.

Terry cloth robe

A terry cloth robe not only provides cozy warmth after a shower but also serves as a practical aid in conserving energy during the drying process. Its absorbent nature helps efficiently dry you off, making it a comfortable and energy-saving addition to your post-shower routine.

Long-handled brush

In the shower, a long-handled brush can be a game-changer. It helps you reach your back, lower legs, and feet effortlessly. Especially when exertion is a concern, these tools make your routine more comfortable and manageable.

Handrails

Consider adding handrails to your shower – it is a simple yet impactful way to conserve energy. These not only provide extra support during your shower but also significantly reduce the risk of slipping and falling, ensuring a safer and more energy-efficient bathing experience.

Preparedness

A little prep before showering can help you conserve energy. Make sure you have everything you will need in the shower ready to go. It can help to keep everything you will need in the shower close to you. This can prevent the need for getting up and exerting yourself during your shower.

Things to include are soap, shampoo, body wash, washcloths, etc. It's also good to be prepared for after your shower. This way you do not have to rush around looking for things. Things to get ready here are pajamas, a towel, or a robe, etc.

What are your tips?

These are showering tips that I have gathered from insightful discussions I have had with others. If you have trouble showering, perhaps you will find these helpful. What do you think?

Have you faced challenges in navigating showers? Or do you have your own tips for managing this daily routine? Please share in the comments below.

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