In this video the caregiver will learn how to assist someone needing verbal and/or tactile cues from a wheelchair into/out of a walk in shower.
Before Getting In
- Position the wheelchair as close the shower stall as possible
- Lock brakes
- If there is a small ledge to the shower entry, keep their feet on the outside of the shower to stand for safety and better foot placement
- Keep shirt on and apply a gait belt for safety
- Make sure hand placement surfaces are dry
- Make sure stepping surfaces are dry and/or have non skid surfaces
Verbal Cues for Getting In
- Scoot forward in the wheelchair (If not able to scoot forward pushing up with arms and sliding hips forward, give verbal cues to lean back in chair and push hips forward or "walk" legs forward in chair)
- Place hands on armrests or one on solid grab bar
- Lean forward, bringing head/ "nose out over toes"
- Give instruction on standing on the count of 3
- 1,2,3 Push/pull up and stand
- Give verbal and tactile cues as needed for weight shifting from side to side for stepping to pivot into the shower
- Step back until feel seat at the back of the legs
- Reach back to seat (or take hold of appropriate grab bar) as you sit down
Before Getting Out
- Assist as needed in getting the individual as dry as possible before getting out
- Dry any push off or pull surfaces for safety
- Make sure the floor is dry
- Make sure the standing surface in the shower is dry or has a non skid surface/mat
- Put on a t-shirt and apply a gait belt for safety
Verbal Cues for Getting Out
- Scoot forward on the seat
- Place your hands on grab bar or seat
- Lean forward, bringing head/ "nose out over toes"
- Give instruction on standing on the count of 3
- 1,2,3 push/pull up and stand up
- Give verbal cues for weight shift as needed for steps to pivot from the shower to the wheelchair
- Step back until you feel the chair at the back of your legs
- Reach back for the chair as you sit down