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        Top 10 Ways To Increase Shower Accessibility

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accessibility

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Disability

Top 10 Ways To Increase Shower Accessibility

by Joanna No Banana March 21, 2021

A major struggle of many disabled people and/or those dealing with chronic illness can be the ability to practice “proper” hygiene. This article explores some of the ways in which showering and/or bathing can become more accessible. 

What is an accessible shower? What does an accessible shower mean?

Let’s begin this conversation by addressing  what is an accessible shower. An accessible shower is simply a shower that a person can take without any major difficulties. As you find when you look through the next section of this article which suggests  potential solutions to this problem, almost everyone uses something to help them have a more accessible shower. However, for disabled people the accessibility is more of a need than a want, while for nondisabled people it tends to be more of a convenience. Either way, more accessible showering can be extremely helpful to both groups of people.  

The following are some tools/products to make showers and baths accessible:

  • 1. Shower Chair 
    • How does a shower chair help increase shower accessibility? A shower chair offers an alternative to standing while taking a shower. 
    • Who does a shower chair help?  This tool can be extremely helpful to a wide variety of people. Anyone who can benefit from sitting down can be included in this category, such as people who tend to utilize wheelchairs, those who deal with joint issues, anyone experiencing chronic pain, those for whom standing may lead to fainting, etc.
    • Examples of a shower chair:
shower bench shower chair without handles on the sides shower chair with handles on the sides
  • 2. Shower Filter 
    • How does a shower filter help increase shower accessibility?  While a shower filter may seem like an unlikely accessibility tool,  it can be extremely beneficial to reduce and remove certain types of chemicals, such as chlorine, found in modern water systems. 
    • Who does a shower filter help? Those who are sensitive to chemicals oftentimes found in the water system would find a shower filter can help increase their shower accessibility.  For example, those dealing with any sort of Mast Cell Disorder would be able to take  safer showers which wouldn’t lead to unwanted symptoms such as hives and headaches. These filters also benefit anyone using them even if they don’t usually have any symptoms caused by their shower water, especially since a lot of water systems have things like chloride added which can dry out the skin and even cause some more serious problems in the long-run.
    • Examples of a shower filter:
shower filter with six different filters Vitamin C shower filter AquaBliss silver shower filter
  • 3. Shower Rack/Suction Cup Basket
    • How does a shower rack / suction cup basket help increase shower accessibility? These products help to provide easier access to hygiene products. By doing so, those taking a shower are able to spend more of their energy on utilizing the hygiene products rather than spending their energy on searching for and reaching for their products.
    • Who do these products help? These products can help anybody. However, those with mobility issues would greatly benefit from them.
    • Examples of shower rack and suction cup basket:
shower rack hanging in shower shower shelf with suction cup
  • 4. Safe Product
    • How does a safe product help increase shower accessibility? The term “safe product” is open to interpretation as it means something different to each individual. For example, it may mean fragrance-free or offer a packaging that is easy to open. Therefore, there are a variety of ways in which these products could help shower accessibility.
    • Who do safe products help? Since safe products can have varying meanings and uses per individual, they can help a wide range of people as well. Some specific examples would be hypoallergenic products for those with allergies/sensitivities and pumps on top of products for those dealing with joint issues.
    • Examples of a safe product:
two empty bottles with pumps fragrance free Vanicream moisturizing cream fragrance free Vanicream deodorant
  • 5. Handheld Shower Head
    • How does a handheld shower head help increase shower accessibility? A handheld shower head helps to shower the entire body with a minimized amount of effort.
    • Who does handheld shower head help? It helps a wide range of people, including those who need to be seated in a shower chair.
    • Example of a handheld shower head:
handheld shower head
  • 6. Back Scrubber
    • How does a back scrubber help increase shower accessibility? A back scrubber helps to clean certain body parts, such as the back, which may be hard to reach.
    • Who does a back scrubber help? Back scrubbers can aid anyone with mobility issues.
    • Examples of a back scrubber:
wooden-looking back scrubber with exfoliating glove exfoliating material back scrubber with exfoliating gloves plastic back scrubber with loofah on the opposite side
  • 7. Shower Mat
    • How does a shower mat help increase shower accessibility? A shower mat helps to prevent slipping and even prevent falls.
    • Who does a shower mat help? Shower mats are often used by many people as a preventative measure to help people feel safer and more comfortable in their showers. Some people who have trouble standing or struggle with heat intolerance especially to the point of fainting  can heavily benefit from a shower mat.
    • Examples of a shower mat:
shower mat for inside the shower shower mat for outside the shower
  • 8. Detangling Brush 
    • How does a detangling brush help increase shower accessibility? A detangling brush allows people two more easily brush their hair in the shower while being gentle on joints.
    • Who does a detangling brush help? It helps those who struggle with fatigue, joint pain, and anyone else feels discomfort while brushing their hair with more common types of hairbrushes. 
    • Examples of detangling brush:
two brushes from Wet Brush a mint brush with a curve for joint easiness a scalp massager
  • 9. Grab Rail 
    • How does a grab rail help increase shower accessibility? A grab rail helps similarly to a shower mat as it helps with slipping and prevents falling by having an area that someone can hold onto while showering.
    • Who does a grab rail help?  A grab rail helps anyone who is worried about slipping or falling. It also helps wheelchair users as they get into the shower/bathtub. 
    • Example of a grab rail:
photo of a grab rail
  • 10. Bath Board 
    • How does a bath board help increase shower accessibility?  A bath board allows a person to rest in their bathtub comfortably and be able to take care of hygiene needs from that position since all the necessary products are already placed on the bath board. 
    • Who does a bath board help? Anyone who takes baths, especially due to accessibility needs, should consider a bath board. 
    • Examples of bath boards:
adjustable width bath board simple bath board with indent in the middle for products large and luxurious bath board

While this is a list of my personal top 10 ways to increase shower accessibility from my experience and what has been brought to my attention, please keep in mind this list will be different for different people as all our needs vary from one to the next. Check out these options. Choose what works best for you. Make showering an easier task for yourself as much as possible. Hygiene can be difficult for many disabled and/or chronically ill people, so let’s make it as easy for ourselves as we can. 

(Please note that these links are affiliate links which means I may make a small profit if you purchase these products through my links. Thank you so much!)

March 21, 2021 0 comment
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My name is Joanna. I’m a 24-year-old chronically ill and disabled blogger whose goal is to help build our wonderful community.Read More!

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Queen of Allergies | MCAS EDS
Take the knowledge of your fertility into your own Take the knowledge of your fertility into your own hands!

#AD #Sponsor Fertility is a sensitive topic for many people, but it's also something that's really important to discuss. 

People worry that maybe they have a fertility problem, but they don't know who to go to. A lot of the tests at the doctor's can be extremely expensive so testing might seem out of budget.
It's also a very delicate topic, so it's great that you can find out the right info from @modernfertility for the fair price of $159 in the comfort of your own home. (Get $20 off by ordering yours through https://bit.ly/3MjRI1I ) (Link in bio!)

With just a prick of the finger and sending over your package to the lab, after a couple of days, you can log into your dashboard which showcases fertility metrics and so much more such as thyroid levels! 

Even if fertility isn't your primary goal, it's still beneficial to learn more about your body!

Many of us who are chronically ill worry about our fertility due to our chronic illnesses, daily medications, etc. The Modern Fertility test is an amazing tool that allows people to learn more about their own body so that they can plan their futures in the way that best works for them and their bodies.

I'm also so happy to share that the Modern Fertility test is now available in New Jersey!

Also remember that while this information is important, no matter the results, you are still a wonderful human being.

For those who feel comfortable sharing, have you ever worried about your fertility? What other metrics about your own body would you like to learn more about?

#modernfertilitypartner #chronicillness #chronicallyill #mastcellactivationsyndrome #ehlersdanlossyndrome
Can you relate to this? 🙃 It can be so difficu Can you relate to this? 🙃

It can be so difficult to deal with the highs and the lows of chronic illness.

We may also refer to this as “dynamic disability.”

In one moment we feel relatively okay. We feel like today will be the day where we get some errands completed and have some fun, but then our symptoms reappear or worsen and then our entire day and night changes.

This is why it’s so difficult to make plans!

We want to be invited and we want to go, but there are things stopping us. We don’t know if we will feel okay enough to attend. I’ve cried many tears over this and I’m sure that I’m not the only one, so much love to anyone who can relate. ❤️

Being on this rollercoaster of symptoms is difficult to manage, so remember to be gentle with yourself. 💛

What are some things that you’re hoping to do on your next low symptom day? I would love to know! Comment below! ⬇️ 

For more content like this follow @joannanobanana 💛

#ChronicIllness #ChronicallyIll #Spoonie #SpoonieLife
Double tap if you agree 💛 When you’re chroni Double tap if you agree 💛

When you’re chronically ill, there are many ways in most people tend to not understand the things that we go through.

One of those things is being stuck in bed.

It doesn’t mean that we want to be here. It doesn’t mean that we are necessarily relaxing. We might just be resting as needed. Resting as in trying to preserve our energy and possibly gain some back but not finding the process to be something that we prefer to do. It looks like the same action but it’s actually quite different.

Also, not having the capability to get out of bed by ourselves can be mentally and physically draining. Not going outside for weeks, months, or even years at a time can take a heavy toll on mental health. Alongside that, being constantly in bed can cause physical symptoms such as bed sores.

Do you ever experience being stuck in bed? If so, do others understand that it’s not necessarily your choice to be in bed? 💛 Comment below! ⬇️ 

Follow @joannanobanana for more content like this! 💛

#ChronicIllness #ChronicallyIll #MastCellActivationSyndrome #EhlersDanlosSyndrome
Double tap if you can relate 💛 All too often p Double tap if you can relate 💛

All too often people expect chronic illnesses to be cured with a couple of doctors appointments and some medicine (either pharmaceutical, holistic, or both.) 🤔

However that’s not usually the case. 🤷🏻‍♀️

The chronic part of chronic illness means that it’s a long term illness. That doesn’t always mean life-long but it usually does.

Oftentimes, there is no cure, but there are potential treatments that help as much as they can. The success of those treatments depends on a large majority of factors of which most are out of the hands of the patient. We’re dealt certain cards and do our best to take care of our health. 

Also, referencing my prior post, medical trauma can make it difficult to not only have appointments with healthcare professionals but even discussing these topics can be painful and traumatizing for some patients.

Patients are doing their best, so please try your best to be understanding and compassionate of others.

Do the people around you understand your chronic illness? 

Have you had trouble with people not understanding that your chronic illness isn’t easily curable? 

I would love to hear your insight 💛

Follow @joannanobanana for more content like this! 💛

#ChronicIllness #ChronicallyIll #Spoonie #SpoonieSupport #ChronicIllnessAwareness
Share this post to help raise awareness! 💛 Unf Share this post to help raise awareness! 💛

Unfortunately so many of us can relate to the experience of being gaslit by a healthcare professional.

What is medical gaslighting? It’s when a healthcare professional discredits a patient’s experiences, concerns, etc. by downplaying the things that the patient says.

It definitely sounds like an uncomfortable situation, but it’s so much more. It’s traumatizing for the patient to go to the person that’s supposed to help them and be treated in that manner. 

Also, medical gaslighting is dangerous. When a patient is dismissed, illnesses that could’ve been caught, treated, and potentially even cured (depending on the illness) may transform into something much more dangerous. On top of that, the negative experience may prevent the patient from seeking care from other healthcare professionals who may have been more open to working with the patient in a proper manner. 

It’s also crucial to point out that this issue disproportionately affects minorities. The more minorities that a patient is part of, the more likely that they are to be dismissed. 

If you feel comfortable sharing, what is your experience with medical gaslighting? How has medical gaslighting affected you? Comment below! ⬇️

Follow @joannanobanana for more content about chronic illness and disability! 💛

#Disability #Disabled #ChronicIllness #ChronicallyIll #MedicalGaslighting
Double tap if you’ve noticed the increase in foo Double tap if you’ve noticed the increase in food prices! 

Food prices have increased dramatically over the last 2 years alongside other costs of living.

We’ve encountered food shortages for a wide variety of products. When these foods come back to the shelves, they may even be at a much higher price tag.

CW: restrictive diet

As someone with MCAS, my diet is limited. Nowadays I can eat a lot more than I used to but I remember back when one of my three safe foods wasn’t on the shelves. The fear of not knowing when or if the food comes back was extremely anxiety inducing.

I know many people with a chronic illness can relate to dealing with a restrictive diet. It can be mentally, physically, and socially draining. Food shortages and price increases make it even more difficult.

Have you or someone you know been personally affected by any food shortages or food price increases? Comment below! ⬇️

For more content like this follow @joannanobanana 💛

#ChronicIllness #ChronicallyIll #MastCellActivationSyndrome #Dysautonomia #POTSAwareness
#AD Luna is my 17 year old senior tortie cat. 💛 #AD Luna is my 17 year old senior tortie cat. 💛

She is the kindest soul and most clever girl in the world. Anytime I’m dealing with health issues, she comes by to keep me company. Such a sweetheart 💛

I always want to make sure that I’m taking care of her as much as I can. I want to give her all the treats in the world but I also want to keep her diet healthy. Luna is also very decisive in her food likes and dislikes so it can be difficult to find healthy food that she enjoys.

Fortunately Luna absolutely adores the wet cat food called Feed Meow from @iandloveandyoupet 💛 Her absolute favorite is the tuna flavor. 😊

I’m so excited for her to have these three awesome flavors to look forward to, especially since they’re made of whole foods and include important vitamins. 

Get the Feed Meow line at iandloveandyou.com (available soon at chewy.com and amazon.com) 😊

Do you have any cats or any other pets? I would love to hear about them! 💛

#Cat #Cats #SeniorCat #CatFood #CatsOfInstagram #MeowfromILY #MyILYPet #iandloveandyoupet #hbtfeedmeow
Double tap if you can relate 💛 CW: Food restri Double tap if you can relate 💛

CW: Food restriction 

One of the most stressful and frustrating experiences from my experience with being chronically ill is having a restrictive diet. 

It’s usually not as simple as removing one thing and then your body feeling much better right away. It’s a lot of trial and error. A lot of anger and frustration at food. A lot of hurt when the food ends up triggering symptoms for you.

Knowing that I can’t eat anything without my meds is something that’s taken me a long time to accept. The fear that I may one day be denied oral cromolyn (which is necessary for me to eat) by insurance frightens me. 

Almost all of my favorite foods were high histamine foods so having to follow a low histamine diet is disheartening. 

There is also the fear of foods being contaminated by my allergens. I’ve had times where a food should’ve been safe but it wasn’t. I’ve lost trust in a lot of companies who don’t accurately label their foods which is why I research brands who are open and transparent about their allergens and promote them on my social media. 

That’s a bit of a rant of my story but I know others in the community have their own stories of how food restriction affects them. Feel free to share your story in the comments! 💛

At the end of the day, it’s crucial that we don’t judge what others are eating for any reason, especially since there may be factors at play that we’re not aware of.

It’s crucial to practice kindness to ourselves and to others. 💛

How has chronic illness affected your diet? Do you feel mentally drained by it or does it feel relatively easy for you? Comment below! 👇 

For more content on chronic illness and disability follow @joannanobanana 💛

#MastCellActivationSyndrome #MCAS #EDS #ChronicIllness #ChronicallyIll #FoodAllergies #FoodAllergy
Double tap if you agree 💛 Let’s start of by Double tap if you agree 💛

Let’s start of by defining accessibility. It may mean a wide variety of different things for different people in practice. It may mean a wheelchair ramp, fragrance free store, a place to sit, and so much more! At the core of it, accessibility is the practice of something (an item, a location, etc) being designed in a way that keeps in minds the needs of people. 

For many chronically ill and/or disabled people who need a mobility aid or expensive medicine (such as meds not covered by insurance), the things that they need to live their best lives aren’t accessible to them. 

Even with the rising costs of daily living, less spending power is available to the average consumer so it’s harder to follow the best diet that works for someone or items that help with symptoms such as a hepa filter.

This even extends to medical care. Especially with rare diseases and disorders a lot of the most well-known doctors don’t accept insurance and charge heavy out of pocket costs. For example, when I reached out to make an appointment with a very famous MCAS doctor who is only a state away from me, I was surprised to hear that not only he didn’t take insurance but it would cost $5k to visit him. (These were 3 appointments and then $650 for every appointment after that.) That help wasn’t accessible to me because it wasn’t affordable for me. Therefore I got sicker at that time until over half a year later when I finally got to see an mcas doctor who was covered under my insurance.

As I sell items such as pins on here and work on @allergyfriendlybeauty affordability is something that I always keep in mind to make things as accessible as possible for those interested in purchasing those products. 💛

How would you define “accessibility”?

In practice, what does accessibility mean to you?

Follow @joannanobanana for more content on disability and chronic illness! 💛

#ChronicIllness #ChronicallyIll #Disability #Disabled #MastCellActivationSyndrome
#AD If you haven’t heard of @poshmark yet, you’re missing out! 💛

There is something really wonderful about wearing clothes that are comfortable and fall into your personal style which is what @Poshmark offers. This dress is definitely one of my favorite Poshmark purchases. 💛

I really appreciate Poshmark for purchasing clothing at a discount, offering clothes in a way that’s kinder to the environment, and helping me repurchase old favorites that aren’t available anywhere else anymore.

As someone with sensory issues and skin issues it can be difficult to find clothes that are suited to my needs and my style, but fortunately Poshmark offers many choices for me. 

Some of my favorites that I’ve gotten from Poshmark are chenille sweaters (extremely soft!), floral dresses (always a staple for me), and super comfy activewear. 

What are some of your favorite items of clothing? 💛

How would you describe your personal style? 💛

Use my invite code “JOANNAHANAKA” when you download the app to get $10 off your first purchase!

#hbtposhmark #poshaffiliate #fashioninfluencer #fashionblogger
Double tap if you can relate 💛 Chronic illness Double tap if you can relate 💛

Chronic illness affects many different parts of our lives, including our sleeping schedule.

Dealing with pain, taking certain medicines that cause sleepiness, and so much more changes the way that our bodies function.

Rest is important to taking care of our body.

It’s crucial to understand that staying up late or going to sleep early isn’t something that should be judged. Everyone should do whatever is best for their bodies.

Follow @joannanobanana for more content about chronic illness and disability! 💛

Do you have a different sleeping schedule than most people? Do you feel judged for your sleeping schedule?

#ChronicIllness #ChronicallyIll #ChronicPain #ChronicFatigue
Double tap if you agree 💙 Health classes are a Double tap if you agree 💙

Health classes are an important part of education that everyone can benefit from. 

While there are currently some extremely important topics covered during health class, there is still so much more that needs to be talked about with the students.

In my experience with health class, I was never taught about mental health, chronic illness, disability, health insurance, how to choose the right doctor for you, how to have a productive doctor’s appointment, etc.

These are all things that should be addressed at varying levels to students of different ages.

Even a very young student should start to learn about doing what’s best for their mental health.

How many times did your mental health suffer for the sake of a good grade? 

How would your current life be different if you knew the signs and symptoms of your chronic illness before you got sicker? 

How differently would society treat you as a disabled person if they knew disability history and understood ableism?

I want us to raise awareness and have conversations about how we can improve the current system. Should health classes be a standard class year-round? Should schools offer more workshops to teach students about these topics in condensed manners? 

Let me know your experiences/ideas in the comments below! ⬇️

For more content like this follow @joannanobanana 💛

#ChronicIllness #ChronicallyIll #Disability #Disabled #MentalHealth
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About Me

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My name is Joanna. I’m a 24-year-old chronically ill and disabled blogger whose goal is to help build our wonderful community.

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