Welp, I just got out of the shower,

[horseless carriage]

@horseless carriage You may already know about bath boards but, if not, have a look at them as they may be useful for you and Mrs HC,

Thanks Trish, bath boards are not something that I have heard of. I shall certainly have a look at that. Much appreciated.

 

[Pappy]

We started using these when my wife had a knee replacement and I used them when I broke my wrist. Still use them for a quick cleanup.

 

[hawkdon]

A lot of good infomation here...thanks everyone...now to
make up my mind which way to attack this issue....thanks again!!

 

[Della]

One more.

When I broke my leg I was told by my rehab person I could only take sponge baths. After about two months of that and never really feeling clean, I got fed up one day; slid open the shower door, set my regular old metal walker in the shower, stepped up into it and took my shower while standing inside it like a little cage. sometimes I took both hands off it to wash my hair and still felt safe knowing I could grab it anytime.

 

[stretch5881]

If you aren't going to use the shower anymore, run water into the shower drain every couple of weeks. An empty drain trap and let sewer gas into the house.

 

[bobcat]

There are the best. Trust me.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005PUTH2M?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

 

[Don M.]

Falling in the shower, or tub is always a danger as we age,...broken bones, concussion, etc. Moving slowly and carefully, and having rails, etc., to hang onto are almost mandatory.

 

[Jules]

Hawkdon, if there are days you do decide to use the shower, put your cellphone on a chair right beside the bathtub. It has to be in easy reach.

 

[OneEyedDiva]

I don’t have any experience with the disposable shower wipes.

Our parents and grandparents did just fine with a daily sponge bath.

Before spending any money, I would start with a basin or bucket of hot water and an old fashioned washcloth.

Adding a tablespoon or two of baking soda to the water can help to cut oil and odor. Go easy on the soap, rinsing and wiping off the lather is a pain.

“We used to bathe with a washcloth from a pan of water. We would first start with our necks and faces and wash down as far as possible. Then we would wash the road dust from our feet and wash up as far as possible. Later, when the boys were out of the room, we would wash “possible.”
- Dolly Parton

That's exactly what I was thinking Aunt Bea (what I bolded). Hawkdon, at first I thought maybe you could stand by the sink and use it as your basin, but if you have an issue with standing period, how about sitting in your chair and washing up with a basin next to you. Or if the toilet and sink are close enough together, sit on the commode. If those are not options, these Kirkland wipes are the ones we swear by. They are larger and sturdier than any other wipes I've used over the years. I don't use them for whole body washing, however.

I buy two cases at a time (900 wipes each) when they are on sale for $14.99 at Costco. Do you have a Costco where you are? If so, even ordering online from Costco.com (which costs more than in the warehouse) should be cheaper than these Amazon prices! I hope you find something that works well for you.
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=kirkland+baby+wipes+unscented,+100+count+pack+of+9&crid=31Y83LU4YACYU&sprefix=kirkland+baby+wipes+unscented,,aps,84&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_30

 

[papa tiger]

The shower chair did not feel safe enough for me when I had a hip replacement. I don't get in the tub anymore, but I do have a shower with a low threshold.

Instead of a shower chair, I use one of those two step metal utility ladders with the rubber feet. I don't need it all the time but have it just in case, like now, when I don't feel well. I just put a towel on the top stair and sit there. It makes it so much easier to sit down and get up. I have a shower head that is on a hose for ease of use.

This is a wise way to shower safely as it gets. Safer than a tub. Remove the sprayer and add a hand one, that way you can keep your hair dry.
We also have a large square soaker / sauna tub but that has rails to hold onto. It works well for those sore joints / muscles.

 

[Marie5656]

I have the chair....like pictured above, as well as the shower hose attachment. I always put a thick towel/ bath mat on the floor out side the tub, and the shower mat inside. I also have the toilet bench seat with the handles

 

[MarkD]

I installed this grab bar and it is pretty comfy. You can hook your left arm in it, rest it on top of the bar or just grab it. It feels pretty secure. Lia now prefers using mine though she has shower chair and detachable sprayer like mine. She probably prefers mine because redid everything about five years ago while her tub is about 40 years old.

 

[MarkD]

Double post.

 

[papa tiger]

The rails, handles are so important especially for the tub as it can get icy slick.

 

[MrJim]

and have decided it is the last stand-up shower ever.....I just get to nervous
in there anymore...so going to buy some of those wet washcloth thingies to
start takeing "baths" with......does anyone have any recomendations? will
peruse Amazon to see what is available....it is just causing too damn much
anxiety any more, and I don't need it!!!......

What about a shower chair?

 

[hawkdon]

Hah, I lied, I just now got out of the showeer againLOL...used
chair like that only no arms, and used the spout water instead
of shower head, went pretty well....all the stink is gone anyway!!

 

[Aunt Bea]

Hah, I lied, I just now got out of the showeer againLOL...used
chair like that only no arms, and used the spout water instead
of shower head, went pretty well....all the stink is gone anyway!!

Great news!

The important thing is that you found a way that works for you!!!

 

[RedAlert76]

I am firm believer All shower stalls must have bars! It's not about age,but safety.
Then a good mat or some non-slip decals