Make Patient Care Easier with a Shower Gurney

As someone born with cerebral palsy, I have probably spent a total of 4 years of my life in the hospital. I know all about being bedridden. However, as a child, I have endured countless "spit" baths. Instead of being able to have a nice soak in the tub or shower, the nurse would come around with a nice basin full of warm water and soap. I could clean whatever I could reach, and then it was her turn to finish the job. By the time the bath was over, the water was cold, soapy, and did not feel as refreshing. So, if at all possible, you should make patent care easier with a shower gurney.

What a Difference

Personally, I would have loved a shower gurney. To feel warm water over all of my body at one time, and not be chilly would have seemed heavenly at the time. Unless the room is really hot, it is really easy to get the shivers, and simply wish for the process to be complete.

In addition, there is the problem of changing the sheets, when someone cannot get out of bed. While rolling the patient from side to side gets the job done in a pinch, it is definitely not a dignified chore. But, if someone could change the bed, while the patient is in the shower, it will feel nice to touch the cool, clean sheets.

In truth, most people do not give showers a second thought, unless they have been in a terrible accident or struck down by disease. What is the big deal about getting up in the morning, jumping in the shower, and running out of the house to get wherever you need to go? But, if life's events take that simple pleasure away, it will not be long before the simple act of showering is greatly missed.

The Little Things in Life

Even if the patient will never be able to shower independently again, and many of life's normal activities are a thing of the past, a shower gurney can make patient care a little easier, and give them an opportunity to enjoy the bathing process again. I know well how hard it is not to be able to even take care of your own basic needs. It is frustrating, degrading, depressing, and make you wonder about the value of your own existence. 

Especially when someone else is responsible for giving you a bath, like when you are a baby, even the littlest effort to make things like bathing more enjoyable is a big deal. Making life as normal as possible does a lot for a disabled individual's self esteem. In addition, it can make your job of taking care of his/her personal hygiene a lot easier in the long run.

So, put yourself in the patient's shoes. Imagine what it would be like to never be able to take a real bath or shower again. Then, think about what a difference a shower gurney would make for the immobile and you the caregiver. It's a no-brainer!