It is frustrating and upsetting if you’re not able to wash and keep clean as well as you’d like. However, there are lots of solutions which can help you.
Bathing
Equipment
There is lots of equipment available to help make bathing and showering easier. These can range from simple, low-cost options like bath steps, bath seats or bath lifts through to more permanent solutions like a walk-in shower.
Take a look at our equipment advice website www.equipmentadvicedevon.org.uk to get more information and advice about a whole range of equipment available to help you at home.
You can also phone the Independent Living Centre on 01392 380181 or email ilc-exeter@devon.gov.uk to speak to an occupational therapist who can talk to you about your needs and help you find the best solution.
Personal care
You may need, or prefer, to have someone come to your home to help you wash. You can search online for local care agencies at the Care Quality Commission. We recommend that you contact a couple of agencies to find one that suits your needs and budget. You can also employ a Personal Assistant.
You may also want to read some information from Age UK about organising and paying for personal care at home www.ageuk.org.uk/home-and-care/help-at-home.
Hairdressing
Transport
If you’re finding it difficult to get to hairdresser appointments there are transport services which can take you to your appointment and take you home afterwards. This could be a local community support group or a community transport service. You can visit www.traveldevon.info/accessibility/community-transport to find a community transport scheme near you.
Mobile hairdressers
If you’re not able to get to a salon or barber you may prefer to have a mobile hairdresser who can come to your home to wash, cut and style your hair. Check Yell.com or look in the Yellow Pages for hairdressers in your area. You may also want to ask relatives or friends for recommendations.
Nail care
Foot and nail care
There are local foot and nail care schemes across Devon. The services are usually provided in a central location, such as a community centre, and have a small charge.
Transport
If you live in an isolated area or struggle to use public transport, there are transport services which can take you to a nail care appointment and take you home afterwards. This could be a local community support group or a community transport service. Find a service near you at www.traveldevon.info/accessibility/community-transport.
Dental care
Transport
If you live in an isolated area or struggle to use public transport, there are transport services which can take you to a dentist appointment and take you home afterwards. This could be a local community support group or a community transport service. Find a service near you at www.traveldevon.info/accessibility/community-transport.
Community Dental Service
This is a service for people with a disability who can’t get treatment at a general dental practice. Speak to your current dentist or your GP about this service or phone 01392 405712 for more information.
