Personal care


Grooming

Daily tasks like showering, shaving and brushing your teeth make you feel good. Here are some assistive devices that can help you perform these tasks safely on your own.

Bathing or showering

  • raised toilet seat, commode or toilet frame
  • special bath or shower chair or bench
  • hand-held shower head
  • tap handle extenders
  • grab bars and floor-to-ceiling poles
  • non-slip surfaces, such as rubber mats or appliqués to roughen a smooth surface
  • soap on a rope or liquid soap in a pump bottle
  • long-handled brush
  • face cloth made into a mitt
  • terry cloth robe instead of a towel
<p>Long handled brush</p>

Long handled brush

Handwashing

Video demonstration of how to wash your hands if you have an upper limb affected by stroke.

Dental care

  • built up toothbrush handle that is easier to hold
  • electric toothbrush
  • flip cap toothpaste instead of a screw top or a pump top
  • floss picks instead of dental floss
  • brush on a suction cup for dentures
<p>Denture brush on suction cups</p>

Denture brush on suction cups

Shaving

  • electric shaver
  • magnifying mirror

Nail care

  • nail brush on suction cup
  • one-handed nail clippers
<p>Nail clippers on suction cups</p>

Nail clippers on suction cups

Dressing

Here are some assistive devices that can help you dress safely on your own.

  • clothing with elastic waists and zippers or Velcro™ closings instead of buttons
  • button hook
  • front-closing bras
  • clip or key ring to help pull up zippers
  • suspenders instead of belts
  • clip-on ties and earrings
  • sock aid for pulling on socks
  • long-handled shoe horn
<p>Long-handled shoe horn</p>

Long-handled shoe horn

Dressing after stroke demonstration videos

If you have experienced physical impairments with your stroke, dressing may be more difficult. These videos demonstrate different methods of dressing and provide tips that will help. People living with stroke demonstrate each technique. An occupational therapist provided oversight.



Where to get support

Look for organizations and businesses in your community that provide services in your home, such as:

  • hairdressers and barbers
  • nail services and foot care
  • support in bathing

Your occupational therapist can help you:

  • decide which devices you need
  • get the devices you need
  • learn how to use them properly and safely
  • organize your bathroom to make it safe and accessible
Related information

To find useful services to help you with personal care and daily living, see our services and resources listing.