Who Needs A Long Handled Sponge? Perfect For Limited Mobility & More
This article will describe the benefits of a long handled sponge for people with mobility and weakness challenges.
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What Is A Long Handled Sponge?
A long handled sponge is an affordable tool that helps people with a limited range of motion to wash areas of their body that are hard to reach. For example, their back, shoulders, and feet. It has a long handle that can be made of various materials like plastic or wood. At one end of the long handle, there is a bath sponge or loofah that is meant to help with washing. Because it’s one of the most affordable bathroom aids, it’s highly recommended by healthcare professionals for individuals with various diagnoses and needs.
Who Can It Be Helpful For?
You may be wondering who specifically can benefit from a long-handle sponge and if it may be right for you or someone you’re caring for. Let’s take a look:
Aging Individuals
With age can come decreased strength and range of motion, as well as a higher risk for falls. Because a person may not be as flexible or steady, daily activities like bathing can be difficult and even unsafe. A person who’s aging and experiencing challenges with their range of motion may find it increasingly hard to reach, bend, or turn and twist their shoulders to wash areas like their back or feet.
To maintain hygiene as well as independence, an aging individual can easily use a long handle sponge. Because long-handled sponges can vary in length, they can select the one that suits their specific needs. For example, if a person prefers to stand in the shower, they may want one with a longer handle. This can allow them to easily and safely wash the bottom of their feet without needing to bend down and risk an injury or fall.
People Who’ve Had A Stroke
A person who has had a stroke may experience long-term effects. Some physical symptoms may include weakness or paralysis on one or both sides of the body. Tools like a long-handled sponge can be crucial in ensuring that a person who’s had a stroke can still complete important daily tasks like bathing. A long-handled bath sponge allows a person in stroke recovery to wash areas of their body they’re having difficulty reaching due to muscle weakness. If a caregiver is still required for assistance, the caregiver may help with applying soap or shampoo to the sponge, and pass it to the person so that they may still wash independently and continue working on recovery and rehabilitation of physical abilities.
People who have experienced a stroke may have challenges making and holding a tight, firm grip; long-handled bath sponges with thicker, wider handles, or handles with grips or ridges for fingers can be used to allow for an easier hold.
People With Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease that attacks and damages nerves in the body. This can lead to muscle weakness, challenges with coordination, dizziness, and fatigue. Because of these symptoms, there is also a much higher risk for falls, especially when completing tasks like bathing.
Using a long-handled sponge allows a person with MS to safely reach and wash areas of the body that are hard to reach. They can avoid bending, twisting, and shifting their center of gravity, reducing the likelihood of a fall. People with MS may also use a shower chair or tub bench for even more stability and independence while showering.
Similarly to a person who’s experienced a stroke, a person with MS may benefit from using a long-handled sponge with a thicker grip, as this reduces the need for a strong, tight grip on an otherwise thinner handle.
A person with MS who has significant challenges with coordination may find it easier to use a long-handled sponge that is not too long, as this may make it more difficult to control the tool.
Post-Operatively & During Injury Recovery
A person who is recovering from an injury or surgery may have restrictions on completing particular body movements. They may also be experiencing other symptoms like acute pain and weakness. To maintain independence during tasks like bathing, they can use a long-handled sponge.
It’s common that after some injuries, healthcare professionals advise against bending or twisting particular joints (like the hip, knee, etc.). A long-handled sponge allows a person to wash areas of the body independently.
For additional information on how to use a long-handled sponge or other related products, ask your doctor for a referral to an occupational therapist. They can answer your questions and tailor solutions to your specific needs.
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