Personal hygiene and grooming aids can assist with independent management of personal care both at home in preparation for work and within the workplace. Examples of personal hygiene and grooming aids include:
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long handled and curved combs and brushes that allow easier reach with minimal effort
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nail clippers or emery boards which attach to a board to allow for one handed nail care
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nail file holders which increase the grip size of a nail file for easier use
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nail or denture brushes with suction cups which allow it the brush to be stuck onto a bench or sink and be used one handed
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tweezers and scissors that are adapted to meet a range of physical needs such as being long handled, angled or having a range of handle shapes
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lotion or tube squeezers to assist with squeezing toothpaste or lotion
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long handled applicators for lotion if unable to reach
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long handled pumice stones
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electric or battery powered toothbrushes to minimise hand movement required
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toothbrush grips that can be slipped over a standard toothbrush to build up grip size
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dental floss holder to allow one handed flossing
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hair dryer stands to support a hair dryer at a range of heights without having to hold the weight
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long handled attachments that can be added to a razor and allow shaving of legs without bending forwards
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a range of mirrors that are either handheld with hand or finger loops and long handles for inspection or viewing purposes, along with small freestanding mirrors that sit on a benchtop.
Workplace solutions and adjustments:
Being able to independently attend to personal hygiene needs to prepare for work and allow appropriate presentation, can assist with success within the workplace. Also having accessible bathroom facilities within a workplace can allow for any independent grooming that may be required by people with disability. Some things to consider within the workplace to ensure accessible bathroom design include:
- suitable height bathroom mirrors or provision of a bench based or portable mirror
- adequate turning space for wheelchairs
- provision for installation of grab rails
- suitable height toilet and toilet paper dispenser
- suitable height hand wash basin, provision of lever handles, soap dispenser and hand towels or dryer
- lightweight doors that open easily and are self closing (auto door openers also available).
(Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. (no date specified); Standards Australia International 2001)
Relevant Links:
References:
Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. (no date specified), Hygiene: Mirrors - Portable, Independent Living Centres Australia Inc., Sydney, viewed 22 May 2008, <http://ilc.asn.au/equipment/?cat=11&subcat=68>.
Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. (no date specified), Hygiene: Personal Care Aids, Independent Living Centres Australia Inc., Sydney, viewed 22 May 2008, <http://ilc.asn.au/equipment/?cat=11&subcat=61>.
Standards Australia International 2001, Design for Access and Mobility: Part 1: General Requirements for Access – New Building Work, Standards Australia International Ltd., Sydney.