Prepare to be surprised. If you think that assistive bathing aids consist entirely of long-handled back scrubbers and plastic “stickies” for the bathtub floor, you’ve got another thing coming. Bathing aids have come a long way in the last five to ten years.

In fact, bathing aids have now come so far that it’s possible for an elderly person, a person with arthritis, or someone who just has a difficult time tending to himself or herself — to bathe entirely unassisted by another person. Sound too good to be true? Well, check this out:

Step 1: Shower or Bath? Think Safety and Comfort

Before you even step into the shower or bathtub, you need to feel safe and comfortable. Certainly you can add safety treads to the slippery floor, if you wish; but there are many other ways you can feel comfortable. There are different grab bars available. A two-level grab bar slides right over the side of the tub, and allows you to have something stable to hold onto.

Step 2: Enjoy the Shower or Bath with Special Body and Hair Washing Aids

Now that you’re in the shower or bathtub, it’s time to get wet! You’ll be pleased to discover a special class of long-handled washing aids… custom-made for the bathtub or shower. Angled, ergonomically correct, light-weight, and with easy-to-hold soft “grippy” handles, these washers are the perfect aids for cleaning your hair and body in either the bath or the shower.

Step 3: In or Out of the Bath, Long-Handled Sponges and Brushes

You say you still want the long-handled back scrubbers? You’ve got ’em. But it’s far more than just that. You’ve got brushes that help you wash under your toes — without having to bend over. And then there are long-handled lotion applicators, and long-handled foot brushes, and long-handled sponges. Practically every bathing implement you can imagine — but with a long handle attached to it! Imagine that!

Step 4: Brushing and Flossing Aids

Out of the shower and dried off, it’s time to brush and floss. Is there anything more difficult than grasping two ends of dental floss? Easy to hold floss aids help you grip the floss and you move it through your teeth.

Step 5: Manicure and Pedicure Assistance

Nail clippers, files, and brushes are small, difficult to operate, and have a tendency to slip. The best solution for these problems is to widen and lengthen the clipper handles, and give them soft indentations that fit your thumb. These easy-to-grip nail clippers are just the thing to get your nails trimmed with minimal fuss. If you still need more stability, you’ll want to use clippers securely mounted to a non-slip clipper board. And don’t forget the toes. Long-reach toenail clippers extend your reach and help you get within eight inches of your feet, for easy clipping action.

Step 6: Brush and Comb Your Hair with Extended Grooming Aids

You may find it difficult to bend down to reach your feet or even reach back to thread on a belt. But what can be more difficult for persons with mobility challenges than to reach up and brush or comb one’s hair? This is one area where folks often need to ask a spouse or caregiver for assistance — yet it’s also a very personal task that most people prefer to do by themselves. Do it yourself with extended brushes and combs that lengthen your reach up to fourteen inches. Soft, non-slip handles and smart designs always make these grooming aids a pleasure to use.