Shower Chair A Gift of Love
Months ago I mentioned to a sister that I was figured I was going to need to get a shower chair and removal shower head for reasons not COPD. She jumped on that conversation and one of each was delivered via E-commerce at my front door the next day. Just amazing and yes a did appreciate it and used it, but not as much as a thought I would need,
The month of March arrived the lungs took a hit! Keep in mind had a shower on March 10th at home. Then all "stuff" broke loose and 3 hospital stays totaling 17 days occurred, the last of these days were actually in April. During this time, only once did a hospital employee offer and help give me one of those sponge bath wipe downs. I asked several times in the last few days if I could at least get in that roomy bath and just rinse off, hopefully wash my head. It never happened. Mind you the same clothing and sheets was worn, only being changed at the "new admission" process. Home, I finally made it, weakened by being confined to bed, only being able to use a commode next to my hospital bed and then back to bed and feet up I had to be, stating I was a fall risk, course I was I was not getting and exercise, but that is another story someday.
Home, 3 days I finally braved trying for a shower. Yes my husband was here just in case, but I try to remain as independent as I can. Taking my time I gathered all items needed to start and dress once my shower was over, it took 1/2 the day. I rested and then to the shower I went!
Carefully I stepped over the edge of the tub, using my newly gotten walker to steady me, sat on my shower chair and turned the water on, setting the temperature. Now for the gently baby shampoo/wash, I started with soaking my head and then washed down the body. As I sat on this lovely gift, allowing all the month of March's grime was down over my body, the warm running water just began feeling like the biggest warmest most loving hug and person can ever imagine. I sat and cried like a baby, embracing that love that had been giving to me so many months before. The relief of the stress, the body aches easing and shear joy of knowing how much love that Shower Chair was now passing on to me the love that my sister knew I was going to need one day soon enough. A gift of LOVE I was NEVER forget, a SHOWER CHAIR....
If you are in need of one or know a family member or friend that could use something so simple, please keep my story in mind and see if you could be the one giving that next special gift to someone you love.
What a sweet story, thank you for sharing this. Who knew that such a simple thing as a shower chair could bring so much happiness. What a great gift that chair and hand held shower head turned out to be!
Your gratitude for it is an inspiration too.
I love it, Becky (moderator)Doris,
It is amazing how some gifts seem like a nice thing, but rarely get used. Then one day, you are really glad to have them. I think we all have been in that boat at one time or another with one gift or another. It is special that your sibling cares enough to gift you something she knew you really needed. Being in the hospital sucks. But, unfortunately, it is a necessity at times. When I was in the hospital last October for 4 days with pneumonia and a lung bleed again, I had to ask and ask and ask to get a shower. On day three, finally, one nurse made it happen. I wasn't incapacitated, just a bit sick. But anyways, glad you got to use your shower chair and got feeling clean again. Amazing how just a shower and washing can make you feel better. Take Care Doris and God Bless!DMinor9 2 now have mentioned no clean bedding or a shower was to be had while in the hospital. I live in a Senior Care home and keeping a full staff is nearly impossible. Hospitals and senior care etc homes can never keep a full slate of help. I am not sure about hospitals but Senior Care, Assisted Living, and Nursing Homes do not pay enough to keep help and no benefits work against the homes.
Adios, THOMAS
It disturbs me to know your bedding was never changed and you were never washed. That's so unfair. Surely they must realize that poor hygiene could lead to other infections that would undo the equally important work of helping you recover! Ugh. What a powerful moment for you ... experiencing the love and care that you deserved all along. Hugs to you!!
(By the way, I have found no-rinse shampoo caps to be an absolute godsend when you're hospitalized or otherwise can't shower. Maybe you can keep a few on hand, just in case?) -Melissa, copd teamGlad you like the no-rinse shower caps. My scalp did not appreciate one that was used on me a few months back. 2 weeks to clear the irritation it caused. Felt great when it was first used though! I know others that have used them and love them also! Hope your having a great day!
