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Limited mobility & grooming: What tools can help my grandma care for her hair?

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What tools can help my grandma care for her hair?

Question

My grandma’s Parkinson’s makes her arms and hands feel weak. As a result, she is finding it difficult both to wash and dry her hair – two activities that have always been important parts of her grooming routine. Do you have any suggestions?

Our answer

Products mentioned in our answer below are provided to inform you about the types of technologies available and have not been evaluated by CanAssist. They may or may not be appropriate for your particular situation. Some technologies and devices may require an in-person assessment. Speak with your health care provider for additional information and support.

To wash her hair, your grandma could try pouring some shampoo onto a long-handled sponge or brush and then rubbing her hair with it. For hair drying, consider a device that holds a blow dryer on a counter or vanity.

Below are some direct links to examples of these products:

  • Beauty Hair Washer (at Groupe ERP) is a lightweight, ergonomically designed hair washing aid that allows users to reach their entire scalp during shampooing. This product costs about $25(CDN), plus an additional shipping fee. 
  • Aidapt Long-Handled Brush and Comb Set (at aidapt Canada) features extra-long, ergonomically-designed handles with rubber grip. This product costs about $50(CDN), plus an additional shipping fee. 
  • Hair Dryer Holder, by Drive MedicalLUEXBOX Hair Dryer Holder Stand (at Amazon Canada) uses a heavy duty-suction cup that attaches instantly to a tabletop and features 360-degree rotation. This product costs about $30(CDN), plus an additional shipping fee. 
  • Drive Hair Dryer Holder (at Seniors Store) can be placed on a counter or table. Its flexible neck adjusts to any position and holds any blow dryer; foam padding holds the dryer in place. This product costs about $70(CDN), plus an additional shipping fee. 

If your grandma has weak grip strength, she may need to use foam tubing to improve her ability to hold the long-handled brush/comb or hair washer. Below is a direct link to an example of such a product:

  • Colour Coded Handle Foam, by SP Ableware-MaddakColor Coded Handle Foam by SP Ableware-Maddak (at ArthritisSupplies.com) can help to increase the size of the handle on hard to grasp items. This product is available from a U.S. retailer and costs about $15(USD), plus an additional shipping fee. 

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