Showering and getting dressed safely after a car crash injury
Advice from an occupational therapist and a surgical nurse on personal care
After a crash, taking a shower can turn into one of the toughest parts of the day. Pain, dizziness, a walking aid and a slick floor can all come together in a tight space. An occupational therapist helps adjust the task and the equipment to fit you. A surgical nurse explains what can get wet and how to protect a wound or medical device. The goal is a routine you can safely repeat. [1, 2]
Find out exactly what can get wet
Ask when you’re allowed to shower and whether your dressing stays on. Ask too whether a surgical cut, cast or drain has to stay dry. The rules differ by procedure and device. Showering is not the same as soaking in a tub. [2, 3]
Never assume a dressing is waterproof. Sometimes the instructions don’t agree. If that happens, call your treating team before you cover the area with a bag or tape from around the house. [2, 3]
Rehearse the moves before the water runs
While fully dressed, practice getting to the bathroom, sitting down and standing back up. Ask whether you need a shower chair, grab bar, handheld shower head or someone to help. Keep your supplies within easy reach. Never lean on a towel rack for support. If you have to keep weight off a leg, ask the therapist to show you the transfer. Have them use your own walking aid and match the layout of your bathroom. [1]
When getting dressed, pick loose clothes that won’t tug on a surgical cut or device. Sit down for any task that tests your balance. Bending, raising an arm or pulling clothes over a cast may be hard. If so, ask the therapist about a reacher or another tool. Arrange your plan in the same order you’ll follow at home. [1]
Accept help while you heal
For now, a sponge bath or a hand from someone else may be the safest choice. Tell your team if you have no one to help. The discharge team can take another look at equipment or services. Stop and get advice if bathing makes you feel faint or short of breath. Do the same if it leaves you unable to care for a wound or drain. Report any new redness, drainage or bleeding at the wound. [1, 2]
Questions before your first shower
- What can get wet, and starting when?
- Can you watch me get in and out of the shower to check that I’m safe?
- What help or equipment will I need at home?
Write a bathroom game plan
Sources and further reading
- 1MedlinePlus getting your home ready after surgery
- 2MedlinePlus surgical wound care
- 3MedlinePlus fracture reduction and cast care
The information here is general and comes from occupational therapy and surgical nursing. Your treating team can tell you the exact wound, cast, drain and movement limits that apply to you.
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