Daily Mail

‘What-if’ worries can be eased by practical action

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HAVE you heard of the term caregiver fear? This refers to the kind of the ‘what if’ questions that carers often ask themselves as they worry about what will happen to their loved one and how their own lives might change.

Questions such as ‘what if he doesn’t get better?’ can be frightenin­g and it isn’t unusual for the uncertaint­y to wake a carer up at night and keep their stomach churning during the day.

When it comes to fear, developing an action plan can help with the feeling that you have no control over the situation.

Write down all your concerns and ask yourself what you need and who can help, advises the website Drug watch.

Make the list smaller by deleting those things that are less likely to happen.

Then think about practical actions you can take, such as providing some in-home care. If you are worried about your loved one having a fall, for example, you could make some modificati­ons to the home, such as installing an easy access shower.

THIS can help, as bathrooms aren’t always user-friendly for everyone. As anyone with mobility issues will confirm, they are often designed for looks alone.

Simple tasks such as showering can be difficult and even risky for bathers, carers and family members. Yet the latest easy access designs mean that a shower can still provide an invigorati­ng, refreshing and safe start to the day.

A walk-in shower with a low-level lip provides a very small step.

This reduces the risks of tripping, making entering and exiting the shower safer. To ensure extra safety and comfort, the shower trays are slip-resistant. Screens are made of high-quality, tempered safety glass, while water systems run at a safe, constant temperatur­e and also stay cool to the touch.

A discreet and modern-looking grab bar offers security when getting in and out of the shower, while easy-clean panelling helps eliminate mould and makes cleaning simple.

High-quality materials are used to create a comfortabl­e shower seat that blends beautifull­y with the satin chrome shine of the fixtures and finishes.

For those with mobility issues, a shower of this type offers ease of use and far less risk, without any sacrifice of style or comfort.

Well designed, it is both future-proof and enjoyable to use. And most of all, it means there is one less thing for carers and loved ones to worry about.

 ?? Picture:s MOBILITY PLUS / DOLPHIN BATHING ?? Safer ways to bathe: A stylish easy access shower (left). Inset: A belt lift can be installed in around an hour
Picture:s MOBILITY PLUS / DOLPHIN BATHING Safer ways to bathe: A stylish easy access shower (left). Inset: A belt lift can be installed in around an hour
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