Hope has problem-solved adaptive solutions for herself all her life. She was recently referred to the Illinois Care Connections (ICC) program to address daily living needs specific to bathing, grooming and dressing.
A major concern that Hope expressed was not being able to find a solution for a shower chair that meets her needs. Hope was using a foldable footstool as a shower chair before she was referred to the ICC program. The assistant director within the ICC program discussed further with Hope about trying a compact shower chair, as the height of the chair legs are 14 inches. Hope was certain that 14 inches would be too tall and prevent her feet from touching the shower floor.
The Illinois Care Connections (ICC) program reached out to the Makers program to see if there was anything that could be fabricated, or made, as an alternative to the footstool. The Makers team collaborated with the ICC program and decided to make necessary modifications to adapt the compact shower chair. Measurements played an important factor at determining the correct height the shower chair needs to be based off the height of the footstool.
The legs on the compact shower chair were cut down to size with a total height of 8 ½ inches by a volunteer of the Makers program. The Makers made further adaptations to the shower chair by drilling new screw holes to bring the backrest down and forward closer to the seat, making it easier for Hope to get in and out of the shower chair. A handle was made using PVC pipe that is secured within a 3D-printed insert to offer more support when getting in and out of the shower chair. The adapted shower chair was delivered in person by the Makers coordinator and ICC assistant director to ensure the chair will meet Hope’s needs. The collaboration between both the Illinois Care Connections and Makers program resulted in a safer solution for Hope when addressing bathing needs.
