Long Handled Sponge Adaptive Bathing Aid

Follow this tutorial and learn how to make your own long handled sponge adaptive bathing aid. This type of assistive technology can help individuals with limited arm range of motion and/or hip flexion (bend) reach the lower legs and other hard to reach areas when washing. A second long handled sponge can also be used as a cleaning device to scrub hard to reach places in the home.

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Hello Friends

A few nights ago, after dark, I found myself covering my kale plants with row cover fabric to protect them from the cold morning frost and freezing temperatures. I recently forgot, and so many of my kale leaves wilted away, but my plants survived. This past spring, I planted Thousandhead Kale near the house that I purchased from Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds. Not only can the leaves get massively huge, though I pick mine much earlier, but this variety keeps producing. And its still producing now in early January even after the caterpillars ate EVERYTHING in the late summer. I love kale. I think its beautiful with all

its curves and groves and various shades of greens and purples. Last night, I was reminded to slow down, take a breath, look closely at natures little details …..before I got too cold and ran back inside to get warm.

Today’s Project: A Long Handled Sponge

Today for our project, we are making a long handled sponge, a type of adaptive bathing aid that can provide assistance when bathing hard to reach areas. It a simple and quick project to make plus it’s handy not only while bathing, but a second device can be super useful around the home cleaning countertops, bathtubs, cabinet doors, cleaning spots off the floor, and even wiping up messes. We only need a handful of items, so lets get started.

What Is A Long Handled Sponge?

A long handled sponge is a type of adaptive bathing aid. A sponge is attached to a long handle so that the user can more easily reach the lower legs, feet, back, and any other hard to reach spots when bathing or showering. If purchased online, long handled sponges measure approximately 22 inches long in total length. This particular long handled sponge purchased online features both a soft bristle scrub brush as well as loofah on the backside. The non-slip, easy gripping surface allows the user to easily reach those hard to reach areas.

A second long handled sponge can also be used to clean countertops, cabinets, spots on the floor, and other hard to reach places in the home.

The DIY Long Handled Sponge

In order to provide as much surface area as possible to glue the sponge to a stick, I decided it would be best to use a yardstick. You could also use an extra long wooden spoon as a handle as well if it’s a good length for you. Using these types of flat handles, or something similar, will provide enough surface area for the glue to hold. I used JB Weld Clear Weld Quick Setting Epoxy as my adhesive because it provides great strength and hold for this particular project. This type of glue can be found online or at your local hardware store. Of course, if you have a different glue on hand that might work well, go ahead and give it a try and see if it holds well. A large, thick sponge is best for this project so that the stick and glue cannot be felt when bathing.

Who Might Benefit From Using A Long Handled Sponge?

Occupational therapists and physical therapists often recommend long handled sponges to help their clients gain independence in bathing. Long handled devices are often used by individuals recovering from surgery such as after having a hip replacement or back surgery, those with limited upper extremity (arm) reach and/or limited range of motion (bend) at the hip. Long handled devices can also help those who fatigue easily and need to conserve energy.

Recovering from surgery such as hip or back surgery
Restricted upper extremity (arm) range of motion
Limited hip flexion (bend)
Stroke rehab
Injury recovery
Fatigues easily
Energy conservation

Having the right type of equipment in the bathroom and other living spaces, cannot only help conserve energy and gain or maintain independence in daily living skills, but it can also assist in preventing injuries and falls. See below regarding other types of adaptive equipment that can be used in the bathroom and kitchen.

How Can I Make My Long Handled Sponge Built Up As Well?

Built up handles have a wider gripping surface which can help make grasping easier and cause less stress on the joints. Built up handles can be easily added to your long handled sponge.

I highly recommend adding a built up handle to your long handled sponge as seen in the picture above. Using a washcloth wrapped around the yardstick, provides a much more comfortable gripping surface. Check out my post for more information on how to make your own built up device for a variety of utensils including a long handled sponge.

What Types Of Other Equipment Might Also Be Beneficial In The Bathroom?

Falls are a common cause of injury in older adults ages 65 years and older (CDC). Falls often occur in the bathroom whether in the bath/shower, toileting area or at the sink. Having the right type of equipment available can help prevent falls in the home. It’s important to discuss with your personal occupational or physical therapist about any safety concerns and appropriate equipment for you or your loved one.

Here are some other types of adaptive equipment and also what is known as durable medical equipment that may help with safety in the bathroom. Durable medical equipment is often covered by insurance.

Raised toilet seat with support arms
Grab bars for the shower and around the toilet and sink
A sturdy chair or stool for the sink
Shower chair or bench
Toileting aids

Check out The National Institute on Aging’s article on Preventing Falls at Home: Room by Room.

*If you have concerns regarding fall prevention and balance make sure to discuss it with your physician and find out if physical therapy services are a good fit for you or your loved one.

What Other Types Of Equipment Might Help In The Kitchen With Cleaning?

Here are some additional adaptive devices that may assist in the kitchen:

Reacher
Cordless lightweight vacuum
Sturdy stool or chair
Easy access trashcan

Special Considerations Before Making A Long Handled Sponge

Do not use a rubber band or zip tie to secure the sponge to the handle. The zip tie could scratch the skin, as well as the rubber band.
Today, I used JB Weld Quick Setting Epoxy to secure the sponge. As with anything, if irritation occurs stop use immediately and contact your physician.
If you have another strong glue/adhesive on hand that might work for this project, give it a try and see if it has a strong enough hold.
Wear gloves when handling the epoxy adhesive. Do not get any on your skin.
It’s best to use the epoxy outside, as it does have a strong smell. Careful not to breath in the fumes. Wear a mask if needed. Follow the manufacturers instructions.
Use caution when using a knife to cut an opening in the sponge.
Only adults should make this device.
If mold occurs on the yardstick after a lot of use, discard and make a new device.
Make sure to sand down all sides of your yardstick, if needed, to prevent splinters.

How To Make A Long Handled Sponge

Materials

Makes one long handled sponge

Large sponge that is at least 1.5-2 inches thick
Yardstick that contains no metal
Pruning shears or hand saw to cut the yardstick
Sanding paper
JB Weld Quick Setting Epoxy or other strong adhesive of your choice
Protective gloves to avoid getting glue on your hands.
Cardboard or paper plate for glue mixing
Popsicle stick or 3″ long piece of cardboard for mixing and smearing the glue
Drill (optional)
Thin rope (optional)
Hanger for sponge to dry inside shower (optional)

Instructions

Carefully cut the yard stick so that its approximately 22″ long, or your desired length, using a handsaw or sharp pruning shears. If using pruning shears, gently work your way around the yardstick cutting it through without splintering it.
Sand down all edges of the yardstick to avoid splinters.
Using a small knife such as a pairing knife, make a slit in the sponge wide and deep enough for approximately 2-3″ of the yard stick to fit through.
If using epoxy, go outdoors and follow packaging instructions (wear gloves!)- squirt a small amount of epoxy on a paper plate or piece of cardboard, mix together using a popsicle stick or piece of cardboard.
The cut end of the yardstick will be inserted into the sponge. Slather the cut end with the epoxy adhesive using the piece of cardboard or popsicle stick. Project is complete. Add a tie and built up handle. Make sure to wash the sponge thoroughly.
(optional) Drill hole through other end. Secure and tie a short piece of rope so that you can hang the device in your shower.
Wash and rinse sponge thoroughly. Now its ready to use.
Add a built up handle before use using a washcloth and rubber bands. See pictures/section above.
Recommended: Remove built-up washcloth after each use to dry.

*Wring sponge out after use and hang on hook within reach to dry. Replace assistive device if mold occurs after repeated use.

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Resources

Fall Prevention Resources
The National Center on Aging is a great fall prevention resource center and has a nice infographic on 6 ways to prevent falls in older adults.
Prevent Falls at Home: Room by Room by The National Institute on Aging
Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on fall prevention
Research study, A Descriptive Analysis of Location of Older Adults Falls

Purchase

Long handled sponge featuring a non-slip gripping surface with soft bristles as well as a loofah sponge on the opposite side.
Amazon JB Weld Clear Weld Quick Setting Epoxy