Bath time with Alma

Alma has been diagnosed with severe cerebral palsy and microcephaly, which affects her body structure and functions, and her ability to participate in everyday activities without the necessary support. We previously visited Alma and her family when she was only three years old learning about her use of the x:panda on a high-low:xo frame. 

On the day of our visit to Alma’s home, she has just returned from a fantastic summer holiday, that included several hours of swimming and bathing every day. Her two siblings, Theodor and Ella, also enjoy swimming, so the three of them had a splashing time at the holiday centre.

When at home, Alma enjoys a long bath in the family tub, where she can relax with warm water, bubbles and dimmed lights. Quiet music and coloured lights take the moment of relaxation to the next level. Before getting into the bath, Inge, Alma’s mum, shows Alma the sign for bathing, and she instantly smiles.

For Alma to be able to fully enjoy her bath, she needs a bathing chair that provides the right amount of postural support. Without proper support for her pelvis, trunk and head, it would be difficult for her to stay comfortable and safe in the water. The chair helps her maintain a stable and relaxed position, so that she can focus on the calming experience of warm water and bubbles, instead of using energy to keep her body upright.

Thanks to the side supports, the Flamingo Curo provides Alma with the necessary postural support, keeping her comfortably positioned in the seat. It can be mounted directly in the bathtub with the use of suction cups. When sitting in the bathtub, the back recline makes it possible for Alma to lean back, while the head support provides her with the necessary support for her head. Providing Alma with the right support allows her to relax and enjoy bathing in the water.

Alma also uses the Flamingo Curo in the shower where it can be easier for her mum to wash her body and hair. When washing Alma’s hair, her mum can tilt the frame backwards to prevent soap from getting into her eyes. When washing Alma’s body, her mum can tilt her body to an upright position, so that Alma can see what she is doing. They  eye contact as Inge tells Alma how she is washing her arms and legs. Several times during the shower, Alma can hear her brother and sister playing in the living room – this makes her smile and turn her head to look for them. 

As Alma loves being in the water, the Flamingo Curo was an optimal match for her. It provides her with the necessary support and comfort to be able to enjoy the relaxing effect of the water while bathing and communicating with her mum.