For your client/
patient
Here is the section that will be essential in providing resources for your client. Some include health-related information, while some include spicy resources for your client. I even included a site that sells adaptive lingerie.
First and Foremost, we care about the safety of our clients. Reiterating it is important that they speak and understand to their doctor about any precautions they may have to ensure they do all acts in a safely manner. Another thing to think of is that some medications may permit your client from engaging in intimacy acts. Make sure to provide information that it is important for your client to speak to their doctor.
Educate your clients on their new body, what is needed to adapt. Let me give you an example. What if you have a client who enjoys going to happy hour with their friends or partner? Or maybe they enjoy trips to the river? Something that comes to mind is Autonomic Dysreflexia (AD), pressure sores etc? What if they have some signs? Below is a link for a wallet card info in different languages for your clients to know about when they may have an onset of AD.
There are other health related issues that the team should educate on when addressing your client's new body. Depending on their level of injury and if they are incomplete or complete, your client will present different than compared to another client. Below is a link to Model Systems knowledge Translation Center. They provide researched information that are in printed documents on information of adjusting to life, aging and SCI, Depression, Managing Bowel Function, Fitness, and Sexuality.
What if your client enjoys taking trips or they are their partner's date for a wedding that they are a best man for? Educating them on having the knowledge of maintaining a bowel and bladder schedule (intermittent cathing) can help decrease medical complications and reduce the risk for infections. This is also something that should be discussed with the Nursing team as well! Below is a link for info on bowel and bladder information. They also provide videos on self-cath techniques.
Educate and encourage your clients on the importance of them educating their partners about communication, safety, and exploring creative ways to be intimate (dates, toys, erogenous zones, games, etc.) Below is a website that has a video of positions your client can review with their partner. Remember safety is important and your client should always get the green light from their doctor. This video contains assistive devices. I encourage you to give a look at the website for more information.
What if your client enjoyed laying in bed with their partner and dogs and talk about their dogs? That is intimate for them!!!! The first thing I think of pressure relief and a positioning pillow. Yes you can use the pillow for other intimate acts, but I want to open you to the idea that intimate acts are truly different from everyone. Below is a link to positioning pillows.
Maybe you have a client who is more on the friskier side? You might be taken back? Like I said before, everyone has their own kink. Although there are many websites for sexy time toys. The link below provides adaptive sex toys like strap-ons, bondage, dildos, restraints, and vibrators.
Encourage your clients to explore with their partner, it also allows for your partner to educate their partner on safety when engaging in intimacy acts. Below is a link for the intimate rider to engage in intercourse.
This is something that you can suggest to your clients if they want to feel comfortable in some adaptive lingerie. It can be something for them to express themselves. Check out the link below!