Building a normal life for someone with epilepsy takes planning. Baths can be dangerous. Both the heat and the reflections on the water act as triggers for Amanda’s seizures. While she lived with the family we did find a way for her to enjoy a bath. Precautions had to be put in place including that someone had to be close by in the next room, and that a phone, emergency meds and a list of emergency phone numbers were on the ledge in the hallway just in case.
If Amanda had a generalized seizure in the bathtub, she could usually get the word, “Mom” out before she lost consciousness. Her hand would begin to jerk and splash the water.
Amanda’s first service dog trainer, Jac Harbour, provided her with a bath tub plug that had a floating toy attached to the chain, and taught Kramer to react to the signals of the call for “Mom” and the splashing water by pulling the plug, and running to get help. This way the water would drain, stopping Amanda from slipping underneath while the dog alerted an adult that there was an emergency.
The pictures below are a simulation showing Kramer demonstrating this skill. After locating an adult the dog will then lead them back to the tub to provide assistance.
Of course, if Amanda is home alone, a shower is the alternative.
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