Shower chairs can be invaluable bathroom aids for people with lower mobility, who are unsteady on their feet or who have trouble standing for long periods. They can greatly enhance comfort and safety levels while using the shower.
Shower chairs, seats and stools come in different forms, including wall-mounted, multi-purpose shower commode chairs, folding chairs, swivel seats, mobile chairs, as well as shower stools and shower seats with and without arms.
In this shower chair guide, we aim to discuss the different types of shower chairs, seats and stools to give you a better understanding of which might be the best one for you. However, please note that every individual's needs are different. Customers should therefore base their purchasing decisions on the user's particular needs and preferences and, where appropriate, upon advice from medical and care professionals such as occupational therapists.
A shower chair is designed to provide reliable support in a shower or wet room, thereby removing the need for the bather to stand up. Products range from simple waterproof chairs that can be used by people who are mobile but who suffer from fatigue or unsteadiness, to fully supportive mobile chairs for people with severely restricted mobility. These not only help to keep users safe and comfortable while bathing, but they also make it possible to move easily in and out of the shower area.
Accordingly, shower chairs are normally made with waterproof and corrosion-resistant materials and, where appropriate, their design will also take into account the comfort and safety of the carer.
Many shower chairs also double as shower commode chairs. In this case, they have a cut-away or removable section in the base of the seat and the whole unit may be fitted with a commode pan or placed above a toilet.
Since many people who may require assistance or support when bathing might also benefit from a user-friendly commode or a supportive toilet frame; buying such a multi-function chair can often enable customers to make an appreciable saving.
Some people prefer to have a fixed shower chair that is a permanent feature of their shower area. Various wall-mounted shower seats are available, usually with drop-down feet and a hinge mechanism that enables them to fold against the wall when not required. However, please be aware that these are only suitable for attachment to load-bearing walls of suitable strength.
Folding shower chairs are great for home use as they provide all of the comfort and stability of a regular shower seat, but can be folded and stored away very easily.
This is beneficial for those who require the option of a seated showering position, but who live with other members of their household who don’t.
Mobile shower chairs with wheels are designed for people with more complex care needs who require the assistance of a carer when bathing. The castor-style wheels make them highly manoeuvrable in tight spaces, and the frames are coated with a rust-free material.
They often feature a padded seat and backrest for additional comfort. These are made of a wipe-down material to make them easy to clean and maintain excellent levels of hygiene.
If you have trouble bending, twisting and stretching during bathing, then a swivel shower stool or swivel bath seat can help.
While the base provides a sturdy and secure place to sit, the seat actually swivels on its legs, meaning you can move around in the shower with a greatly reduced need to twist or stretch, helping to lower the risk of unnecessary strains.
While shower stools and chairs serve a similar function, they actually serve users with different needs.
Stools are perfectly stable thanks to their suction-cup feet; if you require additional support while showering or are looking after a person with more complex care needs, a shower chair is the best solution.
Shower chairs typically have four sturdy legs as well as a backrest and arms, meaning you get the highest possible level of stability during bathing.
People who have lower levels of mobility and cannot stand for long periods of time, or at all, are likely to be more suited to a shower chair than a shower stool. This is because shower chairs are more comfortable to sit in for longer periods of time, and their adjustable height settings make it easier to get in and out of the shower.
Shower stools are more suitable for people who are able to stand on their own, but need a quick break every now and again while taking a shower.
Shower stools are typically smaller than shower chairs, making them simpler to install in tight spaces. They are also easier to take in and out of the shower depending on who is using the bathroom at the time, and stored away when not in use.
Shower chairs are usually bulkier and take up more room, making them less suitable when space is at a premium. Alternatively, choose a folding or wall-mounted shower chair.
Which features of a shower chair are most useful will depend to some extent on the type of chair and the purposes for which it is being used. Look out for the following features when browsing for a shower chair:
At Complete Care Shop, we have a wide range of shower chairs for disabled and elderly people, as well as bath safety aids for those who have different levels of mobility. Many of our products are recommended by occupational therapists and we are able to offer both virtual and home living consultations to ensure you get the right product for your needs.
You can also request free expert product advice across our entire range from professional occupational therapists at any time.
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