Shower Chairs for Disabled and Elderly Persons

Whether or not you are disabled or elderly, the bathroom can be one of the most accident-prone areas in the home.  Tiles can become slippery when wet, posing a hazard for anyone.  The situation becomes worse for the disabled or elderly, and taking a shower can be a real challenge.

If you are living with someone who is elderly, disabled, or injured, having shower chairs for disabled persons can be a big help. These chairs can be used inside shower areas or bathtubs.  These special chairs for the shower are designed for people who are wheelchair-bound or find it difficult to stand even for short periods of time.

Shower chairs for disabled persons give a sense of security when they are in the shower.

Disabled or elderly people can feel helpless in the bathroom, afraid of slipping or losing their balance.  They have to be extra careful with their every move to avoid accidents while showering or bathing.  Chairs for the shower can give them the security and comfort that they are looking for.

Even disabled or elderly people with companions or caregivers can benefit from using shower chairs for disabled persons.  These chairs can also be a big help for someone caring for a disabled person.

It can be difficult and dangerous to bath a disabled person in a wet and slippery environment like a bath tub or shower cubicle.  Shower chairs for disabled persons can make the task safer and easier for everyone.

Types of Shower Chairs for the Disabled

To accommodate different types of disabilities, there are several types of chairs designed to cater to the needs of the handicapped and elderly.  Here are the most common types of shower chairs that can provide security and safety to disabled and elderly individuals.

Mounted or Fold-up Seats

This type of shower chair is ideal for people who are not severely disabled.  A fold-up chair can be mounted on the wall of the shower area.  This simple chair can be used by someone on crutches or a wheelchair.  The chair can also be folded down while in use, and folded away when no longer in use.  Older people may also find this type of chair useful.

Stationary or Free-standing

There are different designs of stationary shower chairs for disabled and elderly persons.  For the most part, they are designed to fit easily into a bath tub or shower cubicle.

Shower chairs for disabled persons are usually made from plastic and come with strong metal legs.  They are easy to clean, comfortable, and rustproof.  Teak wood is also used extensively in these types of chairs made especially for those with limited abilities.  Teak, like plastic, is durable and not easily affected by water.

The base of each chair leg is usually fitted with rubber suction cups.  This prevents the shower chair from sliding inside the tub or shower.  In most cases, the shower chair legs can be adjusted to accommodate different sizes and heights of disabled persons.

Shower Chairs for the Disabled

Some chairs for the disabled come with adjustable legs, back, and arms.  The chair can be adjusted to multiple positions for personalized comfort.  Adjustable shower chairs for disabled persons can come with straps for extra security and safety.  This type of chair is a big help for caregivers taking care of persons with severe disabilities.

Many shower chairs can be folded and packed away.  They are compact and lightweight when packed, making them ideal for traveling or when visiting in someone’s home for an extended stay.

Rolling Shower Chairs For Disabled Persons

A chair with rollers or wheels on the bottom of the legs is a popular choice for wheelchair-bound disabled persons.  These chairs are often designed with backs and arms.  Rolling chairs are made of strong, rust-proof material.  The padding on the shower chair is water resistant.

Rolling chairs are designed to roll straight into the shower area without requiring the disabled person to transfer to another chair.  The chair can be rolled into the correct position and the brakes are set to keep the chair stable while showering.

These types of chairs for the shower are ideal for use in showers for disabled people.  These handicapped-friendly showers have a level floor so a disabled person does not have to transfer from a wheelchair to a shower chair.

Some rolling shower chairs for disabled are also designed to be rolled over most commodes.  This allows people with serious disabilities to enjoy some privacy in the bathroom with a rolling chair specially designed for bathroom use.

Shower Chairs For Disabled Persons – Why Are They Important?

For disabled or elderly people with mobility or balance difficulties, taking a bath or a shower can be a real challenge.  While bathing and showering are ordinary activities for normal people, they can be risky and difficult for handicapped or disabled persons.

Elderly people can also find it difficult to get in and out of the tub.  Under these circumstances, shower chairs for disabled and elderly persons are very beneficial.

Here are some of the benefits disabled and elderly people can enjoy when using a shower chair:

• Safety – This is the biggest benefit offered by shower chairs for the disabled.  With this type of chair, you can sit down and have a nice, long shower without worrying that you might slip and fall.  Even caregivers feel more confident and secure when they have a chair for shower to help the person they are caring for.

• Relaxation – Bathing or showering should be a relaxing experience.  You cannot relax if you are constantly watching out to avoid falling or slipping.  This type of chair will allow a disabled person to relax and enjoy a warm bath or shower.  Strategically installed hand grips will help a disabled person transfer easily from a wheelchair to a shower chair.

• Dignity – Those with disabilities having feelings too and ought to be treated the same as any other person. Shower chairs for disabled will help the  elderly use the bathroom with dignity, ease, and comfort.

Wheelchair Showers for the Elderly

Wheelchair showers for the elderly are the best option to make bathing easier for your parents, grandparents, or for any family member with a handicap.

Handicap baths or wheelchair showers are especially made to meet the needs of the disabled during bathing. There is a foldable seat installed inside the shower so the patient can sit comfortably while showering. The shower is handheld for easier access. In addition, there is a handrail around the shower to help the patient move around without slipping. These wheelchair showers also have no barriers so the patient can easily come and go. You can choose from vinyl curtains or foldable plastic doors for cover.

If you are planning to purchase wheelchair showers for your home, you should contact leading manufacturers in the field for top quality products. Most manufacturers conduct free home survey to help you choose what kind of shower is the best for your home. You can also search the Internet for companies offering wheelchair showers installation. From there, you can choose from a variety of designs and features (e.g. height of the shower, area of the shower, tiles to be used inside) for your walk in shower.

Wheelchair showers can be delivered in as fast as three days. In addition, these showers are very easy to install so you do not have to make major house renovations.

Bathing need not be stressful. With these showers, you can help bring back the relaxation of taking a bath. If you have an elderly in the house or a family member with a handicap, then this addition is definitely necessary in your home. It is also a great investment for when you get old or when you get in an accident. Make your home more handicap-friendly. Be safe and best of luck with your shower shopping.