Shower chairs for elderly
Taking a shower is an everyday part of life, but for the elderly it can be a frightening experience as there is a significant risk of slipping over and sustaining an injury. As a person gets older they may also lose some of their mobility and need assistance to get in and out of the shower stall. Many also shower over the tub which is even more challenging. There are a number of shower safety products on the market to assist people to maintain their independence in their own homes. One of the most useful products for use in the bathroom are shower chairs for elderly.The bathroom is full of hazards. Unfortunately not many people can afford to remodel their bathroom to incorporate safety features such as non slip flooring, wide wet room showers or specially designed toilet and vanity basin units. The best option to ensure a safe showering experience for the elderly is to purchase a shower chair.
What is a shower chair and how can they be used?
Shower chairs for elderly are mobile seats that enables the user to safely navigate their bathroom and undertake their toileting with dignity, ease and comfort, while at all times sitting comfortably and safely in the chair. A shower chair removes the risk of a person slipping on a wet floor and injuring themselves as they can remain seated for the duration of their bathroom visit. Most shower chairs are made out of high quality materials and should be both mould and rust resistant.
Some shower chairs for elderly incorporate a shower (and bath tub) transfer system and offer much more than just a standard wet room wheelchair. The shower transfer system is easy to assemble and enables the chair user to remain seated while the chair ‘slides’ over the lip of the shower (or the side of a tub) utilising an easily installed bridge. The shower chair removes the requirement for heavy lifting by a caregiver as the transfer system does the work for them. The shower chair can support all bathroom requirements including using the toilet as the shower chair simply rolls over a standard toilet or can accommodate a commode. The flexibility of the shower chair enables the user to stay in the chair for the whole time they are in the bathroom and removes the stress of being lifted in and out of the chair for both the chair user and their caregiver.
The safety features of the shower chair for elderly further help to alleviate the stress that many elderly people feel with regard to showering. Safety features should include lap and chest belts, arm rests that can fold away for transfers from the bed to chair if required, fold away and adjustable height foot rests and locking casters which when used correctly provide the user with a very safe showering experience and a feeling of security.
Shower chairs are certainly an asset that many elderly people and their families should consider when looking at their bathroom and shower safety.
