Shower Chairs, Tub Chairs, Shower Seat, Commode Chair

According to the National Institute on Aging, each year more than 1.6 million older Americans go to the emergency room for fall-related injuries. Many of these falls occur in bathrooms, which is generally considered one of the most dangerous rooms in the home. Shower chairs are an important piece of safety equipment designed for patients who want to bath independently but are unable to stand while showering.

What Kind of Shower Chair is Right for Me?

Before purchasing a shower chair, it is important to measure the shower or tub, to make sure it will be able to fit in the available space. It is also important to check the weight capacity of the chair and to check if the height is fixed or adjustable. Finally, you should ask your doctor or therapist what kind of shower chair best suits your particular situation.

For someone with a minor injury or temporary leg weakness, a simple three or four-legged shower stool might be appropriate. For someone who will be using the shower chair for a longer period of time, added comforts such as a padded back and arm rests might be more suitable. A rolling shower chair with an adjustable reclining back, security straps and leg supports might be needed for someone with very limited mobility. A portable folding shower chair might be a convenient choice for those who are traveling or who have limited bathroom space.

Other shower chair options include revolving seats, removable arms and back rests, shower head rests, built-in commode seats and specially designed bariatric shower chairs. For more information about shower chairs that are permanently affixed to the wall of the tub or shower, click on ADA compliant shower benches.

What is a Shower Stool?

A shower stool is a helpful device which is added to a bath or shower area. It makes it possible for those who are not able to stand for a shower to still enjoy the benefits of bathing. A shower stool may be a portable and temporary addition to the shower area, or it may be a permanent device built into the design of the shower stall. Many different materials are utilized in the construction and design of a shower stool.

The design of a shower stool is relatively basic. It has a firm and level seat to allow the user to sit at a comfortable height to enjoy the stream of water from the shower nozzle. Most stools that are portable have adjustable legs to manually fit the height to the user. When the shower stool is intended for a tub/shower combination, the seat of the stool is often level with the sides of the tub and fits easily in the tub portion. The stool is typically made of hard plastics, Plexiglas, or non-corrosive metals in order to make it water resistant and easy to clean.

Sometimes referred to as a shower or bath bench, a shower stool can be assistive when a short term support is necessary with taking a bath or shower. For example, an individual with a broken leg will not be able to stand in a shower for weeks or months. Therefore, a portable stool can be placed in position so a relaxing shower is enjoyed without having to stand. Depending on the shape of the shower area, it may be possible to situate the broken leg so it and the cast are not in the direct line of the water from the shower head.

An advantage of a portable shower stool is it can be easily removed from the shower when others in the household need to take a bath or shower. Also, its waterproof construction makes it possible to maintain with little effort while also ensuring that it will stay functional for as long as needed.

In situations where the need for a shower stool is more permanent, it is possible to incorporate it into the bathroom area next to the shower or tub. One type is mounted to the wall next to the tub in order for the individual to get into the tub easier, making sideways transfers safer. It is foldable so it can be collapsed while not in use to save space.

A shower stool is ideal for those who are injured, older, or for some reason not able to stand long enough to take a shower. By providing a sturdy seating and slip proof option in the shower or tub, a stool makes it possible for just about anyone to enjoy the relaxing qualities of a shower. Also, to be without the fear of falling or having to hurry through a shower before personal strength is exhausted.

What is a Shower Chair?

A shower chair is designed for those who are unable to stand while taking a shower and must sit instead. It offers independence in bathing to the elderly and to those with mobility issues. A shower chair has a seat with adjustable metal legs to fit the height of the individual, and a backrest for extra support. Its bottoms have rubber feet and may have suction cups for better adhesion to the shower or tub floor. The plastic seat of most chairs has handle grip openings on the sides, and a grip on the top of the backrest. The seat usually has holes to allow water to drain down rather than build up on the seat. The maximum weight safely supported by some shower chairs is 400 pounds.

Rehabmart offers a wide range of shower chairs, from such reputable manufacturers as Maddak, Innovative Products Unlimited, MJM International, Showerbuddy, Medline, Access Able Designs, Provider Health Systems, and other top tier suppliers. 

Mike Price, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CTO

lb + rh