Taking a shower can be uncomfortable and even dangerous for older people and those with disabilities. Falls account for as many as 70% of all unintentional injury death and many of these falls occur in the bathroom. People with limited mobility may have difficulty standing in the shower long enough to get the job done. Shower seats make it possible to shower without standing. This reduces the risk of falling and makes the experience more comfortable. Shower seats come in a variety of sizes and styles. Some have backs and arm rests for added support and comfort. Most are made with light weight plastic making them easy to transfer in and out of the shower. There are also bath benches without backs that have a sturdy aluminum frame for stability and durability. Corrosion-resistant and made from recycled materials, these benches are designed to make showering a safe and more comfortable experience. If you're looking for a shower seat that offers maximum support, medical adjustable removable arm shower benches with backs offer back and arm support while showering.
The removable arms are comfortably padded and the arm support makes it easier to stand from a sitting position. Like most shower seats, the height can be adjusted to meet different requirements. Medical bath stools with padded rotating seats add a new dimension to showering. They offer a rotating seat that can be adjusted in height. The rotating seat offers greater flexibility in the shower - the power to twist in all directions to reach objects while showering. Some come with a removable tray for holding items while showering. One of the most frustrating aspects of shower seats is keeping them clean and free of germs and mold. Swivel bath seats with bactiX have a rotating seat for greater range of motion in the shower. The seat is treated with a natural anti-microbial formula that protects against germs, molds and odors. This makes it easier to care for. For two-in-one safety and comfort, shower chair and commode combinations are available. They offer comfy arm rests and a padded seat along with a commode bucket that can be removed without changing the height of the chair.
Medical folding bath benches are ideal if you have limited storage space or like to travel. This firm but lightweight shower seat folds into a flat piece for quick and easy storage. The frame is made of durable aluminum that won't corrode or change color. For convenience, you can easily store it away in a closet when company arrives. It's the ideal solution when you stay in hotels and still want the comfort and stability of a bath bench when you shower. Wall-mounted shower seats can be mounted to the wall of your shower. When not in use, they can be folded up to conserve shower space. This saves the trouble of transferring a shower seat in and out of the shower. Consider all the options before choosing a shower seat. Then choose one that meets your needs or the needs of a loved one for greater safety in the shower. This summary is intended for general informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. You should read product labels.
In addition, if you are taking medications, herbs, or other supplements you should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before taking any over-the-counter medication as they may interact with other medications, herbs, and nutritional products. If you have a medical condition, including if you are pregnant or nursing, you should speak to your physician before taking these products. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.Does this chair fold?by It looks like you are not signed in. To proceed you will need to either sign in or create a new accountSign InDoes this chair fold?by It looks like you are not signed in. To proceed you will need to either sign in or create a new accountSign InWill this shower chair rust?by It looks like you are not signed in. To proceed you will need to either sign in or create a new accountSign InWhat is the distance/width from one front leg to the other.by It looks like you are not signed in. To proceed you will need to either sign in or create a new accountSign In
The majority of falls within a house result in relatively minor injuries, but falls in the bathroom are often more serious. A study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2011, using data from 2008, found that almost 200,000 Americans a year are treated in the emergency for bathroom related falls. This is because bathrooms present a number of additional hazards over most areas of the home; the surfaces are slippery and there are very few well anchored items to grasp onto. While it is certainly possible than anyone can slip and fall in a bathroom or in the shower, the elderly and disabled are particularly susceptible. Having poor balance or muscle strength makes it harder to catch oneself when falling, increasing the risk of injury. Bathrooms can be made safer by installing a few safety features, which can significantly reduce the risk of falls. One or two strategically placed grab bars can greatly assist a person when stepping into or out of the tub. They can also assist a person when moving from lying in a tub to a standing position.
Grab bars should be installed in easy to reach places, ideally where one would naturally reach for when stepping in or out of a shower. Grab bars with a contrasting color to the wall and that feature a non-slip surface are best. Suction cup grab bars should be avoided, instead look for ones that can be be securely anchored to a stud. Grab bars are only suited to people who have sufficient upper-body strength to support themselves. If one cannot hold onto a grab bar, they won't be very effective. For these people, a shower chair is a better choice. They can provide stability for those who have impaired balance or trouble standing for a long period of time. If used with a hand-held shower head, they allow a person to remain seated when bathing. A non-slip mat should be placed in all bath tubs to reduce the chance of slipping while bathing. One should also place a bath rug just outside the bathtub to catch water that drips off a person as they exit the shower. Good safety options for those who have trouble getting on and off of a toilet seat are raised toilet seats and toilet seat rails.
There are a number of factors one should consider when choosing a shower chair. Ask yourself if you need back support, and how much. Some may need full back support, while others who don't need back support may find that it gets in their way when scrubbing certain parts of their body. Some models feature hanging baskets or compartments to hold soap and other toiletries, which can be very convenient for those who cannot stand at all or choose not to. If you have difficulty stepping into and out of a tub, consider a shower chair that doubles as a transfer chair. Some models are wide enough to extend out of the tub and can slide back and forth. This allows you to avoid stepping into or out of a tub. Instead you can sit down on the chair while it is outside of the tub, and then slide it into the bathing area. Height adjustable chairs are also a good choice. A chair that is too high and doesn't allow you to keep your feet planted firmly on the ground may be uncomfortable and cause feelings of instability.
On the other hand, one that is too short can interfere with bathing and cause the user to sit in a hunched position. The seat itself should be wide enough to comfortably fit the user and have a non-slip surface. Those with drainage holes on the seat are best as they dry quicker with less chance of bacteria build up. No matter which shower chair you choose, it should feature non-slip feat to keep it from sliding around on wet surfaces. Most of us have seen that pink slimy material build up on our shower curtain or in the corner of a tub, but did you know that it is actually a form of bacteria known as Serratia marcescens and not mold? What's worse, is that once it begins to colonize, it is extremely difficult to get rid of and will often com back again and again. Luckily it rarely causes diseases, but it is not unheard of, so it's best if you eradicate completely. Serratia marcescens prefers to live in damp areas, and its growth is also aided by soap scum. Ideally one should do their best to prevent it from ever forming.