A Brief Guide to Shower Chairs & It's Types
A brief guide to shower chairs and the different available for people with impairments or who may find it difficult to have a shower themselves. There are different types of shower chairs with different use scenarios, benefits, and limitations. However, an individual should only base their decision on their individual needs and should a seek medical professional's advice before making a purchase.
Shower Chair Explained:
A shower chair is just like other chairs but is custom designed to provide support in the shower room and helps in avoiding the inconvenience of bather to stand up who may suffer from restricted mobility. Normally shower chairs are designed to be waterproof and comfortable to keep its user safe for a comfortable bathing experience.
When it comes to choosing the shower chairs one should keep in mind the safety and comfort for the user and should consider their individual needs and preferences whilst selecting the chair.
For Example: CUB Shower Chair
Features:
- Fully adjustable
- Made from epoxy-coated mild steel
- Pre-treated for rust protection
- Adjust the seat height and angle to suit
Specifications:
- Width inside arms: 450mm
- Seat height adjusts: 420mm - 550mm
- Max. user weight: 125kg
Multi-Functional Shower Chairs
Some of the shower chairs serve as multi-functional chairs like a removable commode fitting base under the seat which can help its user to have a comfortable bath but to use it as a commode as well.
Most of the chairs are made out of stainless steel with rustproof coating and adjustable height and angle options, buying such types of multi-function shower chairs can make a big difference when it comes to usability and comfort.
Shower Stools:
When it comes to shower chairs and seats the shower stools aren’t left behind when it comes to usability and high mobility.
For Example: CUB Shower Stool Viking - Stainless Steel
The new stainless steel frame makes this shower stool with arms non-rust, non-scratch, and easy to clean. Longer lasting and more durable. These compact stools are designed for use in the perching position and are height-adjustable. Arms assist the user to get on and off the seat.
Sit while you shower!
Features:
- Fully adjustable
- Made from epoxy-coated mild steel
- Pre-treated for rust protection
- Adjust the seat height and angle to suit
Wall mounted Folding Shower Chair
Some people may prefer a permanent solution when it comes to the shower chairs to avoid the hustle of taking a chair in and out while they already face restricted mobility health issues.
Wall-mounted folding chairs also known as fixed shower seats which are usually fixed on the wall at a preferred place to drop down and a hinge mechanism so they can easily fold against the wall to save more space when not required. However, always make sure that the wall-mounted chair can bear its user weight and the wall is strong enough to hold it.
For Example: JAECO Shower Seat Folding
It’s a domestic fold down shower seat that can be mounted on the wall for ease of use.
Features:
- Folds down from the wall
- Plastic seat top
- Specifications: 450mm x 385mm
Important Features of a Good Shower Chair
The quality of a shower chair is determined by its features, their functions, and usable scenarios. A good purchasing decision should be based upon the following:”. Additionally, in the Stability and Ground Grip section, the ‘A’ should be removed from before the word ‘non-slip’ as ‘A’ only indicates a singular ferrule or castor wheel. Alternatively, it could be phrased like so “A good/good quality shower chair will have non-slip ferrules or independently lockable castor wheels.”
Which of the features are good depends on the type of shower chairs, their functions, and use case scenarios. A good purchase decision should be based on the following.
-
Stability and Ground Grip- A good/good quality shower chair will have non-slip ferrules or independently lockable castor wheels.
- User Friendly - The perfect chair should be user friendly with features that work for you. The height, width, and depth of the chair should all suit the user’s personal needs. Adjustable models are excellent for this.”
- .Water & Rust Proof - The chair should be water and rustproof as it will be spending time under water. This will allow the water to drain from the chair quickly and allows faster drying for user's comfort”.
- Secure & Comfortable Seat - The seat should be comfortable for its user stability, security, and support. Look for good ergonomic designs and the availability of waterproof cushioning.
- High Mobility - It should be highly mobile like having detachable armrests that can make side transfers easier. Swing-away footrests are also helpful.
- Easy Cleaning - The chair should be easy to clean in warm and humid conditions, such as the shower, which are perfect conditions for many moulds and micro-organisms to grow in. Getting a chair with antibacterial and easy clean materials will allow you to make sure your shower chair is healthy and safe for the customer.
- Strength & Durability - You should do a proper check that the product's maximum weight capacity is sufficient for the intended use and is durable to last for a longer period of time.
- Tilting Ability - A mobile and tilt-able chair that allows the user to sit in a more stable position while also allowing the caregiver to adjust the chair into the most comfortable position for the user.