Home
Ask a Question
Home Health Blog
Search This Site
Subscribe!
Transfers and Mobility
Medicare Maze
Alternative Medicine
PT Equipment
Home Safety
PT Role
Discussion Forums
Medical Alert Sytems
Stair Lifts
Mobility
Rx: Fitness! Beginners
Cancer Fitness
Stroke Fitness
Diabetes Fitness
Hip Replacement
After Heart Attack
Swine Flu Fitness
Fibromyalgia
Dx: Arthritis
Frozen Shoulder
The Flu
Home Exercise Stuff Rx: Exercise
Top Three Problems
Leg Exercises
Glute Sets
Heel Slides
Push Ups
Save Money Personal Training
Bathroomn
Caregiver Corner Your Health
Caregiver Tips
PT Articles
Fitness Tips
Free Workouts
Discussion Forums Home Care - What To Expect What To Expect
House Calls
Elder Abuse
Your PT Career Continued Learning
Why Home Care?
Career Options
PT Salary
PT Career Req's
My Pay & Your Care
Agency's and Start Ups Start Your Own
Software
Other Stuff Meet Marcia Oliver
Support Our Site
Medic Alert Bracelets

Shower chair decisions

choosing the right one.

Shower chair decisions can be overwhelming but are very crucial. Most falls take place in the bathroom and the shower is no exception. Many people stop taking showers and substitute a sponge bath long before they really need to.

Many don't know how to make their shower experience safe. While the benefits of water and soaking in a hot shower are among some of the top pleasures, weakness, instability and a number of other ailments stop some short of stepping in.

Among other items, being able to sit down can bring back the joy and benefits of showering in a luxurious stream of water! I'll talk a bit about your options for shower chairs and when or why you should opt for various kinds.

shower chairs.

They come in all shapes, sizes and options
  • Simple seat, adjustable up and down but no back or arms

    • Shower chair home care physical therapy



  • Simple seat with back,no arms, adjustable up and down

    • Shower Chair Back only home care physical therapy



  • Simple seat with back and arms, adjustable up and down

    • shower cair with arms and back for home care physical therapy



  • Transfer shower bench. This piece of medical equipment has only ONE arm and a back (and optional accessory's)and is designed to fit two-thirds in the tub and one-third outside the tub. This allows individuals who are non-weight bearing or unable to step up and over the tub wall to simply sit and scoot in. Shower curtains can be tucked underneath the user or a "box" shape can be cut out of it to fit over the bench (more water ends up on the floor though!) This option does not work with glass doors or small bathrooms.

    • Transfer Shower Bench home care physical therapy



  • Your best, and cheapest option? Your plastic patio chair. Nope, not medical equipment but cheap and functional. It's not adjustable but it is cheap, has a back and two arms and is comfy. It's up to you to make it safe. Use your better judgement! Be sure to put two bath mats under all four legs to ensure no slipping as there are no rubber tips on these chairs.


    • Plastic Patio Chair for Shower home care physical therapy



    Weight bearing restrictions, balance and strength deficits as well as lack of range of motion or flexibility can all play a part in what you should be considering as your best, safest option.

    (Remember too that you'll need a hand held shower nozzle for showering when sitting. This allows you to turn the spray on and off or away from you when you don't need it.)

    Visit our "What shower chair should I get?" (coming soon) page to gain more insight into what you should consider.

    Great guidance is given here, however, I would highly recommend you to consult your local home health care agency.


    Help on deciding what shower chair to purchase (coming soon)

    Bathroom safety accessories

    Home Safety

    Home Care Blog

    Don't miss a single update!

    Home


    footer for shower chair page