Avoid Bathroom Accidents with a Shower Chair

Falls are among the top ten causes of death of people over 65, and at least a third of these falls occur in the home. Furthermore, about 70% of accidents that occur in the home involve falls in the bathroom. Such accidents can easily be prevented even by simple solutions like a shower chair. So, if you’re afraid of slipping or falling in the shower and you want to reduce the likelihood of such incidents occurring in your home, you may want to start using a shower chair. These chairs allow you to take a shower comfortably in a seated position, which effectively takes away the risks associated with standing on a slippery tub or bathroom floor.

In choosing a shower chair that suits your needs best, there are many features you should take into consideration. The size of the chair is probably among the most important considerations. Of course, you’ll want to choose a chair that’s big enough to accommodate you, yet small enough to fit into your tub or shower stall without tilting. The height of the chair is also an essential factor. A shower chair should be neither too high nor too low, so you can keep your balance even as you bend down to wash your lower extremities. If you have mobility problems, then a wheeled shower chair may be the best option. Armrests are also a good feature to have for additional support while bathing.

Shower chairs are ideal solutions for people who tire easily when they stand during bath time as well as those who often have trouble getting up from the bathtub. Shower chairs provide those who are unsteady on their feet with the opportunity to bathe themselves in private even without assistance from a caregiver or family member. And shower chairs are made even more effective and useful when combined with other bathroom safety features.

And although a shower chair can greatly minimize the likelihood of you slipping and falling in the shower, you should still take extra care in getting in and out of the tub or shower area. Adding non-slip strips on the floor of the tub or shower stall is most definitely a good idea. You may also want to consider installing some hand rails or tub bars for additional support when entering and exiting the shower stall or bathtub. Having a walk-in shower also helps reduce the risk of accidents, as it would no longer require you to step over the edge of a tub.

Your physical capabilities should also be taken into consideration when you choose a shower chair. For instance, if you or a loved one suffers from paralysis or absolutely requires caregiver assistance when taking a bath, a wheeled shower commode chair is recommended. This type of shower chair greatly reduces the need for the caregiver to lift the patient during a bath. It also makes the task of bathing the patient a lot easier for the caregiver, since the chair will bear the brunt of supporting the patient’s weight in the shower area. As long as you choose your shower chair carefully and make sure it addresses all your specific bathroom needs, then bathroom accidents don’t really have to be too much of a concern.


Ed Delaney has used shower chairs. To see if shower chairs could help you shower in safety and to learn more please visit: http://ShowerChairsuk.co.uk