Shower Chairs – How to Eliminate the Risk of Falling in the Bath

A major concern for persons with limited mobility is the risk of falling in the bath or shower. There are several additions which can be made to the bathroom to help prevent such falls, but most are very costly and involve construction. One method to help eliminate the risk of falling is to shower sitting in a shower chair.
Shower chairs are devices made of water resistant materials designed to be placed in a shower or tub for use by those with mobility limitations. They come in a range of designs from a stool for people who can safely stand in the shower to wheelchair types for those needing that added security to lounge versions for those unable to sit upright. Shower chairs come in both adult and pediatric models.
Features which Aid in Preventing Falls
Shower chairs have several features that help prevent falls, other than the fact of the chair itself.
1. Arm handles. Some chairs come with arm handles for gripping when entering and exiting the shower or tub. Other models also have handles on the top of the back rest. Buying a shower chair with handles may eliminate the need for other bathroom handles to be installed in the bathroom.

2. Non-slip tips on legs. Rubber covers are on the ends of the legs to prevent it from slipping when the user is sitting down or rising from the chair. It will also hold the shower chair steady when being held onto to aid in getting in and out of the shower or tub.

3. Construction. Shower chairs are constructed of durable, water-resistant materials so that it can be relied upon when entering and exiting the shower. Each shower chair has a weight limit which should be adhered to at all times.

4. Transfer Benches. Some shower chairs come with attachments called transfer benches that can be attached to the side of the shower chair and fit over the edge of the tub to allow for easy transfer from outside the tub to inside on the shower chair and vice versa. This keeps the person with mobility restrictions from having to climb over the edge of the tub to enter and exit.

Proper Use of Shower Chairs

Shower chairs should be appropriately used in order to prevent accidents or injury. They should always be placed securely in the tub or shower, sitting level on the floor. If the shower chair has wheels they should be securely locked. The height of the legs should be adjusted prior to entering the shower or tub and left secure during the shower. If the shower chair comes with a safety belt it should be used. Securing the safety belt around the user allows for more freedom of movement while still safely secured on the chair, preventing an accidental slip from the chair.
Independence in showering, or easier assistance in caregiver aided showers, makes the routine of bathing less stressful. The shower chair is an excellent device to help prevent bathroom falls.


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