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Shower chairs are one of the basic equipment for those living with disability or for ageing people when it comes to hygiene. These simplistic chairs allow a user to simply sit on the chair and either shower themselves or be showered by a carer. Additionally it provides users with a safe and comfortable place to rest while showering if they aren’t able to stand for long periods of time.
However how can you know whether a particular shower chair is the right one for you? Believe it or not there are certain factors that can determine whether the shower chair you’re considering is the right one for you.
Weight Capacity
One of the first factors that need to be considered is the weight capacity of the shower chair. As shower chairs come in a variety of sizes it means each chair will accommodate each user differently. For the most part standard shower chairs can take up to 125kg, however some of the bariatric shower chair range such as the Aspire Maxi can take up to 310kg in weight.
Construction
Shower chairs are made from various materials, but the two most common are either plastic or aluminium. Therefore the choice of material is entirely up to the user; however in general aluminium tends to be pricier compared to plastic, however it is slightly heavier compared to a plastic shower chair.
Additionally some users might prefer having a chair that gives them more in the back and seat region, usually a mesh-backed chair would be recommended. However others might prefer a more firm, sturdy sitting surface so the chair would have to be more snug.
Speaking of the seats there are some shower chairs that can either slide or swivel, this makes getting out of the shower a bit easier. However if users do want a shower chair with that feature it would be best to make sure that it has a locking mechanism so that the seat is kept in place while showering.
It’s highly recommended that you chair has rubber, slip-resistant feet to ensure that the chair remains stable while users seat down as they are regularly on wet surfaces. However, if users have significant balance issues then they might want to consider suction cup feet that completely secure the chair to the floor maximum stability.
In fact suction cup feet are much better compared to the slip-resistant ones as they secure the chair to the tub/floor and prevent it from slipping.
Most shower chairs would come with armrests and its highly recommended users get one with this feature. That’s because it will allow users to lower themselves or stand up with ease and safely. One other thing to consider is padding. Some chairs have padding and this can be useful if users take long showers, are thin and bony or are prone to skin tears.
Ultimately it’s the user’s choice what kind of chair they want, but we would recommend one that they’re comfortable in.
Size
Although most shower chairs are designed to fit in a standard shower, it should be noted that not all showers would be the same size.
For those with smaller bathrooms it would be best to purchase a compact shower chair like our Space Saver Shower Chair, which can be assembled/reassembled as needed and is designed for those with small bathrooms.
However for those with standard size bathrooms then either a basic or bariatric size shower chair will suffice depending on your needs.
Therefore it is vital that users know the measurement of their bathroom since this will help them make the right decision as to which chair is most suited to them.
Mobility
Many shower chairs are available with locking castors to ensure safe transfer from and to the bath while other don’t have wheels and rely on non-slip leg coverings to prevent the chair from sliding around.
Additionally the weight of the chair itself plays a factor as users who are uncertain about their ability to lift a chair might prefer one with a wheel, or choose a plastic shower chair compared to an aluminium one.
Design
For many, the ability to receive sturdy back support or lean back in their shower chair is a necessity for them. This is especially the case for those receiving assistance from carers as having the option to lean back will assist the process.
That’s why many shower chairs are designed with recumbent features, offering reclining backrests as well as rising legrests. Otherwise users don’t require a recumbent backing would probably prefer a more fixed back.
Usage
Now many shower chairs combine their features with that of a commode (toilet) as this allows it to be used in a variety of situations. Additionally it does eliminate the need for an additional patient transfer when limited mobility users are doing their hygiene. However for those that are still able to move around then perhaps a simple shower chair would do the trick.
There are certainly more factors to consider before anyone can make a final decision, but hopefully this guide will put you on the right track to finding the right shower chair. If you’re ever unsure or have questions then our friendly sales team is always happy to help you out.