Falls are one of the top 10 causes for deaths for those over 65, with at least 1/3 of those falls occurring in the person's home, according to the Polio Experience Network. One of the places where falls are common is the bathroom, and a shower chair can make these falls less likely to occur.
Function
Individuals who are afraid of falling in the shower can use a shower chair to minimize the risk of this happening. These chairs sit in the tub or shower and allow you to take your shower while in a seated position rather than standing on the slippery bottom of the tub or shower.
Features
There are many features to choose from when you purchase shower chairs. Make sure to consider the height, width and depth of the chair, as well as the material that the seat is made of. You want it to be comfortable for you to sit on, and you want it to fit in your tub. Some chairs are on wheels to make it possible to move around while seated in the chair. Arm rests are also available in some models.
Benefits
Shower chairs are good for those who can't stand for a long time to bathe, and those that have trouble getting up from a seated position in the tub. They can give those who aren't so steady on their feet the opportunity to bathe themselves without assistance in some cases, especially when combined with other bathroom safety features.
Considerations
While the shower chair can minimize the risk of slipping and falling while bathing, care needs to be taken getting in and out of the bath. Adding a non-slip mat on the bottom of the tub as well as hand rails or tub bars to help you get safely into and out of the tub can help with this, as can purchasing a walk-in shower or bathtub so you don't need to step over the side of a tub.
Expert Insight
The use of wheeled shower chairs is recommended for nursing homes by the Occupational Health & Safety Administration. This minimizes the need for the people working in these homes to have to lift the individuals in their care. The Polio Experience Network says that your weight and the way that you move around should be taken into account when choosing a shower chair.
