Using A Shower Chair For Safety
Barb Anderson

Defined Tag: Shower Chair.

If you or a family member has limited mobility from an infirmity caused by injury or a chronic illness or simply the natural lack of balance and agility that accompanies advanced age, a shower chair readily lends itself to bathroom safety. Additionally, the security offered by these and other bath safety features provides a new level of independence to those with physical limitations.

Shower chairs are readily available to suit a variety of needs, including a relatively short-term recuperation resulting from an injury, to blending into the lifestyle of the elderly. Folding chairs for the bath and shower may be permanently attached as a bathroom fixture, removable when the size or design of the bath is unsuitable for a fixed device.

Any bath safety feature such as a shower chair should be considered carefully and selected according to the needs of the individual. Obviously weight is a factor along with mobility and of course durability. Equipment manufactured and rated to serve for medical purposes are preferable and inexpensive, low quality chairs or benches are to be avoided.

Another consideration is the degree of modification or renovation required to install a shower chair or similar safety equipment. Thus for short-term requirements, portable equipment is generally most suitable. In all cases choose a seating arrangement that is sturdy and will not rust or corrode over time.

If long-term requirements justify some degree of renovation, then in addition to a shower chair, also consider installing ADA compliant grab or support bars. Ensure that in addition to the equipment installed, that the shower itself has an anti-scald device and temperature regulation if at all possible. A flexible shower hose may also be helpful rather than a fixed shower head or nozzle.

Lastly, take into consideration others who may be sharing a bathroom and how the install of a chairshower will impact them as well.

Barb Anderson has edited or written numerous articles for family-oriented ezines and sites on the worldwide web. Barb is Editor of the Power Learning Tips and Tricks newsletter, which is available at:   http://MastermindLearningSystem.com.