How to Use Shower Chair: A Quick Guide
Identify the right shower chair or bench for your needs. Adjust the seat height, backrest, and armrests for best use. Safely hold onto grab bars when getting in and out of the shower. Follow this simple guide for how to use a shower chair to reduce fall risks in the bathroom.
Steps on How to use a Shower Guide
- Add a non slip shower mat or apply an anti slip coating to the shower or bathtub prior to adding the chair.
- Set the shower chair inside the shower or bathtub
- Clear the floor and shelves of products like shampoo bottles, soaps, or other items to prevent falling onto the person or cause a fall
- Check the stability of the chair
- Adjust the chair height to allow for use when standing or sitting
- Always sit in the middle of the chair and not on the edge.
Why Shower Chairs Prevent Falls
A portable shower chair has rubber feet. Alternatively, they have rubber wheels with brakes. This secures the chair in the shower.
The holes in the seat of the chair allows water to pass through meaning the individual does not have to stand up while bathing.
This makes the process safer and easier due to eliminating the amount of time that a person is in a vulnerable position while showering.
How to Shower Using a Shower Chair
- Step into the shower or bathtub with the most stable leg and securely hold well-positioned shower bars for seniors.
- While transitioning from a standing position to a sitting position use the chair to brace your body.
- Use a handheld shower head to rinse and a long-handled shower scrubbing mop brush to apply soap and clean areas that are difficult to reach.
- Rinse with a hand held shower head for seniors.
- Reverse the process to get out of the shower.
- Individuals with more serious mobility issues will benefit from a caregiver or family member that assists getting into the chair and drying off with a towel.
Using a Shower Chair in a Bathtub
Using a shower chair is very similar to using a shower chair in a walk-in shower. However, transitioning into the tub itself is more difficult due to the walls of the tub. This is the biggest reason many seniors seek a walk-in bath tub versus a traditional bathtub when remodeling a bathroom for aging in place.
Older adults living by themselves or with limited assistance benefit from a tub transfer bench versus a regular shower chair.
These senior bathroom aids ease the transition over the tub wall into the bathtub for successful bathing without risk of falling.
Adjusting a Shower Chair Height
Setting the shower chair height is critical. This is an important detail to understand while purchasing.
Some chair will have an adjustable option. However, many are fixed.
A chair that is too low is difficult to get into and out of. Alternatively, a chair too high causes problems and stability issues if feet are not touching the floor. The correct height will mean the older adult is able to place their feet flat on the floor.
Sit in the Middle of the Chair
Never sit on the edge of a shower chair. Ultimately, it is likely that you would slip. Therefore, it is important to sit in the center of the chair.
Seniors using a chair on their own will need to ensure they are well-positioned and feel secure before starting to bathe. A caregiver or a family member offering assistance can see that the person is in the middle of the chair before turning on the water.
The Types of Shower Chairs to Know How To Use
There are many different chairs. Caregivers that work with the elderly should familiarize themselves with the different options.
A senior or family member needs to select the right chair for their use. Here are the different types of shower chairs to choose from.
Standard Shower Chair
The standard shower chair has a large seat to accommodate seniors of varying body types that need stability support when cleaning.
The standard chair has a fixed backrest to provide comfort and reduce slumping backward while bathing.
Adjustable legs allow the chair to match the exact size that the older adult requires. A well-fitting chair is important for getting in and out.
Rubberized feet and large hand grip bars deliver the support and stability older adults need to prevent falls while getting in and out of the shower or bathtub.
Rolling Shower Chair
The Rolling Shower Chair is ideal for seniors that need an extra secure chair. The wheels lock in place and the chair will not move.
Most rolling shower chairs will have a backrest that is adjustable, moveable armrests, and a cushioned seat.
Some models can also be used over a commode for going to the bathroom.
Folding Stool Chair
A folding stool chair is a simple and affordable option for seniors that need minimal assistance with showering.
The stool lacks the backrest and traditional armrests of a chair.
A foldable stool is perfect for older adults that are sharing a bathing space with other family members that do not need to use a chair. Fold it up and set it outside the shower or bathtub when not in use.
Made of hard plastic with holes to allow water to pass a folding stool chair will have hand holds on the side.
Transfer Bench
A transfer bench whether a sliding or rolling transfer style improves access to the bathtub for seniors with mobility issues. Transfer benches straddle the walls of the tub making the transition into the bathing area safer.
A transfer bench will have handles and a backrest.
The senior sits on the transfer bench and then scoot in. While this may require more effort on behalf of the older adult it is done from a sitting position which is overall safer.
Fold Down Shower Chair
The fold-down shower chair is built into the wall of your shower. This is the perfect option as an add on for anyone remodeling a bathroom with aging in place in mind. Depending on the specific model it may come with armrests, includes a spacious seat, and even front legs for added stability.
These models often fit the decor of the bathroom and look like they belong versus other shower chairs that have a more medical look and feel.
Install a bathroom grab bar adjacent to the fold down shower chair to assist sitting and standing up.
Built-in Shower Bench
A built-in shower bench is designed into the wall of the shower. Generally made of tile and fit the decor of the shower area.
While these look great and offer many of the same benefits of a shower chair they are limiting. Consequently, the height of the bench can not be adjusted to meet the needs of multiple seniors and the height needs to be determined during the bathroom remodel.
Characteristics of Shower Chairs
All shower chairs and benches are designed to improve the safety of cleaning for older adults. Depending on your needs and capabilities one style may be best for your needs. However, family caregivers tasked with getting a chair for a loved one benefit from understanding these key characteristics.
Movability
Is the shower chair fixed to the wall, built into the shower, or an additional product added to the shower or tub?
A lightweight chair is nice for older adults that need to move the position of the chair. Consider the weight and space if multiple family members will be using the same shower and the chair needs to come in and out.
A grip on the backrest helps with the portability of the chair.
Easy to Use
Is the chair easy to adjust the height of the sea and backrest? Does the chair have wheels that need to be locked or armrests that are positioned well for your senior?
If getting in and out of the chair is difficult then it is less likely to be used on a daily basis.
Comfort
Many chairs are made with hard plastics, the chair does not need to be uncomfortable. In addition, the shape and design of the seat, backrest, and armrests impact the comfort level.
A shower chair that is properly adjusted for the height of the senior that needs it will ensure that it is comfortable to get in and out of.
Safety
The number one reason for getting a shower chair is to improve the safety of the older adult using it.
Quality materials and manufacturing are important. As a result, look at the adjustable legs and any moving parts to ensure that they will not fail the senior when in use.
How to Use a Shower Chair is Not Complicated
At the end of the day, these are not complicated bathroom aids to use. Check the reviews of the products that you are considering and review the dimensions.
If you are caring for a senior with a recent medical emergency select a chair for the immediate need and evaluate alternatives. Ultimately, you can always change to a different style or bench at a later date.
Lastly, a fall in the shower is one of the biggest causes of hospitalizations in elderly adults. Shower chairs, nonslip mats for seniors, and grab bars in the bathroom solve the problem