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Welcome to our in-depth resource: on shower chairs
With hundreds of thousands of mobility impaired people looking for ways to make bathroom use easier, shower chairs are a popular piece of equipment. But this product type varies greatly in its function, cost and long term quality.
Our Shower Chairs resource provides useful information about a number of factors as you research your options online. We have created this section for Occupational Therapists, Families and of course, the end user of the shower chair.
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MODEL SB1: The modular chair and track system is designed to clear raised shower tray edges. Once the chair is locked in the shower position the front bridge tracks can be remove to aid carer access.
Buying Guide
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![Image for a buying guide featuring a man adjusting a Showerbuddy transfer system in a bathroom setting, suggesting personal assistance with product selection.]()
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Finding a shower chair: for an elderly user
A significant percentage of seniors worldwide will experience some loss of mobility as they age, with movement reducing progressively through the 70s, 80s and beyond. A shower chair can help both the user and their support person to make bathing easier. In this guide we’ll provide specific tips and insights around shower chairs for elderly users.
Shower chairs for disabled people – things to knowWith hundreds of millions of people across the globe experiencing significant disability, there’s a huge demand for assistive technologies to make daily life tasks easier. Shower chairs are the choice for many disabilities ranging from paraplegia to multiple sclerosis. In this guide we share key considerations around showering with disabilities, to help you find a shower chair that suits a particular set of needs.
About Shower Chairs
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![Illustration of a Showerbuddy chair in use under a shower, depicting water flowing from the showerhead onto the chair.]()
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Wheelchairs and bathrooms
Those looking for a shower chair solution may also have other assistive technology to help get through daily life. One of the most common is the wheelchair. In this guide we talk about navigating the bathroom with a wheelchair. We also cover the types of shower seat options that may suit someone used to propelling in their chair as well as safety considerations.
Shower transfers – advice for safe, comfortable bathing
Transferring into and out of the shower or bathtub presents the most risks of injury. When you introduce a wet, slippery floor to a physical disability there’s a number of moments where things can go wrong. Luckily with the right plan and equipment in place, both user and support people can reduce the risks associated with transferring. We cover this in our full transfer resource.
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How a roll-in shower chair works
Open plan, or ‘wet room’ showers are popular with families that navigate a mobility impairment. There are shower chairs specifically designed for these kinds of showers. While roll-in showers may be simpler to transfer into, there are a number of considerations when choosing the right chair for this type of shower. Learn more about what to look for in our complete roll-in shower chair guide.
Difference between shower stools and chairs
It’s likely in your online research for shower chairs, you’ll have come across different looking products from small and lights through to more substantial equipment. While it’s tempting for some to choose an affordable option – this can be more expensive and even risky if mobility needs progress over time. We break down the core differences between a cheap shower stool and a proper assistive shower chair.
What to Avoid
Top 5 mistakes when: buying a shower chair
We talk to occupational therapists (OTs), families and users every day who have been on a journey trying different shower chairs. Here’s some of the most common mistakes people make:
1. Going too cheap
You will get what you pay for in most products, but it’s definitely true with shower chairs. Luckily in many markets, assistive technologies may be funded so you have access to great solutions.
2. Underestimating the users’ level of mobility support required
It’s important that occupational therapists and or health providers assess the individual’s ability to perform typical bathroom functions. They will then be able to accurately prescribe a daily plan, including the right assistive technology.
3. Not planning for evolving needs
One of the main reasons families buy multiple chairs over a period is because the user’s needs have developed beyond that of the current chair’s capability. This results in spending money on many options instead of one good one that can adjust with the user.
4. Not paying attention to build quality or materials
In a wet, hot environment like a bathroom, equipment needs to be built to withstand these conditions. The materials need to be water resistant over a long period of daily use.
5. Not having the right care plan surrounding the use of a shower chair
The equipment is only part of the puzzle. How the user will bathe, use the toilet and enter the bathroom all needs a process – and the user needs to feel in control of this.
