How a roll-in shower chair works
About
Chair Styles
Shower Access
Functions
Travel
Guides
A ‘roll-in’ shower is what the mobility equipment and disabled community often use to refer to an open plan, wet room style shower.
The idea behind a bathroom with a roll-in shower configuration is that access is very easy with the help of good wheel-based assistive equipment like a shower chair. These shower chairs are also commonly known as ‘rolling’ shower chairs thanks to their wheelchair style design.
In this guide we’ll cover the features of a rolling or roll-in shower chair and why they are a good option for anyone with a compatible bathroom or schedule that takes them to many places over the year.
MODEL SHOWN – SB3t: An extremely sturdy design with built-in head and arm rests, and a tilting function to recline the user.
MODEL SHOWN – SB3t: An extremely sturdy design with built-in head and arm rests, and a tilting function to recline the user.
Shower chair styles
Roll-in shower chairs come in different styles
When we talk about the category of rolling or roll in chairs, this is actually a reasonably broad product space. The configuration at its core is a chair with caster and/or drive wheels that can be moved around the bathroom and beyond with the user seated in this.
A roll in shower chair’s main function is to comfortably support the user to bathe each day and provide easy use for a carer. Some options are even designed to put the control completely in the hands of the user with products like our Roll-InBuddy Solo offering a familiar wheelchair style chair with all the water-proof functions of other shower chairs.
As users with mobility needs come in all different sizes, you can find a roll-in shower chair that suits you. Some options like the Roll-InBuddy XXL are designed for larger users to enjoy a shower without the worry of unsafe hazardous body position or lack of support.
And if you’ve got a client or are a user yourself that requires a tilted back body position to effectively bathe, you can look at tilting options like the SB3T. This chair provides the neck and feet support to keep the user comfortably in place, while tilting back to provide relief or simply assist the carer in completing the bathroom routine.
As you research a rolling shower chair, make a point to assess the features and functions, but also the dimensions of the chair and the quality of the wheels. A rolling chair relies heavily upon its wheels to function so you should choose a chair that will support the weight and usage for the long term. This is also why we suggest finding an option that comes with a warranty – assistive technology should give you peace of mind that it will last or be covered in the event something does go wrong.
Easy shower access
Access to the shower is made easy
One of the best reasons to opt for a roll-in shower and compatible chair is just how straightforward access is for a mobility impaired user. A traditional bathtub or shower with an edge provides a barrier that requires clearing (you can read more about transfer equipment here), but an open plan shower is a matter of rolling up and into a prepared shower to bathe.
Product functions
Wheels that provide maneuverability and ease of transfer
A rolling shower chair is built with wheels at the base that allow motion forward, backwards and typically 360 rotation (enabled by swivelling caster wheels). Wheels on a rolling shower chair should be made from highly water proof materials like stainless steel fittings and good quality rubber or plastic.
Locking the chair in place with braking system
A shower chair with wheels permanently affixed needs to have a way to safely lock onto the floor of a wet room shower so that the user can move around in the chair whilst bathing without fear of the unit slipping or rolling away.
Brakes may be designed as simply mechanical locking or operated through the use of hydraulics similar to a bike brake.
The braking ability of a rolling shower chair really is the area that simply cannot be compromised. Failure to securely remain stationary during a hazardous process like showering can result in an injury.
On the move
Pack down and travel
If you, your client or family member is a keen traveller or visits different houses regularly, a roll in shower chair is a great choice. Most tourist destinations and accommodation that offer disabled bathroom facilities do so with an open plan shower. This makes the roll-in style chair the one to go for.
Some mobility impaired individuals opt for a roll-in style chair for packing down and taking on the go, combined with a bigger transfer style chair for at home in a bathroom with a shower unit or bathtub. Many Showerbuddy users are fans of this combination as it offers the best of both worlds. The SB7e Eco Traveller specifically is designed to pack down into a small carry bag with a minimal footprint to allow transporting in cars, buses, planes and trains. It’s also a very light package, meaning that a family member or carer can carry it without much trouble at all.
The SB7e Eco Traveller is also great when you want to pack away the chair into a storage closet when not in use, for example when you have the chair available for a family member who might need assistance when visiting.
Having your own roll-in shower system to take with you provides peace of mind with a system you can become familiar with, as well as the comfort and hygiene benefits of ‘BYO’.
Reduce injury risk
A good option for a carer-assisted daily bathroom routine
Rolling shower chairs are excellent for individuals who require a carer as the transfer onto the chair can be done outside of the bathroom in a safer environment. The user can then be wheeled into the bathroom ready for bathing and using the toilet in the same system (if using a Showerbuddy product). If the user and carer don’t have to manage any lifts in the bathroom, there’s a greatly reduced chance of injury due to straining muscles or falls.
Learn more
Learn more about Showerbuddy’s range off roll-in shower chairs
Are you interested in a shower chair solution that doesn’t just provide users with more comfort and support during bathing, but a totally strain-free transfer system and full commode solution? Head over to our products section to browse the range.
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