Shower chairs
Shower chairs and stools allow people with limited mobility, balance, strength or physical coordination to sit down while washing themselves.
They can be used in the same location where people wash, such as a shower area.
Shower chair
Shower stool
Question
Look at the pictures above of a shower chair and a shower stool. What is the main difference between them?
The main difference is that the shower chair has a backrest and the shower stool does not.
A shower chair with a backrest is usually better for a person with less balance or coordination. It is also helpful for a person who tires easily.
There are many types of shower chairs and stools.
Always look for these important features when selecting shower chairs:
Important features
All shower chairs and stools should:
- Be strong and durable
- Be rust and water resistant
- Have a smooth finish to prevent injury
- Have rubber stoppers on legs (unless they have wheels)
- Have brakes (if they have wheels, not legs)
- Have height adjustable legs
- Be specified to carry the weight of the user.
Other features
Other features that may be useful, particularly for people who need more support or are less mobile are:
- A backrest
- Castor wheels with brakes
- Flip up or swing away armrests
- Height adjustable and flip up or swing away footrests
- Padding on seat, armrests and backrests.
Activity
Look closely at the shower chairs and/or stools available at your service or in your local area.
- How many of the ‘important features’ does each shower chair or stool have?
- How many of the ‘other features’ does each shower chair have?
- Do the shower chairs have other features not listed above?
Combined shower and toilet chairs
Some toilet chairs are designed to also be used as a shower chair.
This can be helpful for a person who needs both a toilet chair and a shower chair, as they need only one product.
Specialist shower and toilet chairs
Some shower and toilet chairs have extra postural support. These are needed for children or adults who have a lot of difficulty sitting upright.
This module does not provide guidance on how to provide specialist shower and toilet chairs.