Caregiver Blogs:

The typical American bathroom makes home safety experts cringe. They see it as one of the most dangerous rooms in the house. If you think about it, it’s plagued with hazards.

Slips and falls in the shower are on the rise. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, falls in homes are the leading cause of injury and emergency room visits, especially for people age 65 and older. For people who are unsteady on their feet, a shower chair provides support needed to maintain independence.

Experts said that shower chairs might reduce the occurrences of slips and falls by more then 50%. The style of shower chair you choose depends on the individual’s needs. For most, a simple shower chair or shower bench with a deep contoured seat is sufficient. However, a person who is very weak, has little muscle control, or experiences back pain will benefit from a shower chair with back support and cut-outs to place a standard hand held shower. This will make it easier to cleanse, shampoo and rinse off. One to consider is the Invarcare I-Fit shower chair with back support because it assembles in seconds without tools and has simple leg height adjustments.

If bathroom space is limited, a folding shower chair design may make more sense since it can be closed and placed out of the way when not in use. Some shower chairs are equipped with a harness system that will keep the individual from inadvertently sliding out. Also, with some modification, a mobile shower chair is a great option for people with mobility problems. A mobile shower chair allows the person to roll right into the shower.

Regardless of which style of shower chair you choose, always check on the maximum amount weight the chair can handle. Most can accommodate up to 250 pounds. Bariatric chairs are available for individuals over 250 pounds.

If you’re planning on using a shower chair in a bathtub rather than in a stall shower, be sure to measure the internal dimensions of the tub to be certain the model you’re considering will fit inside with space to spare.

For the elderly person who can’t stand for extended periods of time, a shower chair is a smart home aid.