When you’re older, recovering from surgical procedure, or managing a chronic ailment, showers could be exhausting—it might be challenging to muster the strength to stand very long more than enough to wash you. Shower chairs can assist.
“We’ll advocate a shower chair to aid preserve Electrical power, since for just a good deal of people, showers could be actually taxing,†says Renee Makin, an occupational therapist located in Culver Metropolis, California. “People start to stay clear of showering as it’s tough for them. And often it might be scary due to the fact loads of individuals have falls inside the shower. So If you're able to equip them with a thing that’s strong, they’ll feel a tiny bit far more cozy.â€
To recognize the top shower chairs, the Forbes Wellness editorial staff analyzed facts on goods made by 18 distinct organizations, contemplating common price tag, optimum bodyweight capacity, person ratings plus more. Read more to see more about the different sorts of shower chairs accessible, crucial capabilities to search for and which shower chairs gained our recommendations.
Methodology
To find out the ideal shower chairs, the Hallowaid Overall health editorial team analyzed details on practically 120 solutions from eighteen various corporations, position them depending on things together with:
Average selling price
Most pounds capacity
Convenience and safety characteristics, for example fastened armrests, padding and non-slip grips
Frame materials
Ordinary consumer scores
Amount of assessments
What Is a Shower Chair?
A shower chair can be a water-proof chair suitable for somebody to take a seat on while they’re inside the shower. It helps them “be safer and much more unbiased with showering,†suggests Brandy Archie, an occupational therapist and founding director of AccessAble Living in Kansas Metropolis, Missouri. These chairs are specifically beneficial for men and women enduring lasting or short term mobility problems, along with those that locate movement unpleasant.
Most shower chairs have rubberized, non-slip ft, they usually’re made for basic safety in damp circumstances. Some have backrests to deliver more assistance. Many have armrests on both sides, and those that don’t are designed to be gripped on the sides.
Forms of Shower Chairs
There are many different types of shower chairs. Below are the most popular possibilities.
Folding Shower Stool
These stools, that happen to be held up by 4 rubberized feet, don’t have armrests or present any assist over the back. They’re very best for people who find themselves relatively cell, claims Makin. “I usually don’t suggest them for very many people,†she provides. Even so, they can be an inexpensive choice for many who need just a little bit of more help from the shower. Such as, they may be a valuable Device for people who battle to balance on a person leg when shaving.
Typical Shower Chair
These chairs feature 4 rubberized toes, a large seat, a backrest and armrests. Normal shower chairs give a lot of assistance and House, states Makin. She often endorses this sort.
Rolling Shower Chair
Very similar to common shower chairs, rolling shower chairs have wheels, a practical characteristic for individuals with mobility needs and who, for instance, use wheelchairs. The wheels lock into put, which makes certain they don’t transfer about though an individual is using the chair, but folks who rely on them even now should be thorough on soaked surfaces.
Bariatric Shower Chair
These normal shower chairs are exclusively designed for those who weigh much more than three hundred pounds. “They’re a whole ton much more strong†than other chairs, claims Karen Koch, an occupational therapist and certified aging-in-spot professional based in St. Joseph, Michigan.
Fold-Down Shower Chair
These chairs are permanently set up in the shower and possess two rubberized toes. The chair back again is typically attached here for the shower wall. If multiple man or woman in a very family uses the shower, a chair could get in the best way of the one that doesn’t have to have it, states Koch. Fold-down chairs “are wonderful because that way, the folks who have to have them have use of them, as well as people that don’t can just flip them up [and] out of the best way,†she suggests.
Transfer Bench
Those with Intense restrictions normally take advantage of transfer benches, that are generally further extended shower chairs. Two in the legs are placed In the tub or shower Room though the opposite two continue to be outdoors, giving superb assistance for moving into and exiting the shower. “As an alternative to needing to phase into the bathtub, you can sit about the bench, swing your ft into the tub and just slide over,†claims Koch.
Benefits of a Shower Chair
Shower chairs are commonly utilised in your house and in senior residing amenities, for instance nursing households.
At your house, shower chairs aid seniors maintain independence, states Makin. They offer relief—and make showering less Frightening—even though minimizing the potential risk of falls or other rest room accidents.
Individuals that take advantage of shower chairs, In line with Makin, involve:
Seniors
People with Continual ailments or who get in need of breath
Those with mobility challenges
Individuals with harmony issues
People who get particularly fatigued
Shower chairs offer end users with balance, as well more info as a destination to sit should they improve tired over the shower.
Functions to think about When Purchasing a Shower Chair
There are a variety of features to think about when choosing a shower chair. If you have a disability or particular diagnosis, Archie indicates consulting an occupational therapist so that you can make sure you pick the right chair to suit your needs. Here are several options to look for inside a shower chair.
General Size
People today normally forget about to examine irrespective of whether a shower chair will suit in their Area, claims Makin. Prior to getting one, evaluate the ground within your shower or tub To make certain you’re receiving the appropriate measurement.
Listed here’s a idea when you’re Doubtful whether or not your shower chair suits: Do its toes sit flat on the ground without Using up onto the curves where by the shower floor meets the wall? The chair must constantly be a hundred% get more info on flat floor, says Archie.
Peak Adjustability
It’s crucial that you get yourself a shower chair that’s peak-adjustable. “Some people are tall and some people are quick, so you desire to be able to change the chair top so the person can sit down within the chair,†says Koch. When sitting down on the shower chair, your ft ought to hit the floor—they shouldn’t dangle higher than, she adds.
Weight Capacity
Some shower chairs have weight limits. Should you weigh over 300 kilos, by way of example, you’ll likely really need to buy a bariatric shower chair.
Set Assistance
Consider carefully about your physical strengths and weaknesses to find out what sort of shower chair you may need. Koch constantly endorses armrests and backrests, mainly because these capabilities give an extra feeling of stability.
Just how much Does a Shower Chair Value?
Most shower chairs Value around $fifty, but rates can exceed $300, says Makin. “As far as professional medical equipment goes, it’s click here rather affordable,†she suggests.
You don’t have to visit a healthcare products retailer to get a shower chair—it is possible to merely order a single on the net. Makin suggests individuals on a good spending plan Test Goodwill merchants or other thrift stores, as you could at times discover a single Using these vendors for a reduced price.
At CVS, you can obtain a shower stool for $29.ninety nine plus a heavy-obligation sliding transfer bench for $329.ninety nine. A bariatric chair having a backrest expenditures $129.99.
At your home Depot, a shower chair with a backrest expenditures $79.ninety nine, and also a fold-up Edition costs $129.ninety nine. Meanwhile, a shower stool prices $34.98.
And at RehabMart, a standard shower chair having a backrest costs $a hundred thirty.97 even though a rolling check here Model fees $250.20.
Does Coverage Include a Shower Chair?
Medicare normally doesn’t address shower chairs. However, some Medicare Advantage programs cover more than-the-counter materials, which could involve lavatory security equipment. Test along with your strategy.
“Well being insurance policy addresses matters for One's body and never points to modify your environment,†suggests Archie, incorporating that a lot of private insurance plan plans don’t deal with shower chairs. However, When you've got extended-phrase care insurance coverage, it’s feasible to get reimbursed If the system allows for protection for property modifications. Shower chairs can be paid for using a health savings account (HSA) or adaptable expending account (FSA).