How to choose the right shower chair

Showering independently is something many of us take for granted. But for individuals with reduced mobility or balance showering without support is difficult. This is where Q-assist shower chairs come in. Designed to be safe, supportive and comfortable devices on which to sit while showering, they help to reduce the risk of slips and falls.

Stay safe while showering

By nature, showers are wet and slippery environments so for individuals with reduced balance, mobility or strength a supportive and safe shower chair is paramount.

One of the first safety questions to consider is: what is a chair’s weight rating?

A weight rating is the maximum load or weight a shower chair can hold.

Q-assist offers a range of options that meet all relevant Australian Standards for safety including the Q-assist Shower Chair with a maximum weight rating of 150kg. For individuals requiring bariatric care, there are specially designed Q-assist options with a higher weight rating of 250kg.

The second safety question to consider is stability: does the chair have stable, slip resistant feet?

All Q-assist shower chairs come with stable, slip resistant feet for enhanced safety and peace of mind. If you have an existing shower chair that requires new feet installed there are also options available.

When looking to replace feet look for ones that feature drainage holes to avoid trapped water, have wide bases and are ideally reinforced with steel for maximum strength. Importantly, always consider the feet’s weight rating and ensure to never load more weight on them then the feet allow.

Keep comfort in mind

The joy of a nice warm shower is something that shouldn’t be lost just because a shower chair is required. Considering the comfort of the chair is easy if you look out for these three things – adjustability, supports and contoured seats.

Adjustability of a shower chair is important. A chair that is too low is difficult to get down to and back up from, while a chair too high is an uncomfortable perch that doesn’t allow for enough foot contact on the floor. An adjustable shower chair offers the greatest flexibility as it allows you to set the chair to the height most comfortable for the user.

Supports including back rests and arm rests are important features on shower chairs as they increase comfort and the user’s sense of security. A hand rest can be used to grip while lowering and getting up from the chair and to hold onto while bathing for extra support. Some chairs also come with removable back rests that allow the chair to convert to a stool.

Contoured seats on a shower chair provide a comfortable place to sit while showering. Look for chairs that also feature drainage holes on the chair. Drainage holes avoid pooling water and ensure you or your loved one won’t be forced to sit in soapy water while showering.

Size and portability

Measuring the space available in your shower is another crucial step to selecting the correct shower chair.

When considering the space available for a chair, remember to think about how much support you or your loved one will need to shower. If a support person is required, ensure there is enough space around the shower chair to allow the support person to easily bathe you or your loved one.

When selecting a shower chair portability is another important consideration. In family homes often more than one person may use the same shower, meaning the chair may need to be moved in and out of the shower. If that’s the case, look for a shower chair made from lightweight materials such as aluminium. A light and easy to move shower chair is also easier to clean and maintain.

Longevity

The final question to ask yourself when using the chair is: will this shower chair suit me or my loved one in the long run? If the user’s mobility, strength or balance is likely to decline over time due to age or a degenerative condition, considering the longevity of a shower chair is important.

For example, imagine a shower with a shower hob you must step over to enter the shower.

Stepping over that shower hob right now might be no problem, but if mobility and balance is reasonably expected to decline that same shower hob could become a serious obstacle and safety hazard in the future. In situations like this, the Q-assist Transfer Chair could be more suitable than the Q-assist Shower Chair or Bariatric Shower Chair.

With its long and wide bench, the Q-assist Transfer Chair is designed to sit both in and partially out of the shower so that you can sit on its bench and move across it to access the shower without having to step over anything. The Q-assist Transfer Chair can also be used with baths and is also suited for bariatric care with a weight rating of 250kg.

For instances where mobility and balance are not expected to decline or are short-term, then either the Q-assist Shower Chair or Q-assist Bariatric Shower Chair could work.

Ready to shop for a shower chair?

Now you’ve considered safety, comfort, size and portability as well as the longevity required, you’re ready to start shopping for your shower chair.

Q-assist offers a range of thoughtfully designed shower chairs and slip resistant suction feet that have been stringently tested to meet all relevant Australian Standards for safety. All Q-assist shower chairs meet Australian Standard AS/NZS 3973:2009 and the Suction Feet and Sloped Suction Feet meet Australian Standard AS/EN 12182:2015.

Browse Q-assist assistive living devices online.

Remember to always seek advice from your or your loved ones Occupational Therapist to ensure the Shower Chair meets your unique needs prior to use.