Shower Wheelchairs
One of the more daunting activities of daily life that a person with disabilities faces is that of taking a bath. For someone without disabilities, this is certainly not an area of concern. However for a person with mobility issues, the bathroom is a risky and dangerous place. There are hundreds of people injured in the bathroom each year and the disabled are at a higher risk of slipping or falling and breaking a bone.
One solution to this problem is to buy and use a shower wheelchair. A shower wheelchair can be rolled right into the shower so one doesn't have to risk walking or standing on slippery tile. Often times a shower wheelchair will double as a commode since the designs are so similar.
A shower wheelchair is on wheels of course so that it enhances mobility. The seat is cut out like a toilet seat so the user can reach all parts of the body without having to stand up. In addition, the armrests are usually removable if it is safe for the user to do so. This allows for more freedom for reaching all body parts. The chair is usually made of plastic or rust proof steel so that it is waterproof. A backrest is optional but provides comfort so it is recommended.
To get the full benefit from a shower wheelchair, one needs to have the proper type of shower. It needs to be one that does not have an edged threshold. The user should be able to wheel right into the shower without having to pick the shower wheelchair up. Of course, if a person is able to easily stand for short periods, it might work out to leave the shower chair in the shower and transfer the user to it. The user would also benefit from a hand held shower attachment and lowered towel rods in the shower. The shower wheelchair should be height adjustable so the user can comfortably reach the shower knobs.
Shower wheelchairs are not too expensive. They can be purchased for $100 to $200. However, they can be purchased used for much cheaper. For the purposes of a shower chair, buying a used one would be acceptable. One probably wouldn't want to buy an electric wheelchair used, but a shower wheelchair does not have sophisticated parts that can break down. Just make sure there are no cracks in the plastic and the casters roll freely.
A shower wheelchair is a very useful piece of equipment for those of limited mobility. They can make life easier to the user and caregiver alike. They may even give the user total independence in the bathroom and restore their ability to live a comfortable life.
