Taking a shower is a basic human necessity, but for our elderly loved ones, it can be a challenging and even hazardous task. Limited mobility, balance issues, and the fear of slipping can make bathing a daunting experience. The Ohio Department of Aging shares that “almost 80 percent of falls in the home occur in the bathroom, and according to the CDC, more than 200,000 seniors are treated in emergency rooms each year for bathroom-related injuries.”
These falls can result in life-threatening injuries for many seniors, but the good news is you can reduce these risks by opting for a portable shower and offering your elderly loved ones a convenient and safe bathing experience. At Freedom Showers, we firmly believe that everyone deserves a positive, comfortable, and safe bathing experience. So, we offer a wide selection of portable showers, benches, grab bars, and other accessories to help you make your bathroom safer for independent living and improved caregiving needs.
If you’re looking for portable showers for your home, learning the tips and tricks to choose the best one can be helpful. Use the following guide on selecting the right portable shower for your elderly family members, ensuring their comfort and safety. At Freedom Showers, we understand the importance of accessible products and are here to guide you through this process.
Understanding the Need for Portable Showers
Before delving into the specifics of choosing an indoor portable shower, it’s essential to understand why it’s necessary, especially for elderly individuals. Aging can bring a range of physical limitations, making it difficult for them to use traditional showers or bathtubs.
Many homes are not designed in a way that accommodates someone with limited mobility. In 2 story homes, often there is only one bathroom on the second floor, or only a 2-piece powder room on the main floor. If an elderly family member can no longer travel stairs, then a more creative solution is necessary to provide their bathing needs. Portable showers for seniors provide a practical way to maintain hygiene, independence, and dignity for those facing mobility challenges. Portable showers are also a good solution to temporary situations, like someone recovering from injury or surgery, or only visiting a home for overnight stays, or during a renovation project.
Factors to Consider
Consider the following factors when choosing a portable shower for your elderly loved ones to ensure the product you choose fits your unique needs.
Portability and Setup
When selecting the right model, assess how easy it is to set up and move. Look for a model that doesn’t require complex installation or extensive plumbing modifications. Many portable showers are designed to work with existing faucets or come with their own water reservoirs.
Considering portability and setup is especially important when using temporary showers after surgery, as it’s important for the product to accommodate your loved one. For example, if you need a portable wheelchair shower, the product should be large enough to offer space for a wheelchair and should be easy to set up.
Portable showers need to be set up relatively close to a faucet source. Check the hose lengths of the portable shower and choose a set up area that is comfortably in range of the water source and close to a electrical socket that accommodates the power needs of the pump.
Size and Accessibility
The important factor that determines the best size portable shower is the comfort of the person who will be bathing in the shower. The shower you choose should fit comfortably and allow them to move around without obstacles and leaves room around the outside for anyone who may be assisting them. Ensure it offers easy accessibility for individuals with mobility issues, including those who use wheelchairs or walkers.
Safety Features
Safety should be a top priority when selecting a portable shower for elderly. Look for features like non-slip flooring, reliable pump to remove the water properly and a GFI electrical cord. These elements can help your loved ones avoid bathroom hazards and ensure a secure bathing experience.
Water Temperature Control
Temperature control is crucial for comfort and safety, as the skin of an older adult is likely to burn faster and at a lower temperature than those who are younger. Portable shower for elderly loved ones usually rely on the temperature control at the faucet. Test the water temperature before connecting the hose, and make sure the shower head is pointed away from the bather when the water first starts flower.
Water Pressure and Flow Rate
Consider the water pressure and flow rate as some portable showers for seniors may have lower pressure, which can be less satisfying for the user. Ensure that the shower provides adequate water pressure to cleanse and rinse effectively.
Durability and Material
The shower’s build quality matters, especially when selecting a portable shower wheelchair users can enjoy. Even if you’re looking for a short-term solution for accessibility, opt for a durable, corrosion-resistant material that can withstand frequent use. Stainless steel and plastic are popular choices for portable showers due to their durability and ease of maintenance.
Ease of Cleaning
Remember that the shower will need regular cleaning to prevent mold and bacteria growth. When selecting portable showers for home, look for a model with removable parts or surfaces that are easy to clean and maintain.
Budget
Portable showers come in a wide price range. Set a budget that suits your financial situation, but remember that quality and safety should never be compromised. It’s often worth investing more in a reliable and durable option. For example, if you need a portable wheelchair shower that offers more space, spending a little bit more money might be worth it.
User-Friendly Controls
Ensure that the controls of the portable shower are intuitive and easy to operate, even for seniors with cognitive or memory issues. Clear and straightforward buttons or levers can make a significant difference.
Freedom Showers offers the most efficient accessibility products for family caregivers to ensure that you have peace of mind when your loved ones are in the bathroom alone. This is why we recommend exploring our extensive range of products when choosing a portable shower for elderly loved ones.
Selecting the Right Model
Now that you know the key factors, let’s explore some popular portable showers catering to different needs.
Portable Handicap Accessible Showers
Freedom portable accessible showers are ideal for those who need a quick solution to adapt to their loved ones changing needs. Portable Accessible Showers offer an affordable bathing solution that is easily accessible, eliminating the need for costly remodeling. You can easily set up our portable indoor shower for elderly in the bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, or laundry, as long as it’s within 10-12 feet of a faucet.
This portable shower is ideal for wheelchair users as it allows them to roll into the bathing area without barriers. After entering, a front support bar is lowered to allow the attachment of the fourth side of the shower pan for collecting wastewater.
Choosing the best portable shower requires effort, but our team of Accessibility Professionals is here to assist you.
Emergency Services Portable Shower
Freedom Showers also offers an EMS portable shower unit measuring 42 inches in width, 42 inches in depth, and standing at 72 inches. These versatile EMS temporary showers are primarily intended for emergency services and decontamination but can serve any situation where a portable shower is advantageous.
In situations requiring emergency services and the decontamination of hazardous materials, the EMS portable showers for seniors can be rapidly deployed for immediate use. The detachable drainage hose can be conveniently directed to a containment bladder, ensuring the safe disposal of contaminated wastewater.
Recliner Portable Shower
You can also choose a Freedom recliner portable shower, uniquely crafted to accommodate tilt-back wheelchairs or gurneys. Measuring 36 inches in width, 76 inches in depth, and 36 inches in height, these indoor temporary portable shower enclosures are ideally suited for providing accessible bathing for individuals with conditions such as quadriplegia, cerebral palsy, or any other medical condition necessitating a tilt-back shower wheelchair.
A recliner portable shower wheelchair users can enjoy is ideal when selecting a product for your elderly loved ones.
Conclusion
Choosing the best portable shower for your elderly loved ones is a thoughtful and essential decision to ensure their comfort, safety, and independence. Assess their needs and consider portability, size, safety features, water source, and budget.
Freedom Showers is dedicated to providing portable showers for seniors and other accessible products that enhance the quality of life for your loved ones, and we’re here to assist you every step of the way, from discovery to delivery. By making an informed choice, you can transform the bathing experience for your elderly family members, allowing them to enjoy a sense of autonomy and well-being.