Make Sure You Have the Right Shower Seat
Nothing feels better than a nice hot shower. Yet, the bathroom represents the most dangerous room in the house, especially for people over the age of 65. Here’s why we always recommend a shower seat:
- Each year in the United States, one of every three persons over the age of 65 will experience a fall. Half of which are repeat fallers.
- Half of all elderly adults (over the age of 65) hospitalized for hip fractures cannot return home or live independently after the fracture.
- Falls represent 40% of all nursing home admissions
- Every year, bathroom-related accidents send over 235,000 people to the Emergency Room
- Most of those accidents happen with bathing or showering, not when getting in or out of the tub or shower.
The easiest way to greatly reduce the chance of a fall while showering is to use a shower seat.
Choosing the Best shower seat for seniors:
Shower seats or shower chairs will make the bathroom a much safer place. There are many different types and styles to choose from to suit every need and budget. We’ve listed some here and outlined some of the features of each to help you decide on the best shower seat for you:
Fixed Bath Bench
If you cannot yet replace a bathtub with a walk in shower, it’s still important to be able to sit comfortably while showering.
A fixed bath bench, either mounted to the wall or clamped to the side of the tub, will provide the most secure bath seating, as opposed to portable seats that could slip out from under you while you are trying to sit.
✅ More secure
✅ No extensive renovation required
✅ Holds 250 lbs
✅ Can be removed or folded up when not in use
X Still have to step or transfer over tub edge
X Hard to pull curtain all the way across
Bath Lift Seat
A bath lift might be a great option for someone who still likes to soak in their tub, but struggles to get down into or out of the bathtub. An electric bath lift seat that suctions to the bottom of the tub, and even reclines is one option for seniors who are hesitant to give up the bathtub.
✅ Zero renovation required
✅ Full charge allows for up to 35 lift cycles
✅ Able to soak in the bath
✅ 300 lb weight capacity
✅ Can recline
✅ Removable
X Requires upper body stability or assistance
X Still have to step or transfer over tub edge
Wall Mounted Shower Seat:
For walk in or barrier free showers, a wall mounted shower seat is the most secure option. With proper backing in the walls, wall mounted seats will support at minimum 250lbs
Wall mounted seats are the most popular shower seats for seniors due to the safety factors, stylish appearance and variety of options.
✅ Very secure seating
✅ Folds up out of the way when it’s not needed
✅ Easy to transfer onto from wheelchair
✅ Seats without legs have 250 lb weight capacity
✅ Seats with legs have 500-900 lb weight capacity (check specs)
✅ Largest selection of widths and seat top color and style
X No upper-body support
X Needs proper backing in the walls
X Not removable
Installed Shower Chairs with Arms
Fixed Shower Chairs have a back and arms to provide extra comfort and stability for people that might need more support. These shower seats are still mounted to the wall, still fold up out of the way, and they all of have folding legs so they have added weight capacity.
The Shower Chairs are popular for people that have some balance issues or upper body weakness. Seniors often feel more secure in the shower chairs.
✅ Provides upper body support and safety
✅ Chairs have legs for higher weight capacity
✅ More adjustable height range (good for taller people)
✅ Arms fold up to allow for side transfers from wheelchair
X Bulkier design
X Needs proper backing in the walls to install
X Not removable
Roll in Shower Chairs
For people who use a wheelchair, a rolling shower chair might be an excellent option for a water proof seat. These are available for caregivers to assist someone into the shower or for those who can retain their independence there are rolling chairs with large back wheels to create a shower wheelchair.
✅ Water proof wheelchairs
✅ Can be used around the home, and as a commode chair over the toilet
✅ No installation need (some assembly needed)
✅ Great assistive product for caregivers
✅ Some tilt options available
X Can only be used in accessible, barrier free showers
X Need to store somewhere if not needed in the shower
What is the best shower seat for you?
At Accessibility Professionals, we often recommend the Wall Mounted Shower Benches which can be the most accommodating product line. However, we know that every person is different and has unique needs and preferences.
Nothing should prevent you from enjoying a cleansing and healing shower. If you are trying to figure out how to make your bathroom safer for you or a loved one, we know that a shower seat can be a great start, or the best finishing touch to add to your shower.
Our excellent Customer Service team at Freedom Showers can help you choose the best shower seat for you. Contact us today to learn more about our Freedom product line.
Resources