Shower Stools: A Must-Have For Bathing Assistance
Home safety modifications are an important part of providing in-home care. From removing rugs that pose trip hazards to moving furniture, there are many easy ways to make the home safer. Sometimes, additional items are needed to make certain rooms or daily living activities safer.
In this blog, we’ll discuss:
- Shower chairs and stools that make bathing safer, easier, and more comfortable
- Who can benefit from this home care equipment
- How to pay for bathroom safety accessories
- How to use them
Looking for more information on bathroom safety, equipment, and caregiving tips? Check if you have free access to Trualta.
About Shower Stools & Chairs
There are many different tools and accessories that make bathroom use easier and safer for people with limitations. In addition to toilet seat attachments, commode chairs, and grab bars, you can find a few different types of bathing accessories:
- Shower stool. A shower stool is the simplest sort of shower aide. It’s a sturdy stool on four legs with no back. It allows your loved one to sit in the shower.
- Shower chair. A shower chair is similar but offers a little more support than a stool because it has a back.
- Shower bench. A bench is longer than a chair or stool and is also called a transfer bench. You can use it as a larger shower stool or as a tool for transferring your care recipient to the bathtub. As a transfer tool, two bench legs go in the tub and two bench legs on the floor outside the tub, so the individual can slide over and into the bath.
- Fold down chairs. A fold down shower chair or stool is attached to the shower wall and folds up when not in use. Usually, grab bars need to be installed on either side of the chair.
- Rolling shower chairs. A rolling shower chair is like a wheelchair that rolls right into the shower. These are for care recipients with very limited mobility. Many models have a seat that lifts up, so it can also be used as a commode tool.
Who Can Benefit From A Shower Chair?
Bathroom accessories, like shower chairs, benches, or stools, benefit many care recipients. Anyone with mobility issues can use the support of a stool or chair to get into and out of a shower or tub.
These tools are also good for care recipients who have balance issues. Standing in the shower can be dangerous if your loved one struggles to balance. As the caregiver, you may be able to support your care recipient, but a chair or stool makes support easier. It frees up your hands, so you can provide other types of assistance.
Depending on mobility level, a shower chair could help your loved one be more independent. Some people still need help getting into and out of the shower or bathing. For those with more mobility, a chair can allow them to shower independently while still being safe.
How To Use A Shower Chair Safely
Exactly how you use a shower aide depends on the type you choose and your care recipient’s needs and limitations. Here are some general tips to help you make showering or bathing safer with a shower stool or chair:
- Read all the information that comes with the device, so you understand how to use it safely.
- Position the chair or stool and try it yourself first to be sure it is stable and strong.
- Consider placing a non-slip shower mat under the stool for additional stability.
- Adjust the height of the stool to be appropriate for your care recipient. At the right height, they should be able to place their feet flat on the floor.
- Clear the space of any unnecessary items that could become trip hazards.
- Ensure everything they need for the shower is within reach of the stool or chair.
If necessary, help your care recipient into the shower and onto a safe position on the chair. Position them in the center of the chair to prevent slipping or tipping. If your care recipient needs additional help, be there to provide support and assistance during bathing. Help your care recipient off the chair and out of the shower to reduce the risk of slipping or falling.
Paying For Shower Chairs
Many shower stools and chairs are affordable, but it’s still an additional expense for a loved one on a budget. You have a few options for covering the cost.
Medicare covers durable medical equipment, but this doesn’t include shower chairs. It does include commode chairs, which may be suitable for use in the shower. You may be able to order a shower chair through Medicaid, but coverage varies by state program.
If your care recipient has private insurance, check the policy to determine if it covers the cost of a shower chair. Veterans may qualify for durable medical equipment coverage through the VA. Contact your local VA office for more information.
A shower seat is a simple, easy-to-use tool for keeping your care recipient safer. It can even improve independence. Choose the right products for your loved one’s needs and ensure their safe use for the best results.
Looking for more information on bathroom safety, equipment, and caregiving tips? Check if you have free access to Trualta.
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