Where To Buy A Shower Chair: A Caregiver’s Guide To The Best Options
A shower chair is an invaluable tool for promoting bathroom safety, comfort, and dignity during bathing. It not only supports the physical well-being of care recipients but also fosters emotional confidence by making the bathing experience safer and more manageable. For caregivers, a shower chair provides a practical way to assist more effectively while reducing physical strain.
If you’re considering purchasing a shower chair or a bath chair, understand where to buy one and what options and key features you should look for.
Looking for more information about bathroom safety, adaptive equipment, and caregiving? Check if you have free access to Trualta.
Where To Buy
A caregiver can purchase a shower chair from a variety of sources, both online and in physical stores. When purchasing, consider the specific needs of the care recipient and ensure the chair’s dimensions, weight capacity, and features match your requirements. If possible, test the chair for comfort and stability before finalizing your purchase.
Here’s a guide to where you can find shower chairs or bath chairs that fit your specific needs:
Retailers
Advantages: Competitive pricing, customer service, and the ability to shop online or in-store is available.
- Amazon: Offers a wide variety of shower chairs with customer reviews, competitive prices, and convenient shipping options.
- Walmart: Carries affordable options, with many available for home delivery or in-store pickup.
- Target: Has basic and budget-friendly models online and in-store.
- Home Depot & Lowe’s: Both sell durable shower chairs, often designed for long-term use. Many are available online and in-store.
Pharmacies
Advantages: Easy to find in local areas, and some offer loyalty program discounts.
- Large pharmacy chains like CVS, Walgreens, or Rite Aid often stock shower chairs or can order them on request.
Medical Supply Stores
Advantages: Knowledgeable staff can provide information, and you can inspect the chair in person.
- Local medical supply stores: These stores often stock a range of shower chairs, including specialized models for different needs.
Secondhand & Discount Options
Caution: Always ensure the chair is in excellent condition, with no structural issues.
- Thrift stores: Organizations like Goodwill may occasionally have used shower chairs at a lower price.
- Online marketplaces: Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or OfferUp might have lightly used shower chairs for sale.
Government & Nonprofit Assistance
- Medicaid/Medicare/VA: These programs may cover part or all of the cost of a shower chair if prescribed by a doctor and your specific plan allows.
- Local nonprofits: Some organizations offer free or discounted medical equipment for those in need.
Your healthcare team or occupational therapist may have additional resources to consider when shopping for a shower chair.
Why Use A Shower Chair
A shower chair provides a safer, more comfortable bathing experience for care recipients, helping caregivers manage their responsibilities effectively. Using a shower chair is an essential piece of equipment that promotes the health, comfort, and independence of your care recipient.
A shower chair is a helpful tool to:
- Increase safety. A shower chair can help prevent falls in showers that are slippery from water.
- Enhance comfort. A shower chair allows the care recipient to sit comfortably when bathing. It can also offer convenience with personal care tasks that may be more difficult to manage when standing.
- Maintain dignity. A shower chair can help the care recipient feel more in control of their environment and bathing process.
- Provide caregiver support. A shower chair can reduce the caregiver’s physical strain by allowing the care recipient to be seated in place in a stable chair.
Key Features To Look For
When choosing a shower chair, focus on features that ensure safety, comfort, and usability:
- Adjustability: Height-adjustable legs and removable or flexible armrests for personalized use.
- Safety Features: Look for rubber feet, a backrest for support, and a textured, slip-resistant seat.
- Comfort: Contoured seats and lightweight designs make the chair easier to use while ensuring user comfort.
- Stability: A sturdy frame with a weight capacity suited to the care recipient’s needs.
A shower chair is a practical, versatile tool that enhances bathroom safety, comfort, and dignity for care recipients while supporting caregivers. Whether purchased online, at a medical supply store, or through nonprofit assistance, selecting the right shower chair can make a significant difference in the daily lives of both caregivers and your care recipients.
Looking for more information about bathroom safety, adaptive equipment, and caregiving? Check if you have free access to Trualta.
References
- https://www.forbes.com/health/accessibility/best-shower-chairs/
- https://www.medicare.org/articles/does-medicare-cover-shower-chairs/
