Shower Chair for Elderly: Our Top 5 Picks For 2024
Home sweet home is not so sweet when the home does not suit the needs of the elderly.
That is why it is essential to add home aids that supports their increasing need for increased safety. And safety in the bathroom in one of the most crucial areas that has risks to safety.
With 80% of falls occurring in the bathroom, you now understand why.
Therefore, adding bathroom safety aids is essential, and support aids like a shower chair for elderly is one of the first items you should consider.
It has been a successful solution for millions of elderly people with limited mobility or disability, providing them with a safe and comfortable bathroom experience.
Below you will read of our top 5 picks for you to consider the right chair for their need.
Table of Contents
Benefits of Shower Chair
The shower chair for elderly supports those who suffer from limited mobility, disability, or who find it difficult to stand for long periods while showering or bathing.
There are many benefits of using a shower chair are –
- Safety and Comfort – This chair provides a comfortable and safe bathroom experience. The use of a shower chair reduces body pain and the stress on joints.
- Improve Independence – The use of shower chairs provides independence to elderly. Because of that, senior citizens can take showers at their convenience comfortably.
- Offer Balance and Support – It provides stability and balance to elderly while bathing.
- Help Carers – The use of shower chairs helps or assists caregivers in taking care of elderly.
- Reduce the risk of Falls – Using a shower chair also reduces the risk of falls and injuries for elderly.
- Easy Transfer – The bathtub transfer bench offers easy transfer into and from the bathtub.
Guide To Choose The Best Shower Chair For Elderly
Now we know that there are many benefits of using a shower chair.
But which shower should you buy?
To make a decision, you must choose the right product that is affordable while also supports the actual needs of the senior who needs one.
So, here is the guide to choosing the right and best shower chair for an elderly person.
Know What They Requirements
First of all, you should know what are they require in the shower. For example, do you need a shower chair for the walk-in shower, a bathtub or do they need a shower chair that can be used at both places. Understanding this, you should then consider the individual features you need in a chair.
Shower Chair Material
The material of the shower chair for elderly should also be suitable and durable which will make the chair sturdy and stable. Additionally, the material should also be rust-proof and water-resistant. Mostly, aluminum and plastic materials are used to make shower chairs.
Weight Capacity
It is essential to know the weight capacity of a chair because you do not want the chair to break or lead to injury while in use. As the whole post is to avoid potential hazards and not cause additional hazards from the use of a chair. Using a shower chair with a better weight capacity will also help you sit comfortably.
Availability of Drainage holes
Next, the shower chair needs to have drainage holes so that water does not collect on the seat while bathing. This accumulation of water can cause problems like slipping or injuries. And also might cause skin irritation.
Seating Comfort
The shower chair for elderly should be comfortable because you do not want them to be in pain or discomfort during shower time or bathing. This will not only make it difficult for elderly to take a bath, but it can also reduce their independence and also increase the stress on the body or joints, which may lead to them falling or getting injured.
Design and Adjustability Features
When buying a shower chair for seniors, considering the shape and design of the seat is essential. You should ensure that the seat provides you with proper balance support, does not cause pain while sitting, and assists with relief to existing pain. Along with this, the availability of adjustability and safety features make the shower chair even better.
Sturdiness of Chair
The sturdiness of the chair is extremely essential as it keeps you safe and significantly reduces the chances of falling or getting injured. Therefore, all legs of the shower chair must be capped with suction cups or non-slippery rubber tips to maintain stability and sturdiness.
Top 5 Shower Chairs For Elderly
Now, we know the benefits of shower chairs and how to choose the best chair for elderly. So, now let’s talk about our top five picks for shower chairs.
Medline Shower Chair
The Medline shower chair is best for elderly who require sturdy support while in the shower. It has everything that you need, from stability to comfort. This product helps reduce the risk of falls and injuries, common during shower time.
Key Benefits
- This shower chair for elderly is made of an aluminum frame that makes it sturdy and stable.
- You can adjust the chair’s height (16 inches to 21 inches), and all four legs are capped with rubber tips that make the chair slip-resistant.
- It has a weight capacity of 350 pounds, so this chair is perfect for almost every type of user.
- It comes with padded armrests and backrest.
- This product is lightweight, rust-resistant, skid-resistant, and can be easily placed anywhere in the bathroom.
Pros | Cons |
Durable, lightweight, anti-skid, and sturdy. | This chair might be narrow for some heavy users. |
Easy to assemble. | |
It can hold up to 350 lbs of weight. | |
It has height a height-adjustable feature. | |
It has all the comfort features, such as a backrest, armrest, and drainage holes on the seat. |
Drive Medical Tub Transfer Bench
The tub transfer bench by Drive Medical is designed to keep the needs of elderly in mind. This transfer bench helps seniors easily get in and out of the tub. This shower chair for elderly keeps them safe and reduces the risk of falls and injuries.
Key Benefits
- This product is easy to assemble as it requires no tools for that.
- It is made of an aluminum frame and blow-molded plastic, making it durable and sturdy.
- It has a weight capacity of 400 lbs.
- It has an adjustable height and backrest feature so that, you can adjust the bench according to your convenience.
- Each leg of this chair is capped with a large suction cup, which helps secure and stable placement of this bench.
- It has a support handle on one side that helps with easy transfer.
- This bench has a comfortable textured seat that also has drainage holes.
Pros | Cons |
Durable, lightweight, corrosion and water resistant. | This product may not be suitable for small bathtubs. |
Easy entry and exit from the bathtub. | |
It is made of using recycled materials. | |
This product offers a comfortable and secure bathing experience. |
Element Shower Chair
Medline’s Element shower chair has been designed considering the user’s various needs. This chair has a wide seat that helps elderly sit on the chair with comfort and complete safety. This shower chair for elderly is designed with antimicrobial technology protection.
Key Benefits
- This product has a backrest and padded armrests, and each leg has non-slippery rubber pads.
- You can adjust chair height, backrest height, and armrest height at your convenience.
- This chair has an extra wide seat which provides comfort to the user and is also suitable for overweight users.
- It is designed with antimicrobial technology protection that helps control bacteria growth, mold, odor, mildew, etc.
- This chair is lightweight, and the weight capacity is 350 lbs.
- It is made of an aluminum frame that makes it durable and sturdy.
Pros | Cons |
It requires tool-free assembly. | This product might be costly for some customers. |
It is durable, sturdy, and lightweight with 350 lbs weight capacity. | |
This chair comes with antimicrobial technology protection. | |
It is safe for tub and shower usage. |
Drive Medical Folding Universal Sliding Transfer Bench
This sliding transfer bench is convenient for seniors and helpful for caregivers while taking care of elderly. This chair makes the bathing experience comfortable and safe, and even elderly will have no worries during it.
Key Benefits
- This bench has a sliding shower chair that slides along the frame. It can slide in the left or right direction and is perfect for right and left-handed people.
- This shower chair for elderly has a backrest and a support handle on one side. This handle helps in easy entry and exit from the tub.
- This bench is foldable, portable, and easy to store and carry around.
- It is lightweight with a weight capacity of 300 lbs.
- This sliding chair for elderly has multiple safety features such as a seat positioning lever, lock pins, locking lever, seat belt, safety net, etc.
- Two legs of this transfer bench have suction cups, and the other two legs are capped with rubber tips making it non-slippery and sturdy.
- This product is made of an aluminum frame. It also has a textured seat with drainage holes.
Pros | Cons |
It has a height adjustment feature. | This product might be costly for some customers. |
It is durable, sturdy, and stable. | |
It is easy to use and can be helpful for caregivers in taking care of elderly. | |
This product is made of recycled materials. | |
It has various safety features. |
Medline Bariatric Shower Chair Without Back
Medline bariatric shower chair for elderly is perfect for those who are overweight. This product is lightweight, compact, and can be stored in small spaces. It reduces the risk of falls and injuries in the bathroom and also helps elderly maintain their independence.
Key Benefits
- This product is lightweight, and the weight capacity of this product is 550 lbs.
- It is made of aluminum material, and each leg of the chair is capped with non-slip rubber. That makes the chair sturdy and stable.
- This shower chair is height adjustable (15 inches to 20 inches).
- The Medline bariatric shower chair doesn’t have a backrest. But its seat does have built-in side handles.
- It is suitable for tub and shower usage.
- This chair’s seat has drainage holes which is why, the water doesn’t collect.
Pros | Cons |
This chair is lightweight, stable, and sturdy. | The unavailability of backrest and armrests may be an issue for some users. |
You can adjust the height of the chair. | |
This chair is slip-resistant and easy to assemble. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding the right shower chair for elderly can make a significant difference in their safety and comfort while bathing. That’s why, always prioritize safety features such as sturdiness, design, secure locking mechanisms and material quality, and other necessary things. By investing in a quality shower chair, you can help your loved ones maintain their independence and dignity while reducing the risk of falls and injuries.
FAQ: Shower Chairs for the Elderly
Why do elderly people need shower chairs?
- Falls are a major risk in the bathroom for seniors, especially with slippery surfaces.
- Shower chairs provide stability and support, reducing the risk of falls and injuries.
- They can also improve comfort and independence during showering.
What are the benefits of using a shower chair?
- Safety and Comfort: Reduces body pain, stress on joints, and risk of falls.
- Improved Independence: Allows elderly to shower on their own terms.
- Balance and Support: Provides stability while bathing.
- Reduced Risk of Falls: Minimizes the chance of slips and injuries.
- Easy Transfer: Bathtub transfer benches aid easy entry and exit.
How to choose the right shower chair for an elderly person?
- Needs Assessment: Consider if the chair is for a walk-in shower, bathtub, or both.
- Material: Opt for durable, rust-proof, and water-resistant materials like aluminum or plastic.
- Weight Capacity: Choose a chair that can comfortably support the user’s weight.
- Drainage Holes: Ensure the seat has drainage to prevent water accumulation and slipping.
- Seating Comfort: Pick a chair with a comfortable and supportive seat to avoid pain.
- Design and Adjustability: Look for chairs with good seat shape, backrests, armrests, and adjustable features for optimal comfort.
- Sturdiness: The chair should be sturdy with non-slip tips or suction cups for stability.
What are some of the top shower chairs for the elderly?
- Medline Shower Chair: Sturdy, lightweight, height-adjustable with comfort features.
- Drive Medical Tub Transfer Bench: Easy to assemble, durable, with adjustable height and backrest for safe tub entry/exit.
- Element Shower Chair: Wide seat, antimicrobial technology, height adjustments, and suitable for overweight users.
- Drive Medical Folding Universal Sliding Transfer Bench: Sliding chair for easy transfers, foldable for storage, with safety features like handles, seat belt, and locking mechanisms.
- Medline Bariatric Shower Chair Without Back: Lightweight, high weight capacity (550 lbs), height-adjustable, suitable for overweight users, but lacks backrest and armrests.
Remember: Safety is key! Prioritize sturdy design, secure locking mechanisms, and high-quality materials. A good shower chair can significantly improve an elderly person’s bathing experience, independence, and safety.