Categories

Bathing with a Shower Chair/Stool

Bathing with a Shower Chair/Stool

Posted by Jackie on 6th Jun 2016

How to Use Your Shower Chair Safely

In the Bath - make sure the chairs feet sit securely on the base of the bath, making sure the seat does not rock and allowing the suction caps to grab, to avoid slippage.

In the Shower - place the chair in the shower recess. Ensure the seat is level and does not rock and there is enough room to walk into the unit and sit safely.

Height -Correct height of the seatis to have the user's feet flat on the ground, with knees just below hip height.

Adjust the legs to accommodate the shower/bath floor evenly, pushing the buttons and moving the leg to the correct height for the person’s comfort. Shower and Bath Chair/Stool is 42-54 cm,enabling different heights and situations to be accommodated.

The chair back has 2 adjustable options

The chair back and armrests are removable to ensure ease of use and convenience. The unit can be used as a stool, or with added supports from the back and armrests.

Using a non-slip bath mat in front of the seat, for the user’s feet, is recommended.

Assisting with Bathing

If you are assisting with the bath or shower, make sure you are prepared for a wet and slippery surface by wearing appropriate non-slip shoes.

In the shower - make sure the person can feel the chair behind their legs. Ask them to bend slightly forward at the waist, and slowly lower themselves onto the seat. Both of their feet should always be able to touch the floor.

In the bath - assist the person into the bathtub with either hand rails or hold the side of the bath. Make sure they can feel the stool behind their knees. Ask them to bend slightly forward at the waist, and slowly lower themselves onto the seat. Both of their feet should always be able to touch the floor.

It may be safer and easier to start towel drying from the stool before exiting the bath or shower recess.

Maintaining the sitting position until everything that can be done sitting is done.

This will conserve energy by reducing the extent of bending and extra movement, and reduce the risk of slippage from wet hands and a wet body.

The Shower and Bath Chair/Stool weighs 2 kg as a stool and, with all attachments as a chair, 3.1 kg. This unit also has a load capacity of 136 kg.

Please Note:- This is basic advice and may not be suitable for your situation. If you are not sure, or feel unsafe with showering/ bathing, see your Doctor, Nurse or Rehab consultant about specific issues and concerns.