5 Benefits Of Shower Chair To Elderly
Introduction
A shower chair is a type of mobility aid that can help people who are elderly or infirm shower without the need for assistance. It looks like a small chair with straps and harnesses so it allows the person to sit in a seated position on top of it and then, after they have completed their shower, to use the chair’s support handles to propel themselves up into an upright position.
The shower chair has been available for some time with the main difference between models being the range of features and comforts they offer.
There are a number of different types of shower chair that are suitable for use by different groups of people. A chair that is comfortable for an elderly person to use is not necessarily going to be the same as one suitable for a very active person to use. In this article we look at some of the benefits of using a shower chair.
5 Benefits Of Shower Chair To Elderly
1. Personal Care
Shower chairs give elderly people who want to be able to wash without being supported by another person, and who cannot do this in their own bathroom, a new way they can wash themselves.
Being able to bathe yourself is important for your physical and emotional health.
For many people this is a very private activity that can be done in the comfort of your own home. It is important to feel clean and hygienic, but also to feel relaxed and that your dignity is maintained whatever the choices you have made. Having a shower chair available means that you can be as independent as possible, or as independent as you feel necessary, without having to rely on another person helping you every time you need to wash.
2. Mobility Impairment
A mobility impairment can make using a traditional bath or shower, where you are sitting down and being supported by another person almost impossible. A shower chair can help someone maintain their mobility a great deal more easily.
The use of a shower chair is usually very similar to the use of a bath chair but the user will be sitting on it rather than lying down. However, some models are available to assist in getting into and out of the bath. These chairs have built-in handles which mean a person can use these to remain upright after they have gotten out of it if they wish too.
3. Physical Impairments
A person with any kind of physical impairment will usually find that there are things they cannot do themselves for various reasons without assistance. It might be that a condition they have is too severe to do something like washing themselves or it might be that they cannot move their legs enough to remain stable in the bath. A shower chair can help with both.
A person who has mobility issues such as arthritis, or other conditions which affect their mobility, may find that they are perfectly capable of sitting on the chair but do not have the strength to get back up again. Having to ask someone every single time this happens could make a person feel very vulnerable and restricted in what they feel they can do in their home.
4. Social Care
Shower chairs can provide valuable support for those that have become isolated or are unable to move around their own home.
These people might not be able to do or be able to do the day to day things such as getting out of bed, moving around, cooking, cleaning and using the toilet. For these people having someone there when they need help and assistance is essential for their wellbeing. A shower chair can help them maintain their independence by allowing them to remain as independent as they would like in the elements of their home that are important to them.
5. Pain Management
For those who suffer from chronic pain these chairs can be a godsend. There are a lot of people that have suffered from bad back pain for many years and with the help of the right kind of shower chair this pain can usually be managed to allow their lives to return to normal. The fact that it is a bath chair, means that it gives the person full support as they sit in the shower too. Sitting in the bath will help them relax and relieve themselves from any pressure they are feeling as well.
Our Recommendation
Drive Medical Bath Seat
This shower seat is ideal for those who have medical conditions and need to remain seated while they are in the shower. The chair has a large weight capacity of 250 lbs (114 kg) so it can withstand use by larger users. It has removable arms that can be adjusted to fit the user better and the backrest is coated in a soft vinyl so it will not irritate their skin when they are sitting on it for long periods of time. The anti-slip pads help to keep the chair still in use so that the person does not slip or fall over while they are using it. The chair is able to be folded flat when it is not in use and so can be easily stored as well. The chair can also withstand being in storage for long periods of time as it is extremely durable. The chair will remain as sturdy as the day it was purchased for a long time.
Conclusion On Shower Chair For Elderly
As you can see there are many great reasons why a shower chair is the ideal product to help someone remain independent for longer.
Having a shower chair helps reduce the risk of falls, and allows people to take care of themselves far more easily. It does not matter if they have mobility issues or if it is because they are in pain, a shower chair will make caring for them simple and easy. In fact it means that no one has to help them as it can be done by themselves with no assistance at all.
If you know someone who could benefit from using a shower chair, speak to them about your concerns. You will be helping them to remain more independent within their own home, which should be something you are happy with. It has so many great uses for many different kinds of people that it is worth trying, even if you are not sure if it works for you personally.