Taking a bath is not an easy task for the wheelchair-bound individual. The bathroom can become the most hazardous part of the house especially if precautions are not observed. As a matter of fact, numerous accidents take place in bathtubs and shower rooms every year. That’s why it is a good initiative to learn about bath safety and to practice it at all times.
Shower Wheelchair
A shower wheelchair is a valuable tool at home. It is usually made of plastic and/or stainless steel, with a waterproof backrest and seat. Using one can significantly reduce the need for assistance during bath time. Plus, it can also offer a certain degree of independence to the wheelchair-bound person.
This piece of bath equipment is ideal for someone who doesn’t feel stable on a fixed bench or chair. It permits the user to move into and out of a wheelchair-accessible shower stall. In some styles, the armrests may be removed, allowing the bather to have better reach while bathing. A shower wheelchair also has an aperture in its seat, which warrants trouble-free access to the occupant’s underside.
Bath Stool
Bath stools are ideal for individuals who require seating support when taking a bath. They usually have numerous tiny holes in the seat designed for proper drainage of water. The legs are made of stainless material and the leg tips are covered with rubber to prevent slipping. A number of models are even equipped with showerhead holders to facilitate bathing.
Some types are stand-alone versions, while other models are directly mounted onto the bathroom wall. Despite the notion that the wall-mounted variety is much sturdier and possibly safer, the obvious downside is the lack of portability. Nevertheless, it can be folded to provide more bathroom space when not in use.
A stand-alone bath stool, on the other hand, is normally equipped with safety handles that provide balance and support upon entry and exit from the tub or shower stall. A number of designs even have curved backrests for extra comfort.
Bath Seat
A bath seat can be likened to a bath stool, except for the fact that it’s normally equipped with removable armrests. Two of the most vital safety features are also integrated into the handles and legs. The safety handles provide added stability and support, while the legs are designed to be slip-free and durable.
Most bath seats in the market today don’t require tools for assembly and are quite easy to put together. They’re also foldable and made of lightweight materials, which allows for easy storage and transport.
Transfer Bench
A transfer bench offers easy and safe movement into and out of a tub or shower stall. Once inside the bathtub, it can also double as a bath seat with a choice between a sliding and a swiveling chair.
The sliding model spans across the edge of the shower or tub, with half outside and half inside. It allows the occupant to sit on the chair and just slide into the shower stall or bathtub. The swiveling version, on the other hand, functions as the name implies.
Some transfer benches are furnished with padded seats, while some are made of plastic with multiple tiny holes. Add-on armrests and handles, commode seat apertures, and curved backrests are just some of the comfort features seen in modern designs.