Shower Stool, Shower Seat, Shower Chair

According to statistics, the rate of domestic accidents that take place in the shower is estimated at around 46%. The shower, beyond being a place of relaxation, presents numerous risks and it is imperative to take steps to guarantee safety as best as possible, especially when it (the shower) must be frequented by elderly people. , disabled or with reduced mobility. Among the equipment used to guarantee safety, comfort, etc. in the shower, shower chairs or shower seats feature prominently.

1. Choosing a shower seat

Shower seats are equipment used to allow showering in complete safety with excellent comfort. They make showering much easier and prevent the risk of slipping and falling. The shower chair can be used by anyone. However, it is highly recommended for people who generally cannot take showers standing up. People with reduced mobility and the elderly also use this easy-to-install equipment. Shower seats are also recommended for people suffering from rheumatic diseases, those who have undergone an operation or have back pain.  In reality, the shower seat or bath chair can be in the form of a transportable shower chair or stool. There are also models of bath or shower seats that can be fixed to the wall and others that are removable to place on a grab bar.

1. Criteria for Choosing a Shower Seat

In order to offer excellent comfort, while guaranteeing good safety, the choice of shower seat takes into account a few key points including, among others: adaptability to the shower, mobility needs and the type of covering.

• Criteria for choosing a shower stool

Available in different models, the shower stool provides a seat for the time you want to shower. It can obviously be moved at the end of your shower since it is not fixed.

• Adaptability of stools to the shower

It is important to choose a shower stool you can easily install in your shower. Shower stools have adjustable height “legs” depending on the height of the person who wishes to use them. They are actually equipped with non-slip feet which protects you from slipping.

Depending on the shape of your shower and its dimensions, you can choose a round or rectangular shower stool; or even a stool  shower area. Shower corner stools, generally triangular, are very practical for small showers. It should also be noted that for “strong” people (who have a high weight or mass) we generally recommend wide and resistant bathroom benches.

• Mobility needs

To make it easier to hold on when you want to get up or sit down, it is often advisable to choose a shower stool with side handles. Shower stools can also be equipped with a “back” to avoid the risk of tipping backwards.

• The type of coating

Shower stools can have different types of covering. Generally, shower stools are equipped with an epoxy steel or plastic coating to make them water resistant. Some manufacturers also offer shower stools with a padded “seat” to improve comfort.

However, it is useful to ensure that you choose a shower stool whose seat (and back if possible) is perforated to facilitate water drainage.

• Criteria for choosing a folding shower seat

Also called a wall-mounted shower chair, the folding shower seat is a bathroom stool that attaches to the shower wall and offers good stability and enhanced safety. The seats of the folding shower seats, as their names indicate, are folding or retractable. The fact that these seats are foldable actually presents a great advantage since when not in use, other users can enjoy the entire surface of the shower.

• Adaptability of the folding shower seat to the shower

Since the folding shower seats are fixed into the wall, it is imperative to check the solidity of the wall. Facing certain types of walls (Placoplatre wall), it is recommended to add a reinforcing plate before installing the folding seat. There are also models of folding shower seats with retractable “feet” which automatically unfold when the seat is opened. These models obviously offer even greater security.

• Mobility needs

Thanks to its folding seat, the wall-mounted shower seat offers excellent mobility since it saves space by simply folding the seat.  There are also folding shower seat models with armrest which not only increase comfort but also facilitate transfer.

• The type of coating

The seats of folding shower seats generally have a waterproof plastic coating (which is water resistant).

1. How to determine the height of your shower seat

To determine the height of your shower chair, it is best to have the distance from the floor to the bend of your knees measured while you are standing.  The goal is to allow that while you are seated, your thighs and foot form a 90° angle and the sole of your foot is on the ground.

However, it is advisable to choose bathroom stool with adjustable height to better adapt it and above all to allow you to use it as needed with other members of the family.

4. Shower Chair and Mobility

Mobility in the shower fundamentally depends on the surface area of ​​your shower, the size and shape of the shower seat chosen. A folding shower seat will provide a larger free surface area than a fixed seat. A shower seat intended for tall people will take up more space and may also reduce mobility.

5. How to secure the bathroom to avoid accidents (for strapped people, disabled people  or infirm)

Slipping, electrocution... these are all risks that we come across when we sometimes step into a shower and yet there are certain simple measures that would allow us to avoid them.

By installing non-slip mats inside the shower we can considerably reduce the risk of slipping in the shower. Installing a wall-mounted grab bar is also very useful for the safety of people with reduced mobility or the elderly.

You should also avoid installing electrical outlets in showers. It is also strongly recommended that you check the fixtures carefully before entering a bathtub or shower stall.

6. Types of Shower Seat

There are 5 types of shower seats:

• The disabled shower seat
• The fixed shower seat,
• The wall-mounted shower seat
• The disabled shower seat on casters
• The shower stool

6. a Disabled shower seat

The shower wheelchair, or disabled shower seat, is a more practical seat for people who already use wheelchairs to get around. The shower wheelchair therefore allows you to move around alone or  being “pushed” to travel. Thanks to its adjustable height and its armrests elevable , the disabled shower seat allows a much easier lateral transfer.

7. b. Fixed shower seat

The fixed shower chair is generally placed on the floor and has 4 feet with rubber pads.  non-slip or suction cups for good stability. The height of fixed shower seats is generally adjustable. The bases of fixed seats, often perforated, allow water to drain and facilitate maintenance. Some fixed shower chairs have an anatomical cutout to allow you to wash your intimate area. Thanks to its integrated handles, getting up and/or sitting down  is relatively easier. For greater comfort, the fixed bathroom benches have a padded backrest and lifting armrests to prevent lateral transfers and falls. For tall people (with a strong build), specific models are also designed.

7. c. Wall-mounted or retractable shower seat

Also called a shower bench, the wall-mounted shower seat, due to its advantage of being foldable, is certainly the least bulky of all shower seats. It has two rear supports that attach to a wall and two front legs that have non-slip tips that guarantee the safety of the seat. You can fold the seat and the “feet” of the seat to enjoy the full width of your shower if you do not need a seat for showering. Some wall-mounted shower seat models have an anatomical cutout which allows you to easily wash your intimate area. Others also have a backrest and armrest for greater comfort and to limit the risk of side falls.

Since the wall-mounted shower seat is attached to the wall, it is imperative to check that the wall is strong enough.

7.d. Disabled Shower Seat on Wheels

Disabled shower chairs with casters are shower chairs with casters that allow a “disabled or elderly person seated in this chair” to be taken into a bathroom by a third person. The main objective of these chairs is to facilitate movement between the bedroom and the bathroom for the elderly or disabled person. There are disabled shower seats on wheels which have a removable bucket and a pierced seat; all this in order to improve user comfort.

• Shower Wheelchair or Shower Chair

The shower wheelchair or shower chair with large wheels, is a wheelchair that resembles the standard model, except that it allows the user to go directly to the shower, to be autonomous and above all independent while taking a shower. It is not uncommon to find shower wheelchairs with a cutout in the seat to allow the user to clean themselves and use the toilet without leaving their chair. The shower chair also has armrests, a pair of brakes, a handle or a push bar in case the disabled or elderly person wants help to move around. The shower wheelchairs also have a backrest, a comfortable foam seat that can withstand the passage of water several times without showing the slightest sign of degradation.

7. e. Shower stool

Intended for people who cannot stand up to take a bath, the very easy to install shower stool is a secure device adjustable in height and equipped with non-slip pads. There are several models of shower stool:

• The corner stool or corner stool, which can be easily installed in a shower cubicle
• The folding shower stool which, like the wall-mounted seat, offers a minimum of space.