Best Walk-In Shower Types for Disabled Users

Entering and Exiting Accessible Showers

If getting in and out of the shower is not always easy, it’s time to change that. We supply many different mobility aids and features to help you get safely in and out of your walk-in shower or bath. Here are some of the most popular features that we recommend installing in all mobility bathrooms:

• Grab rails —  Provide extra support around the bathroom. These are often placed on walls around the shower or bath area. 
• Horizontal rails —  Great for both walk-in showers and baths. They can help you push up from a sitting position and also provide additional support when sitting down.
• Vertical rails — They can be placed around the bathroom for extra support. Having them next to a shower seat can be very helpful and will stop you from slipping.
• Shower boards — Designed to fit over the top of your bath and act as a seat so you can sit down and shower in your bath. Shower boards are suitable for most styles of baths without fixed shower screens.
• Swivel bath seats — If you require extra support, swivel bath seats fit over the bath and swivel inwards. They are great for back support and also act as an armrest. These seats are set in a fixed position and do not lower into the bath.
• Anti-slip flooring — To help prevent slips and falls in the bathroom, anti-slip flooring in wet rooms and mobility bathrooms is essential and comes in numerous styles and designs. 

To learn more about accessible walk-in showers and their features please get in touch with our caring team of mobility bathroom experts.

Seating Options for Accessible Showers

Sitting down in walk-in showers can change showering from a difficult experience to an enjoyable one in comfort and independence. Various seating options are available, including showers for disabled users, and the best shower seat will depend on your individual needs. 

Below are four of the key shower seating options to consider:

• Shower stools — Available in various sizes and styles, including corner shower stools and those with backs and armrests for extra support. Folding shower stools are also available, which take up less space if you want to put them away when not in use.
• Wall-mounted shower seats — These are classified into two types: static and hinged. Certain models will have back support and armrests, but you should check with the manufacturer to see if there are any weight restrictions.
• Shower chairs — You can choose from static or mobile shower chairs in all shapes and sizes. All shower seats will come with rubber cups on the legs to prevent any slipping and may be more suitable for a person who can’t use a wall-mounted shower seat due to weight restrictions. For extra comfort, most shower chairs come with armrests and padded seating. Shower chairs with a castor base system are another option. They are perfect if you want to move the chair around and have the security of knowing it will not move once you have put it where you want to sit in the shower. These tend to have metal frames and plastic seats and are generally smaller than a standard shower chair. 

• Self-propelled shower chairs — Available in many styles and designs, these are typically multi-functional. A popular choice is a self-propelled commode chair, which can be folded when not in use. For independence and dignity, they are designed so the user can propel themselves into the shower. Self-propelled shower chairs can also be pushed by someone else and will travel across carpet, tiles, and lino.

You should always check to see if your shower tray or bath is capable of having a seat on it with the added weight of a person. We offer a free home survey and no-obligation quote to find the shower and seating most suited to your needs and preferences. 

Walk-in shower types and using a shower seat 

Mobility issues may mean you require a shower seat for additional support and comfort when showering. Here are a few things to consider when using a shower chair safety:

• Ensure that the shower seat is stable and does not wobble — a fixed foldable shower seat is an excellent option if other people in the household prefer to stand when using the shower.
• Keep showering products, such as soap, razors, and shampoo, in a holder on the wall close to the shower controls for easy access. 
• Use anti-slip mats to prevent slips and falls when getting off the shower seat.
• Take your time to get on and off the shower seat.
• If you care for someone else, show them how to use the shower seat and give them privacy unless they request your assistance.
• Distribute weight evenly and avoid sitting on the edge of the shower seat or chair.

Mobility Aids for Accessible Showers

Once you have selected your ideal walk-in shower, we recommend the following mobility and bathroom aids to make sure that your shower experience is safe and dignified:

• Shower head holders — Adjustable shower head holders allow the shower head to be positioned at a height that suits the user.
• Shower screens and enclosures — For additional privacy, a shower screen or enclosure can be portable or fixed. They come in various configurations and are also ideal for wet rooms and walk-in showers. 
• Long-handled bathing aids — There is a wide selection of long-handled bathing aids with handles of different lengths, such as sponges and bath brushes. For a person with limited mobility, they can make washing easier and reduce the need to stretch or twist, which may cause discomfort and increase the risk of a fall. 
• Leg lifters: Moving your legs when seated on a chair or swivel chair over the bath’s rim can be easier with leg lifters. You use a reinforced strap with a loop at one end and then physically lift your leg into the bath.
• Anti-slip mats and flooring: In every bathroom, anti-slip mats or anti-slip flooring can help prevent slips and falls. We have many different anti-slip flooring styles and supply a range of anti-slip mats.