What Is the Best Shower for a Disabled Person?

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 shower/bath. Here are some of the most popular features that we can recommend installing in a mobility bathroom:

• Grab rails —  Provide extra support around the bathroom. These are often placed on walls around the shower/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.

You can learn more about accessible showers and their features on our website, or please get in touch with our team if you have any questions.

Seating Options for Accessible Showers

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

At Age Care Bathrooms, we offer various ways to sit in the shower. 

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

• Shower stools — Available in various sizes and styles, including corner shower stools and shower stools with back 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. At Age Care Bathrooms, we offer a free home survey and non-obligation quote to find the shower seating most suited to your needs and preferences. 

Mobility Aids for Accessible Showers

Once you have selected your shower, we recommend the following mobility 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 different length handles, 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: Vital 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.