Crucial Factors to Consider When Buying a Shower Chair and Accessories
Feb 17th 2020
Do you need a shower chair? Or is your shower chair lacking a shower chair replacement seat and other accessories? Read on to learn how to choose the right assistive devices and more.
What Are Shower Chairs?
Like high-performance wheelchairs, shower chairs are assistive devices that aid people with limited mobility. But shower chairs, like the name suggests, provide assistance during bathing. The tools provide comfort and safety for patients who find it challenging to stand firm when taking a shower. Choosing high-quality shower chairs can be a daunting task if you've never been in a wheelchair, shower chair, or any assistive device. But with a little guidance, you can make an ideal choice with great ease.
This article highlights some of the vital features that you should consider when buying a shower chair and its accessories, such as the shower chair replacement seat.
Weight
Should you buy a bariatric or standard shower chair? Shower chairs come in various sizes and designs. They also get made from different materials. As such, their weight capacity varies. For heavy-weight patients, a bariatric shower chair is ideal. But for patients having a low body mass, the standard shower chair is perfect.
Portability
Sometimes you may need to move your shower chair in and out of the bathroom. If you're capable of lifting your chair, then you can buy one with locking casters that will help you to transfer your chair with ease. But if you have limited mobility and you can't lift the chair with ease, then you should opt to buy a shower chair with wheels for smooth movement to your bath area.
You should also choose lightweight chairs for improved portability. As such, you should avoid buying a heavy shower chair replacement seat or other heavy shower chair parts.
Material
Should you buy a plastic or aluminum shower chair? Shower chairs are constructed from different materials. The choice of your shower chair frame material is your personal decision to make. Aluminum chairs may be more durable than plastic chairs, but the plastic shower chairs are often cheaper than their aluminum versions.
Design
Do you prefer a recumbent or upright shower chair? Recumbent chairs have an ample backrest and leg-rest, which allow you to recline a little and get strong back support when you lean back. These chairs are ideal if you're going to get some help from a caregiver when taking your shower.
Size
Do you prefer a basic or compact shower chair? Compact shower chairs are smaller in size than standard chairs, and they can fit well into standard shower rooms. But if your bathroom is large enough, then you may choose to buy a basic bariatric size chair. It's thus essential to know the dimensions of your shower room when making your choice.
Shower Chair Parts and Accessories
It's prudent to buy your shower chair from a vendor that also supplies shower chair accessories such as the shower chair replacement seat, leg rubber glides, and detachable PVC backrests and leg-rests. Your chair and its accessories wear out with time, so you may need to make replacements. As such, you'll need to get compatible chair accessories in the future, and the best supplier should be your previous shower chair seller.
Usage
Some shower chairs have dual functionality because they combine the features of the chair to those of a commode. The toilet-suited features allow you to transfer your chair to the toilet bowl and area for easy toilet use.
Shower chairs and shower chair replacement seats and parts are safety aids for people with mobility and balance challenges. These assistive devices help to position you well as you perform your bathing and toilet functions. The chairs are ideal for the disabled, old, and weak patients under-recovery.
The U.S. has approximately 2 million wheelchair users per year. Most wheelchair users also need a shower chair for their routine bathroom and toilet functions. As you buy your wheelchair, remember that you may need a shower chair when you get off your wheelchair in the bathroom or toilet. Use the cited insights to make a wise buying decision.