Shower Wheelchair

Everybody knows that taking a bath regularly is plainly a personal hygiene basic. Most people are able to go to the shower and clean themselves alone without any assistance. However, for those with reduced physical ability and are bound to a wheelchair taking a bath alone can be difficult. It suppose to be private but because of the reduced physical ability a wheelchair bound person usually requires assistance from a caregiver. Thouh caregivers are undoubtly have no objection in helping the person in the shower but it doesn't eliminate the fact that people on wheelchair want a sense of independence and privacy in the shower. Thanks to shower wheelchairs taking that shower is now personal again.

By using a shower wheelchair a handicap person can take a bath with minimum assistance from a caregiver. The only thing that the caregiver need to do is help the person to wheel into the shower and wheel him out when he's done showering. Note that shower wheelchairs can be used only in an accessible shower stalls. If you have a non-accessible shower in your home then this chair won't do you any good.

This is what a shower wheelchair look like. Look a lot like a regular wheelchair except for the hole in the rear area which allows the user to clean their bottom area in the shower. The chair can be positioned over a standard toilet which is also another reason why there's a hole in the bottom area.

The chair model you see here can also be used as self contained commode. It has narrower width than standard wheelchair so it can fit small showers. The frame are made from rust-resistant stainless steel. The full length armrests can be removed completely to make transfer process easy. The recessed seat and frame side contours allow easy access for toileting activities while seated. This wheelchair's cushioned vinyl seat is sealed against moisture penetration and vented for optimal foam compression

Is it safe?

In the news there was a group of researchers who want to make a better safer shower wheelchair. The team survey veterans with spinal cord injuries and the result was quite alarming. The surver showed that 42% respondents think the brakes on existing shower wheelchairs is not good enough. More than 35% of the respondents had one of more falls from their shower wheelchairs. Of those accidents more than 23% resulted in hospitalization for one month to four years.

Conclusion

A shower wheelchair is a very useful mobility aid that can help wheelchair bound people getting their sense of self independence in the shower. One must note that when buying a shower wheelchair make sure that it is safe. Read the chair specifications and safety features carefully. Lastly, always remember to practice extra care when using the chair. This means the person riding on it and also the caregivers must understand what the chair can and cannot do. Read the users manual carefully, thoroughly and understand what the limitations are.
Note : For someone who is not wheelchair-bound but simply has reduced physical ability a bath bench/bath chair may suffice. To know more about bath bench please click here