4 Safety Steps when Using a Shower Chair

A shower chair is one of the most popular bathroom aids. It's a blessing for those with mobility and balance issues. However, it is advisable to follow some precautions before using a shower chair.

Steps to Ensure Safety While Using a Shower Chair.

1) Proper assembling and height adjustment

Ensure that your shower seat:

• has no missing parts.
• is not making unexpected noises while moving it.
• doesn't wobble around.
• has parts locking and latching on properly.

If you suspect missing part, contact the manufacturer or distributor to resolve the issue before using it.

After assembling the chair properly, the next important step is to adjust its height. As a general rule of thumb, it should be neither too high nor too low. It is recommendable to set the height of the seat panel to the centre point between the person's posterior and back of the knees.

2) Check the bathroom floor for slipperiness and obstructions

The floor of the bathroom should be slip-resistant. Ensure that you have washed off and dried the floor properly before use. It is advisable to use a slip-resistant mat beneath your feet and shower seat to prevent slip injuries.

It is also imperative to check the floor for any small obstructions. Small things like nails, balls, toys, etc. may cause you to tip over while getting up from or sitting down on the shower seat and you may get injuries.

So, always make it a habit to declutter your bathroom floor before using it.

3) Watch your movements

Monitoring movements right from sitting, showering, and standing up in the bathroom is crucial. So, it is important to follow the precautions as described.

Precautions while sitting

• Use sturdy support like a grab rail on the wall to sit down. If you don't have grab rails in place, you may need someone to assist you.
• Position yourself properly. Avoid sitting on the edge of the sitting surface as it may cause the chair to tip over.

Precautions while showering

• Don't reach for things beyond your comfort level while showering. This attempt may cause your chair to topple.
• Don't risk your safety to grab something you might have dropped. You may tip over and hurt yourself. It is advisable not to hurry and make sudden movements. Be patient and don't over-reach.

Precautions while standing up

• Holding on to a sturdy support like a grab rail is advisable.
• Don't concentrate your entire weight on only one side of the chair. For instance, if you grab the armrest on only one side, it may lead to an uneven weight distribution. This may cause it to topple.
• Don't hurry while standing up. Take your time, position your feet and balance yourself properly.

4) Routine maintenance and cleaning

Cleanliness tips

• Never use harsh detergents to clean your chair. Use mild detergents and soft scrubbers instead.
• Clean residues from beneath the chair regularly by wiping off after use.
• If possible, allow the chair to dry off properly between uses.

Maintenance Tips

• Read the manual carefully to understand the basic maintenance instructions.
• Keep checking for signs of damage or rusting. If you suspect any of them, replace the part in which you find it. Most chairs designed for use in wet environments have non-rusting components, but it is always worth checking.

Summing it Up

A shower seat is one of the important bathroom aids that make showering easy for people with mobility or balance issues. However, just like with all other aids, this would be helpful if used properly.