A shower stool is used for increasing the safety of disabled and mobility challenged in the bath. The stool can be used among people who live alone to decrease the chances of a fall and by caregivers working with disabled patients. There are many styles to choose from that are both affordable and convenient to use.
Styles
There are many styles of available, making it simple to choose a shower stool that fits into your existing décor easily. Styles include both real wood and durable plastics with many variations of each available. The most popular styles include the following:
- Wood is a common material for your shower stool, with teak being the most common wood used. Teak is naturally resistant to water so the wood will last for a long time even when used regularly. This style of stool is best for those with good mobility since there are rarely special features included for disables patients.
- Plastic is very commonly used for shower accessories. A shower stool made from plastic can have many features that make use with disabled patients very easy. Features include drop down arms and adjustable backs, non-skid legs and shelving for placing soaps and other necessities for a more convenient bath time.
- Padded seats on plastic shower stools are much more comfortable for use with disables patients. If you need a shower stool for someone with mobility issues you may want to consider a padded seat.
- Wider stools make sitting in the shower more comfortable, as well. A traditional stool is very narrow and doesn’t have a back but many shower stools for disabled patients have a back and are wider to accommodate bariatric patients.
- Stools with adjustable legs allow you to set the height at an appropriate level for your patient. Metal legs are rust resistant and easily adjustable.
Finding the right style and features on your shower stool will make bathing much more comfortable and convenient. There are dozens of styles to choose from, including classic stools made from teak. Natural wood is a nice option if you or your patient has sensitivities to plastic while plastic is a nice option when you need the additional features offered for mobility challenged patients.
Safety
A shower stool can make bathing easier when you or your patient has mobility issues but some basic safety rules can help ensure safety. You will first want to evaluate mobility to decide whether the stool is the right option. Most people need to have some control to sit up straight on the stool, for example. If you have chosen a stool that fits into the corner then the wall can serve as a back to the stool. If not then you should be sure that the patient can sit up straight on their own before leaving them unattended.
Non-skid mats in the shower and non-skid legs on the shower stool should be present when working with a disabled person. The legs of most stools are coated in a thick rubber that is textured to prevent the stool from slipping on the wet tiles of the bath. Teak stools naturally have some resistance to slipping so they won’t need the addition of rubber. If you have any doubts that the stool won’t slip take the time to secure a non-skid bath mat under the stool for additional safety.
A rotating shower stool is very convenient when bathing patients with limited mobility but can be dangerous when the patient is left unattended. All patients should have assistance when they are bathing to reduce the chances of falling, and the stool should be level and easy for the patient to move from. If your patient is over 300 pounds then you may need to opt for a bariatric stool to ensure the device is totally safe.
Purchasing
You can buy your shower stool online for the best in selection and pricing. Finding the features that you need is simpler when you have access to hundreds of different types of stools ranging from teak to those that can be used for disabled patients. Make sure that you check the specifications of the stool that you are interested in before making your purchase. Some things to check include:
- The size of your available tub space. Make sure that you only measure the flat portion of the tub. If the stool legs are on the curved portion of the tub the stool will become wobbly and unstable.
- The weight of the patient compared to the maximum weight allowed when using the stool. If you or your patient is close to the weight limit it is best to choose a stool with a higher maximum weight to ensure safety.
- The features of the shower stool. Does the stool swivel, for instance? Make sure the features that you need most are included before making your purchase.
- The price of the stool may also be a consideration if you are on a budget. You can find a wide range of affordable plastic stools for sale online.
Each of these aspects of buying a shower stool is important but perhaps the most important thing to think about is how you will use the stool. If you need a shower stool that has a back, for example, then you may want to look for this feature first and then consider the price. After choosing which features are most important to make using the shower stool convenient and safe you can then look at the options available that meet your criteria.
Personal Use
If you are using the shower stool and you live alone extra safety precautions are usually important when you have limited mobility. An extra wide stool with non-skid legs and bath mats can all help prevent a fall while an extra phone in the bathroom that is within your reach can be a great help if you do have an accident. You can easily place a cordless phone on the floor by the bath for easy reach if you do have an accident.
