5 Shower Solutions For Eldery And Disabled

By Author: Derry Hall
Total Articles: 115
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Taking showers is not just an activity; it is the process of refreshing your mind and mood right? But people with limited mobility, including the elderly are unable to shower often because the limited mobility makes the process of showering unsafe and hard.

However, today there are a variety of shower options for the disabled and elderly. And to help you know which shower setup is right for you or your loved ones, we got 5 shower options to choose from:

1. Bed Baths

The bed bath, known commonly as a “sponge bath,” is often the only option for someone who has restricted mobility. People who are bed bound are not able to get out of bed or move much.

But in any situation, hygine is extremely important. So, the best way to deal with that is to go with a bed bath. These can be taken in the bed itself. If you need, another person can help with the bed baths.

2. Shower Chairs

This is a versatile option for elderly or people with limited mobility. From a garden tub to handicap accessible shower rooms you can use them or fit them anywhere. There are ...
... various ways to add a shower chair to your bathing setup:

You can place a shower chair stand on the tub or on the shower floor straight under the shower
You can also fit them as a pull down option from the shower wall
You can even built them into the tub or shower as part of a bathroom renovation

Later, you can add to it or keep it as it is, your situation or requirement changes.

Here are some basic requirements to use a shower chair like:

You must be able to sit upright without any support
You also make sure that you get on and off of the shower chair carefully. Of course you can take someone’s help for that if needed.
You will need to supplement a shower chair set up with grab bars and hand held shower heads

3. Portable Showers

Portable shower stalls are the other option for people who are unable to use a traditional bathroom. You can set up a washing area in another part of the house including privacy curtains. This is the most convenient solution for people in wheelchairs.

4. Walk-In Showers

Walk-in showers offer a wide array of options for the disabled and the elderly. You can customize it as per your expectations to make it the perfect shower solution for your specific needs. You can even convert your existing tub and shower combo into a walk-in shower.

A main advantage is that you get to choose from panel and door combinations. You can add built-in shower seats and easy to grip handles as well.

To know more about the specifics of a walk-in shower, you can set up a meeting with a company that specializes in walk-in showers for the people with limited mobility. They come to your home, measure your room, and understand your situation. Then, they’ll offer you a solution to solve your bathing problem.

5. Wet Rooms

A wet room is an entire bathroom, designed and covered to be both waterproof and slip resistant. This makes it a good option for both situations- whether you stand or use a wheelchair.

Designing the entire room with all-round safety is possible with this setup. All surfaces are waterproof. A central drain is built for the water to drain away quickly. The floor is set up without any thresholds or barriers to wheelchairs.

You can also customize this setup adding your specifications too.

You will need to change your home for this. It requires contractors, permits, and other materials. But, when done right, these are easy and safe to use.

Wrapping Up

If you or your elderly loved one needs help while bathing, then buying equipment to the existing bathroom can be a great idea. To increase safety and are helpful to people with limited mobility issues, equipment options like:

Shower chairs
Shower transfer benches
Tub rails are available

For people with milited mobility, then you might need an elaborated solution. The best shower option for them is:

Custom shower
Wet room
Walk-in shower stall
Portable shower

Before making any decisions, don’t forget to discuss it with your doctor or healthcare professional asking for their advice too.

Essential Aids provides disability aids, mobility equipment and rehabilitation products to people in the UK.