Did you know that about 10% of the world's population lives with a disability? It means that about 650 million people need comfortable medical equipment such as wheelchairs, crutches, and shower chairs. People with an active lifestyle despite mobility challenges tend to take a shower several times a day, especially if they participate in sports.
Despite the desire to be more self-reliant, choosing a suitable shower chair can be difficult. Read on to learn more about the things you should check when choosing a shower chair.
Back Support and Arm Rests
You need to be careful when selecting a shower chair so that you get the right fit for your needs. Some chairs come with armrests and back support to prevent lower back injuries. Remember that most shower chairs are ergonomic and have removable parts such as backs and shower chair replacement seats. Choose the removable attachments carefully as you inspect them for safety and comfort.
Check the Height
The shower chair that you choose should be tall enough for your needs. As a quick rule of thumb, ensure that you can sit in the chair comfortably with the feet placed flat on the floor and the knees bent at a right angle. If you cannot find a chair with proper height, get one with an adjustable height. It will allow you to personalize it for your needs.
The Legs of the Chair Should Be Sturdy
The legs of a shower chair are typically made out of rust-resistant metal or molded plastic. You should not buy a chair that does not have slip-resistant tips that anchor it to the shower floor. Shower accidents can be lethal!
A chair that won't slide on a soapy floor is one of the most considerable investments that you can make. Again, you can buy a shower chair that has an adjustable leg design.
Verify the Weight Capacity
The weight capacity of your shower chair should accommodate your body perfectly. Weight capacity is one of the most important reasons why every person who needs a shower chair should have their own. Using a friend's shower chair can be dangerous if your weights are very different.
Most bath seats are designed to support up to 250 pounds. If you weigh more than this, you should consider getting a bariatric shower chair.
Consider the Quality of Chair
Some manufacturers have a reputation for high-quality medical products for people living with disabilities. Some manufacturers have built a reputation around selling high-quality shower chair replacement seats. Others have had a terrible track record! Read as many online reviews as you can before settling on a particular brand. Remember, cheap is often expensive in the long run.
You Need a Comfortable Seat
A good shower chair should be comfortable for use in wet conditions. Some of the things that you need to verify when choosing a seat include slip-resistance, comfort, and width. Ensure that the seat has contours with drainage holes to prevent water build-up. If you are looking for shower chair replacement seats as part of a more extensive repair, check the reputation of the manufacturer.
The Size Should Be Right
The entire chair needs to be appropriately sized from the height to the width and the depth. Every aspect of the chair should be appropriate for your weight, height, and level of comfort. It should also fit in the shower or bath while leaving enough room to maneuver.
Final Word
Accessibility is one of the most important aspects of our lives. Active people who live with disabilities often struggle to find perfect shower chairs. Some of the things you need to consider when buying such accessories include the size, seat, height, quality, weight, and legs of the chair.
To avoid repairs, try to invest in a high-quality product. Buying parts such as shower chair replacement seats can be quite expensive. Make sure that the shower chair that you buy checks all the boxes and you will enjoy delightful showers every day. Call us today to learn more about shower chairs.