Many times, patients in a care home are not ambulatory. As a result, cannot walk to and from a shower. They are also unable to stand long enough to bathe. They typically need the assistance of a carer and will also need some form of chair or bench to have anything other than a sponge bath in bed. If you have home care patients who require a seat in the shower, you must know about the different types of shower chairs. You need to know which would be suitable for your needs.

The Basics of Shower Chairs

A shower chair is constructed out of waterproof materials. Typically it will be made with stainless steel if any metal is used. They are sturdy enough to hold body weight, Also they can be either freestanding or attached to a shower wall. Those are usually referred to as a shower bench.

Some patients may also require a mobile hoist to be moved to and from the shower chair. Which is also a consideration when choosing the type for your home care facility. One company you may be familiar with Northern Healthcare, now operating as NHC Group, has information on the various types of shower chairs they carry to make an informed decision. You must choose the type your residents require. They are very detailed in how their chairs are constructed along with the intended uses.

Shower Chairs by Category

Like every other type of medical equipment for care homes, shower chairs are categorised basically by type rather than use, even though they are often synonymous. There are three main groups, two of which were mentioned above. They are grouped as:

  • Freestanding
  • Mounted
  • Multi-purpose

Since we briefly discussed freestanding and mounted shower chairs, a word about multi-purpose might be helpful. These, as the name suggests, can double as commodes. They can be used as a toilet. They are often the best choice for elderly patients with mobility issues. This may make it easier at bath time. This is because they would probably eliminate the need for a mobile hoist when getting in and out of the shower. That one multi-purpose shower chair can also be cost-effective. This is because it can serve two functions instead of just one.

The Bottom Line

When choosing shower chairs for your home care facility, the final thing to consider is having them available as needed. For a patient who cannot walk unassisted or without being wheeled in, you will want to have shower chairs and mobile hoists available. It always pays to have an extra shower chair and commode on hand. If budget is an issue, a multi-purpose chair will do just fine. When dealing with residents who cannot care for themselves, it is far better to have one too many than one too few.

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