Maintaining good hygiene through regular bathing has positive benefits for an older adult’s mental and physical wellbeing, and being able to perform these personal tasks alone can have a significant impact in how an individual perceives their own level of independence.

While we all strive for independence as we age, overconfidence or an oversight can lead to a potentially life-changing accident. To wit: a 2008 Centers for Disease Control study found that 80 percent of all serious injuries from falls happened in the bathroom of the patient’s home.

The combination of slick tiles, unsecured area rugs, wet floors, and clutter all make the bathroom a particularly hazardous part of the house, not only for those with limited mobility, balance issues, or unsteady gaits, but for individuals of any age. 

Home Health Care is designed to promote independence and home caregivers are happy to assist a patient with bathing activities, however many individuals understandably value their privacy in the bathroom and seek alternate methods that will allow them to safely bath on their own.

One common solution is the use of a shower stool or shower chair, a device that allows the user to maintain a seated position while bathing, reducing the risk of falls or other accidents. Most shower stools/chairs are lightweight, often made of aluminum or plastic, offer an adjustable seat height, and usually include drain holds to avoid mildew and mold buildup after multiple uses.

While a shower stool or chair is a helpful tool, some care is needed when choosing a model and setting it up to maximize safety.

• Before investing in a shower chair or stool, consider discussing specific design features with an occupational therapist or other healthcare professional. Different designs may provide better stability or easier use depending on the user’s physical condition, mobility, and balance.
• Be sure to read any documentation provided with the stool or chair. There are often details in the user’s manual about weight capacity and how to secure the legs of the device after setting the height.
• If possible, have someone less prone to injury sit on the shower stool or chair in the tub before the actual user. This way you can test the chair to ensure it will not slide or bend when in use.
• When selecting a chair, either in-person or online, make sure to know the measurements, particularly the width of the tub or shower in which the device will be used. The non-slip rubber tips on feet of the chair should all make full contact with the tub/shower floor and not ride the edges.
• Consider installing a handheld shower head to replace the fixed head. A handheld shower head with a long hose can make it much easier for an individual to wash their entire body without shifting in their chair and potentially causing a slip or fall.
• One of the most hazardous parts of the bathing process happens when the individual is transferring into or out of the tub. Having someone available to provide support, or installing secure grab bars around the bathroom can lower this risk significantly.
• When setting up a shower stool or chair, be sure the seat is at a height where the user can easily place both feet flat on the floor for improved stability.
• While the user may need to shift slightly to reach their entire body, the safest and most secure way to use a shower stool or chair is by sitting in the very center of the seat. When possible, avoid moving side-to-side or forwards while bathing. If there is not sufficient space for the user, consider a model with wider legs and a wider seat.
• Bathroom caddies and high soap dishes make sense if a user is standing while bathing, but can force a seated user to shift or stand, increasing the risk of a fall. Consider using a small, waterproof bag to hold shower essentials, or position these items within arm’s reach of the shower stool to reduce this hazard.

SelectCare has helped New Yorkers live happier, healthier lives in their longtime homes for 40 years, including professional, safe support for activities of daily living like bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and more.

To learn more, call SelectCare today, request a free in-home care guide, or read firsthand accounts of clients on our testimonials page.