Shower Wheelchair

Product Guide and Recommendations

A shower wheelchair is designed for elderly who use a wheelchair as their primary means of moving around and have an accessible shower.

Maybe your aging parent or elderly loved one is using a wheelchair and is having difficulty transferring onto a bench or seat in the shower.

Maybe there isn't enough room to safely complete the transfer - whether they can't get their wheelchair at the right angle or there isn't anything to grab on to.

This type of wheelchair can be a great solution as it is easier to use than a shower bench or seat in the shower.

Elderly can undress in the bedroom, transfer into the shower wheelchair, cover themselves with a towel and roll into the bathroom to shower.

Overview

A shower wheelchair is designed for elderly who use a wheelchair as their primary means of mobility and have an accessible shower for a wheelchair to roll into.

It is basically a waterproof wheelchair designed to get wet.

Instead of having to transfer onto a shower chair or bench in the bathroom, the elderly can transfer into the shower wheelchair in another room and roll to the bathroom.

This opens up the option of using a transfer pole or lift to transfer into the shower chair in another room, which makes it safer and easier than trying to transfer onto a chair/bench in the bathroom.

Who Should Use?

Elderly that will benefit from using one will already use a wheelchair as their primary method of mobility and have an accessible shower.

Many models can also be used as a rolling commode so the elderly can also use it to roll over a toilet to go to the bathroom.

Recommended Features

A good shower wheelchair will:

• Be waterproof - To ensure durability and that it dries quickly.
• Be rust proof - Ensures long term durability
• Be lightweight - Makes it easier to use
• Be compact - As showers are not very spacious
• Have a Commode option - Making it possible to use the shower wheelchair as a portable rolling commode
• Have flip up or removable foot rests - Make it safer for transfers

If your elderly parent has poor upper body and trunk strength (difficulty maintaining an upright position in sitting), they will likely need the tilt option.

Accessories

There are a few accessories available:

• Padded waterproof cushion - For comfort and to protect skin
• Commode design - To allow for personal care
• Head rest - Used primarily for models with tilt/recline
• Waterproof calf support - For elderly that need additional lower leg support

How to Fit

Fit is not as important as a light weight wheelchair as the senior will not be in it for as long. However, you want to get the best possible fit so that it's comfortable and easy to use.

There are three basic measurements used in fitting:

• Hip width - This is used to determine the width of the seat
• Thigh length - This is used to determine the depth of the seat
• Knee to ground height - This is used to determine the seat height and leg rest length
• Back height - To determine back rest height

How to measure:

1. Have the senior sit in a kitchen chair
2. Measure hip width at widest part
3. Measure from back of knee to lower back/bottom (keep measuring tape parallel to floor)
4. Measure from back of knee to floor (have them wear their regular shoes)
5. Measure from lower back/bottom to base of neck

How to Use

They are similar to using a regular light weight wheelchair.

Remember to put the brakes on when transferring in/out of the chair and when showering.

How Much Do They Cost?

They cost $400-2500+ depending on the features needed (such as tilt/recline).

Other Types of Wheelchairs

There are several other wheelchair styles including:

• Transport wheelchair - A portable lightweight wheelchair designed for pushing seniors who cannot walk long distances.
• Light weight wheelchair - A wheelchair for more regular daily use - two large wheels and two small wheels making it possible for the elderly to self-propel.
• Reclining wheelchair - A manual wheelchair that has a reclining back to improve comfort and positioning.
• Motorized wheelchair - A battery powered wheelchair for seniors who have difficulty self propelling a manual light weight wheelchair.

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