If you are physically challenged because you are overweight or permanently or temporarily physically disabled, you can still experience the comfort of a shower.

The products available to help you include:
• Bariatric shower seats
• Wheeled or shower/commode chairs
• Shower transfer benches

Bariatric shower seats

The term “bariatric,” if you are not familiar with it, refers to weight. Simply put, these are shower seats that can hold more weight than the standard shower seat.

Bariatric shower seats are intended for people from 250 pounds and up. There are chairs available for people who weigh up to 700 pounds. These chairs are built to provide extra stability to the larger person in the shower.

Typically, the seat size will be wider than a standard shower seat to accommodate a larger person. Some bariatric shower chairs also have backrests and cross braces for additional stability and support. Be sure the legs of the seat are adjustable so the overweight person can move the seat to a position where his or her legs can also provide support when sitting.

Wheeled or shower/commode chairs

Wheeled shower seats, also called shower/commode chairs, allow people with disabilities to move themselves to the shower and provide seating when taking a shower. Additionally, this type shower chair can be used as a raised toilet seat as these chairs have a removable commode pail.

Wheels should be a major consideration when buying this type of chair. They should be large to accommodate easier movement across various types of floor surfaces. Most will come with swivel casters and safety locks.

Shower/commode chairs that tilt are also available. This allows caregivers to adjust the chair to more easily reach the person in it. The ability to adjust this type of shower seat is important when considering the growth of special needs children as well as the comfort of the adult user.

Shower Transfer Bench

Typically used for transferring from a wheelchair to a bathtub, this type of shower seat can also be used for moving from a wheelchair to a shower.

Shower transfer benches are usually one piece with a long seat in two parts, and four legs. The person moves from their wheelchair to the transfer bench, which is the outside piece, then slides to the actual seat.

Available options usually include padded seating and removable or adjustable backrests and armrests.

There are also sliding shower transfer benches. In these the person transfers from their wheelchair to a shower seat. The seat then slides, most often on rails, to a position where they can more comfortably take a shower. Some shower transfer benches have swivel chairs to add to the user’s convenience.

Typical features include a safety belt and a handle that can be attached to either side of the seat.

Another type of shower transfer seat is a wall-mounted shower seat that swings into the shower. First, the user transfers onto the seat from outside the shower. Then the chair swivels into the shower. When their shower is finished, the user swivels back out of the shower.

Specialty shower seats such as these help physically challenged people be comfortable when taking a shower.

Whether you are looking for a luxurious addition to your shower or you are physically challenged, you have many different shower seat options to choose from. Three general categories include:

• Built-in
• Freestanding
• Wheeled / Shower Commode

Built-in

Built-in shower seats are seats that are permanently installed in your shower. This includes shower benches that stick out, like a bench, from the shower wall, and chairs that are fixed to the shower wall with brackets. Another possibility is a corner shower bench. This is triangular seat that is built into a corner of the shower wall.

Shower benches often run the entire length of the wall they are attached to providing plenty of space for sitting and storage of bathroom items. They can be covered with tile to match the shower enclosure or with granite or marble for that touch of elegance.

Chairs and seats that are attached to the shower wall usually have legs that rest on the shower floor. This provides added support to the user. These legs are often adjustable to accommodate more than one user.

Built in shower seats can also be hinged or retractable. Depending on the type of hardware used, they can be lifted up or pulled down when you’re ready to use them, then raised or lowered when you are done. Because it can lie flat against the shower wall, this type chair provides more space in the shower. If you are considering this type of shower seat, be sure it is attached solidly and can easily hold your weight. Also use hardware with rounded edges that will not cut or nick your body.

Freestanding

These are shower seats that sit on the floor of your shower and are not fixed in any way. This means you can move the seat in and out of the shower. Some allow folding so they can be put away when not being used. Portability, then, is a key feature of this type of shower seat.

Freestanding seats are made of various materials including PVC, steel, aluminum, teak, or a combination of these.

Typical features include adjustable legs with anti-slip feet, backrests, and armrests. Purchase considerations include seat shape, dimensions, and capacity.

Wheeled / Shower Commode Chair


Wheeled shower seats are for those needing assistance getting in and out of the shower. They are also referred to as shower commode chairs. They let the user get in the shower themselves or be helped in, avoiding the need to transfer from a wheelchair to a separate seat. A commode chair allows for the user to easily move to and from the toilet and shower.

The wheels are usually large swivel casters with safety locks. Larger wheels provide less rolling resistance so that a caregiver can more easily move someone across a floor. Other features to consider include backrests and armrests, and the ability to tilt the seat frame so the user or caregiver can shower more easily.

Obviously, the entrance to the shower should be flat to allow the wheels to roll smoothly into and out of the shower.