Adaptive Shower Aids 

Elderly individuals and the disabled must take precautions against falling in their bathrooms.  This group of individuals is more prone to falling because of strength and balance deficits.  When these individuals fall they tend to suffer more serious injuries than the general population.  It is not uncommon to hear of an elderly person breaking their hip or wrists because of a fall within the bathroom.   Most bathtubs and showers are made out of porcelain or materials that are easy to clean but can be terribly slippery, especially in the presence of water and soap.  Small movements can cause individuals to slip or pull muscles easily. For this reason, people are frequently using adaptive shower aids to prevent injury in the bathroom.   

Types of Adaptive Shower Aids

The types of adaptive shower aids chosen depend on a person’s abilities and the availability of a caregiver. Some of the types of adaptive shower aids are as follows: 

• Shower Wall Grab Bars
• Bath Tub Grab Bars
• Non Slip Bath and Shower Mats
• Handheld Shower Heads
• Bath and Shower Seats
• Long Handle Body Scrubber and Body Washers

Shower Wall Grab Bars are stabilizing bars made out of a sturdy material. They are then mounted on to the side of the shower through the studs in the wall. This is the most stable way of mounting them. There are also suction cup grab bars, which are easy to use, but are not as sturdy since they are not drilled into the wall. Most of the shower wall grab bars are made of steel although, there are some made out of strong tensile plastic. 

 

Bathtub grab bars are very common when choosing adaptive shower aids. Bathtub grab bars are also referred to as tub rails. They attach over the side of the tub and are usually made of steel. Their primary function is to help people step into and out of the bathtub. They are frequently used in combination with shower wall grab bars.

 

These are some of the less expensive adaptive shower aids.  They provide improved safety for people at risk of falling in the bathroom. Bath mats are easy to install and can be cut down to fit inside of the bathtub. When purchasing a bath/shower mat, it is advised to purchase one that is mildew resistant. 

Handheld Shower Heads 

These adaptive shower aids are used most often by people who need to sit while taking their shower. They allow a person to properly clean themselves since they are unable to turn around well. These can be used with a diverter valve, which is a device that allows a person to change the water flow from the upper shower head to the lower one. That way, the rest of the family/caregivers can continue to use the shower as well.

Bath Seats – Shower Seats 

These adaptive shower aids are used by people who are unable to stand or who are prone to falling in the bathroom. Bath seats allow people to sit down in the base of the tub for bathing, and shower chairs sit up near the lip of the tub for people taking showers. Shower chairs can be made of various materials, such as steel or PVC plastic. They can be very basic with just a seat and rubber legs or as elaborate as tilt-in-space type shower chairs with locking casters.

Long Handle Body Scrubber and Body Washers

These adaptive shower aids are used to reach the back and lower parts of the body for proper hygiene.  These aids help people who have limited range of motion in their arms, trunk and neck. They are usually made of plastic and consist of a wand with a sponge or a scrub brush attached. For such a simple device, it certainly increases a person’s independence. 

Summary 

There are a variety of adaptive shower aids to help increase the safety of those prone to falling or injuring themselves in the bathroom. Many of these aids are readily available on the internet and are not very expensive. Don’t end up with a needless hospital visit, when prevention is so easily available. 

 Last update:  3/20/08

To contact us, please e-mail GlobalRehabTech@roadrunner.com