Handicap showers or baths are made for wheelchair-bound people, or those with limited mobility.
Your first step in choosing a shower is to assess the needs of the person using it. Can the person walk without help? Are they able to step over a small step into the shower? Do they wish to be able to take a bath, or a shower? These are all questions you should ask yourself before deciding on what type of shower your want.
There are combination bath/shower units. These have a small step, but can have a ramp provided to eliminate the need to lift the feet over the step.
If the handicapped or elderly person cannot walk or does not wish to take a bath, there are a number of different handicap showers to choose from.
All handicap showers should include a barrier free entry or ramp to make getting into the shower easier. They should include a non-slip floor and grab handles in convenient places to prevent falls in the shower.
Most handicap showers have a fold-up seat. Usually, these seats allow wheel chairs to be rolled easily in and out of the shower.
Be sure to buy from a company that specializes in handicap showers and that they stand behind their work. They should guarantee all parts of the showers against breakage and leakage.
Your shower should fit in the existing spot that your old shower is in, or you will need to do major renovations to put your new shower in.
Prices vary greatly. So shop around, and compare warranties. You can find well-made units with warranties up to 25 years.
Accessories for Handicap Showers
Accessories make life more comfortable and pleasant for people with disabilities. Here are five accessories worth purchasing.
Handshower and Hose
Those with physical disabilities may not be able to stand up in a shower, either at all or for a long enough time. A handshower with a long hose is necessary for them to control the water as they shower. Standard shower hoses aren't long enough to reach if you're sitting down.
Grab Bars
To solve the issue of entering and exiting showers safely, install grab bars. Grab bars make it possible for the handicapped people to enjoy showers independently.
Shower bars come in different designs and various colors, including knurled, smooth or the popular shower-grip. The type of finish depends on your preference.
All are safe to use. As the name suggests, you can grab the bars to lift yourself up. Or you hold onto them to prevent slips and falls.
Barrier-Free Shower Doors
One of the great benefits of using barrier-free shower doors is that they direct water back into the tub, instead of spilling onto the floor. This provides a safety benefit, because the excess water won't be on the floor to create a slippery surface.
The way the doors open also makes it easier for someone with a wheelchair to enter and exit the shower. A regular shower door can be restrictive.
Bathroom Seats
Water can't damage bathroom seats, which are also mold-and-mildew-resistant. The bathroom seat is one of the more popular shower accessories. It allows someone to sit down and take a shower. Many seats fold up for easy storage, so that non-disabled persons in the home can use the same shower.
Shower & Commode Chair
You can take care of both your toilet and shower needs with one shower and commode chair. These have wheels for you to roll right into the shower. While in there, you won't have to worry about jumping out of the shower quickly to use the toilet.
The commode is attached to the chair for you to go to the bathroom while you take your shower. Find one with a foot rest that folds to make it even more comfortable to use. No installation is required.
Accessories for handicap showers make bathing less difficult. The time and energy you save make it well worth the money you spend.
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