Showering with a shower chair provides stability and reduces the risk of falls, making personal hygiene safer and more accessible.
Using a shower chair involves a few simple steps, focusing on preparation, safe entry and exit, and proper seating during the wash.
Getting Started: Preparation
Before you begin, ensure everything you need is within easy reach. This minimizes the need to stand or stretch awkwardly while in the shower.
- Gather Supplies: Have your soap, shampoo, conditioner, washcloth, and towel ready and placed nearby on a shelf or hook accessible from the chair.
- Prepare the Area: Place a non-slip mat on the shower or tub floor, especially outside the chair area, for added traction. If applicable, ensure grab bars are securely installed and within reach.
- Check the Chair: Make sure your shower chair is stable and positioned correctly within the shower or tub.
Step-by-Step Guide to Showering
Follow these steps for a safe and effective shower using a chair.
Entering Safely
Carefully enter the shower or tub area. If stepping over a tub edge, use grab bars for support and take your time.
Seating Correctly
Once inside the shower area, position yourself to sit down. Lower yourself slowly onto the chair.
- Sit in the Center of the Chair: It is crucial that you always sit in the center of your shower chair while bathing. The surfaces of your shower chair will get slick with soap and water as you bathe, and you could easily slip off the edge if you are not careful to stay in the middle.
Washing While Seated
Once seated, turn on the water and adjust the temperature. Direct the showerhead towards yourself or use a handheld shower sprayer. Wash your body and hair as usual while maintaining a stable seated position.
Rinsing
Rinse off all soap and shampoo thoroughly. Ensure you are still securely seated in the middle of the chair as the wet and soapy surfaces can be slippery.
Exiting Safely
Turn off the water. Use your towel to pat yourself dry while seated as much as possible before attempting to stand. When ready to exit, use grab bars for support as you stand up slowly and carefully step out of the shower or tub.
Important Safety Tips
Using a shower chair is a great step towards safer bathing, but combining it with other safety measures is best.
- Install grab bars for support when entering, exiting, and sitting.
- Use non-slip mats inside and outside the shower/tub.
- Ensure adequate lighting in the bathroom.
- Check the water temperature before getting under the spray to prevent burns.
- Consider having someone nearby or checking in on you if you have significant mobility challenges.
By following these steps and always prioritizing safety, especially by sitting securely in the center of the chair, you can have a comfortable and safe shower experience.
