5 Best Shower Chairs for Dementia Patients
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Are you looking for the safest shower chair for a dementia patient? A shower chair reduces the chances of falling on the slippery and moist bathroom floor. Shower chairs are also a boon for the elderly, someone with an injury, or wheelchair-ridden individuals. Good quality shower chairs are equipped with armrests, backrests, and rubber tips for safety. In this post, I share five of the best shower chairs for dementia patients.
Jump Directly to:
- Best Overall – Drive Medical RTL12505 Handicap Bathroom Bench
- Best Seller – Medline Shower Chair Bath Seat
- Best Value – Vaunn Medical Adjustable Shower Chair
- Best New Release – Carex Swivel Shower Stool
- Best Affordable – Ez2care Shower Bench
Here are the 5 best shower chairs for Dementia patients
1. Drive Medical RTL12505 Handicap Bathroom Bench
best overall
The Drive Medical RTL12505 Handicap Bathroom Bench is a type of shower bench designed for people with mobility difficulties or disabilities. It is made of durable, lightweight plastic and features non-slip tips on the legs to provide stability and safety while in use.
The bench has a weight capacity of up to 300 pounds and is adjustable in height to accommodate users of different heights. It also includes a removable backrest for added comfort and convenience.
This bathroom bench is an ideal solution for people who need assistance getting in and out of the shower or bathtub, as it provides a secure and comfortable seating area.
Drive Medical RTL12505 is suitable for:
This bench is suitable for individuals who need help with bathing, toileting, or grooming, as well as for those who are recovering from surgery or injury. It is also a suitable solution for individuals who are aging or have disabilities and are looking for a safe and comfortable way to navigate their bathroom.
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to clean
- Non slip surface
- Travel friendly
Cons
- Limited weight capacity
- Limited space
2. Medline Shower Chair Bath Seat
best seller
Medline shower chair bath seat is rated number one by the healthcare department of the United States. This product is designed, manufactured, and marketed by America’s top mobility and bath safety aids maker. Medline Industries Inc. is headquartered in Northfield, Illinois.
You have arrived at the right place if you are looking for a tried and trusted shower chair for an elderly person with dementia. Medline shower chair bath seats are one of the highest-selling products in the bath safety equipment category.
Showering or bathing a dementia patient is no easy task. The difficulty level of the job goes up with patients in the later stages of the disease. This is where the patient begins to lose grip on reality. A good-quality shower chair can make a caregiver’s job easy and risk-free.
This chair comes with a few additional features compared to the one by Essential Medical Supply. The appearance and built quality are almost the same. Both chairs are fully customizable and easy to assemble. You don’t need any special tools for that.
This product is fairly heavy-duty. It weighs 71.3 pounds, way heavier than a standard plastic chair. The total height of this chair is 23.62”. And the seat width is 16.5”. This chair has a weight-bearing capacity of 350lbs, 50 pounds higher than the industry standard.
Furthermore, you don’t have many options when it comes to choosing the color. The chair has a bare aluminum frame. And the seat is off-white with a hint of beige. The removable arms are padded with hand grips. The padded arms support the occupant when getting in and out of the chair.
This chair comes with a comfortable backrest. A dementia patient can bathe by themselves without worrying about tipping over and falling backward. Nevertheless, you can always remove the backrest if you find it surplus for your requirement.
Also, the legs are height adjustable with easy-to-use push buttons. For the utmost safety of an occupant, it is recommended that you adjust the height according to their body type and weight. It is always good to keep the height of the chair low for short and stocky individuals.
Medline Shower Chair Bath Seat is Suitable For:
This is one of the best shower chairs for dementia patients in the later stages of the disease. The chair is designed and built to keep the occupants safe and comfortable while showering or bathing. This chair will help mitigate the risks involved in letting a dementia patient step on a slippery bathroom floor.
Pros
- Healthcare’s number one choice in mobility and bath safety aids
- Fully compatible with other bath accessories
- Affordably priced
- Easy and tool-free assembly
- Legs are height adjustable with push buttons
- Rust-resistant aluminum frame
Cons
- The instruction manual can be improved. Some of the instructions can be hard-to-understand
- The bolts begin to rust if not properly dried after use
- The washers(metal beneath the rubber feet) are low quality
3. Vaunn Medical Adjustable Shower Chair
best value
Vaunn adjustable shower chair with a removable back is designed to provide ultimate comfort and fully meet the needs of users who are confined with limited mobility. It is one of the best shower chairs for Dementia patients.
The chair can be assembled tool-free simply by following the instructions laid down in the manual. Some components can be adjusted for customized support. Plus its contoured, high-density polyethylene seat provides more comfortability than any other shower chair on the market.
The shower seat comes with an aluminum frame that can support weight up to 250lbs. It has 2 built-in side handles for easy picking it up and moving it around. The seat is wider than the previous model, making it more comfortable. It also has drainage holes on the seat to drain water better and reduce slipping. The back support can be used or not based on your loved one’s preference.
This chair offers Dementia patients an opportunity to soak and relax at home. The chair seat is a sturdy, non-skid aluminum frame with an angular design and non-skid rubber tips that allow the weight of your loved one to be distributed over a large area making the seat ultra-stable.
Vaunn Medical Adjustable Shower Chair is Suitable For:
This stylish shower chair is a necessity for Dementia-affected individuals with mobility problems who want to enjoy a soothing warm bath. It comes equipped with non-skid rubber tips, ergonomically designed polyethylene seat and removable back support, 4 heavy-duty casters (two lockings) making it very stable and safe.
The extra height adjustable legs allow users to easily adjust the height either sitting down or standing up.
With an ultra-cushioned textured seat and back support, this chair is also padded with breathable mesh fabric for extra comfort. Sturdy legs allow for stability, as adjusting the height is effortless with the convenient tool-free assembly feature.
Pros
- Ultra-comfortable chair for those who wish to bathe in a cozy and snug environment
- Reputed and trusted brand
- Removable backrest
- Versatile
Cons
- Weight capacity is 250 lbs, not meant for folks heavier than that
4. Carex Swivel Shower Stool
best new release
Carex brings you a unique shower chair for dementia patients who seek freedom of movement while bathing in a tub. This product is made on US soil. Carex Health Brands, Inc. is headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Founded in 1976, it is a household name in the Midwestern US.
The Carex swivel shower stool is designed for dementia patients who wish to bathe or shower in a seated position. Dementia patients in the early stages of the condition can perform the activities of daily living (such as bathing) by themselves. This shower stool fits the bill for such individuals.
The 360-degree rotating seat ensures easy entry and exit from the bath. The rotating seat also makes the caregiver’s job easy. The patient can force themselves in the desired direction. This makes it easy to apply soap in hard-to-reach areas of the body.
Also, note that the lightly padded seat remains secure once the occupant rests their bottom on its surface. To make it rotate, the occupant has to let go of some weight from the seat. They can do this by lifting their body up or bending forward/sideways with the help of a caregiver.
It’s true that the armrests, handles, and backrest offers much-needed safety and comfort. But these accessories restrict the freedom of movement. They also increase the total weight of the chair, making it hard to transport. The Carex swivel shower stool weighs just 4.4lbs.
Carex swivel shower stool is height adjustable. It adjusts from 15.5″ to 20.6″, in one-inch intervals. The legs are made of lightweight aluminum, whereas the seat is a durable plastic material. The seat is 13” wide– spacious enough for a large person.
Carex Swivel Shower Stool is Suitable For:
This shower chair is suitable for occupants who seek complete freedom of movement while bathing or showering. Also, the 13” wide seat is round in shape.
Occupants with a variety of body types can find comfort in this chair. For instance, a large person can place their bottom on the seat comfortably. There are sharp edges on the seat.
Furthermore, this shower stool is lightweight and compact. Caregivers can lift it with a single hand. The stool can easily fit in a storage compartment or a closet. As long as the stool is cleaned and dried after use, caregivers need not worry about its longevity.
One last thing, the metal washers can be replaced with rust-resistant ones. You can get them in a nearby hardware store. This is only if the washers catch rust and begin to damage the bathroom floor.
Pros
- Affordably priced
- Innovative design
- Easy to assemble
- Compact, lightweight, and easy-to-transport
- Does not slip even in soapy water
- Suited for both tub and shower
Cons
- The metal washers (present inside the rubber feet) are prone to rust
- No support for arms and lower back
- The seat is not sufficiently padded
5. Ez2care Shower Bench
best affordable
You can provide your loved one a spa-like experience with this shower bench from Ez2care. Whether a dementia patient wishes to bathe on their own or seek assistance from a caregiver, this shower bench transforms the bathing experience.
The innovative design of this product makes it suitable for both showering and bathing. A standard-sized bathtub has a width of 26”. This shower fits perfectly in most bathtubs available on the market. The total width of this shower chair is 17”. You can also fit it inside a small-sized bathtub.
Not all dementia patients prefer to be seated for the entire duration of the bath. With this bench placed in the front of the tub (just under the showerhead), they can switch between standing and sitting. Likewise, caregivers can place this bench on the edge of the tub so they can wash the occupant with ease.
This shower bench requires minimal assembly. You don’t need to use any tools. There is no confusion or frustration during assembly. You get five equal-sized screws. They can be tightened with bare hands. Also, the legs are made from corrosion-resistant anodized aluminum.
Anodising enhances the aesthetic qualities of the metal frame. It also increases the durability of the metal, hence more load-bearing. The Ez2care shower bench can handle 250lbs without any issues.
The broad seat comes with a curved profile. The two built-in side handles help while rising and sitting.
The surface of the seat is perforated. Even when the occupant is lathered with soap, they won’t slip off the bench.
Having said that, a caregiver must periodically check the tightness of the screws. Sitting on this bench with loose screws can be fatal for the occupant.
Of the other shower chairs on the market, this one from Ez2care is the best affordable for Dementia patients.
Ez2care Shower Bench is Suitable For:
This shower bench is ideal for elderly people with cognitive conditions such as dementia. Not to mention, even injured unable to stand can make the best out of this shower bench.
Ez2care shower bench can also be used for personal grooming purposes. Some dementia patients prefer to perform grooming activities such as shaving, hairdressing, pedicure, etc at home.
Caregivers or family members of a dementia patient can groom them while they sit comfortably on this shower bench. The height can be easily adjusted for specific applications.
Furthermore, this chair is designed for assisted bathing. A caregiver can help a dementia patient bath based on the level of assistance needed. Caregivers can also use this bench during undressing a dementia patient.
Pros
- Affordably priced
- Compact and lightweight design
- Legs are made from corrosion-resistant anodized aluminum
- Can be used for a variety of applications
- Side handles come to the rescue when standing up or sitting on the bench
- Facilitates better posture when bathing
Cons
- This bench is not designed for standing on it
- Aggressive straddling can damage the bench
- No support for arms and spine
How to pick the right shower chair for someone with Dementia?
Picking the right shower chair for a person with dementia can be a bit overwhelming, but with the right information, it can be a breeze.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind while shopping for a shower chair:
1. Safety First: Look for a chair with non-slip feet to prevent slipping and sliding in the shower. A sturdy and well-balanced design will provide additional safety and stability.
2. Comfort: Make sure the chair is comfortable for the person with dementia. A padded seat and backrest can provide extra comfort and support. Consider adjustable height and tilt features to ensure the person is at a comfortable angle while showering.
3. Easy to Clean: Look for a chair that is easy to clean and maintain. A chair made of plastic or metal that is easy to wipe down will be less stressful for both the resident and the caretaker.
4. Adjustable: A shower chair with adjustable height and tilt options will make it easier for caretakers to provide the resident with a comfortable shower experience, regardless of their height and mobility level.
5. Portability: If the resident needs to be moved frequently, consider a shower chair with wheels for easy maneuverability.
6. Affordability: Shower chairs can be expensive, so it’s important to choose one that is within your budget. Keep in mind that a higher-priced chair may be more durable and have more features, but it may not always be necessary to purchase the most expensive option.
How to safely transfer a senior person on a shower chair?
Safely transferring a senior person on a shower chair requires a little extra care and attention.
Here are some tips to make the process as smooth as possible:
Gather all necessary supplies: Before starting the transfer, gather all necessary supplies such as a shower chair, non-slip mat, towel, and any other items the senior person may need.
Position the shower chair: Place the shower chair in a secure and stable location in the bathroom. Make sure the legs of the chair are evenly balanced on the ground.
Prepare the senior person: Encourage the senior person to sit on the edge of a nearby bed or chair and take off any shoes, socks, or other clothing that could get wet during the transfer.
Use a gait belt: A gait belt is a useful tool for transferring a senior person safely. Place the belt around the senior person’s waist and make sure it is secure. I found this affordable gait belt online, check it out.
Encourage the senior person to stand up: Gently encourage the senior person to stand up with your help and support. If the senior person is unsteady, use the gait belt to help steady them.
Move to the shower chair: Slowly and carefully move the senior person to the shower chair. Make sure they are seated comfortably and securely.
Transfer safely: Use the gait belt and your arms to support the senior person as they move to the shower chair. Make sure the senior person is seated comfortably and securely before letting go.
Monitor the senior person: Stay with the senior person during the shower and monitor their safety. Make sure the senior person does not slip or fall from the shower chair.
By following these simple tips, you can safely transfer a senior person on a shower chair and ensure they are comfortable and secure during their shower.
I hope this post on the best shower chairs for dementia patients was helpful. Leave a comment below if you have any questions.
