Most people think nothing of taking a quick shower whenever they want, without difficulty or fear of injury. But for people with disabilities or mobility issues, taking a shower can be quite a chore, and the risk of falling and causing severe injury makes showers a scary prospect. Quality of life can be drastically improved with a seated shower. Here are some ways a seated shower will help.
Shower Seat Benefits
Safety. According to the CDC, over 150,000 people are injured in a shower or bathtub each year. Falls account for 81% of those injuries. Using a shower chair in a walk-in shower can prevent such accidents. Seating is especially needed for those who are elderly, in a wheelchair or have mobility difficulties. A seat will help reduce the risk of falling and the resulting expensive hospital bills. Hygiene. When someone is afraid of getting hurt in the shower, they might choose not to take one, but lack of hygiene can cause problems. Not showering can result in bacterial infections and body odor. Older adults are more susceptible to adverse effects from not bathing regularly.
Making showering or bathing as easy as possible for this age group should be the goal. Independence. Taking a bath or shower without assistance can help a person’s confidence and feeling of independence. They may be inspired to take more steps to maintain their mobility and quality of life. Small adjustments to their changing needs can help them feel in control. This sense of control and independence has an enormous impact on an elder’s mental health.
