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Shower Wheelchairs
Shower Wheelchairs that of taking a bath
One of the
more daunting activities of daily life that a person with
disabilities faces is that of taking a bath. For someone
without disabilities, this is certainly not an area of concern.
However for a person with mobility issues, the bathroom is a
risky and dangerous place. There are hundreds of people injured
in the bathroom each year and the disabled are at a higher risk
of slipping or falling and breaking a bone.
One solution to this problem is to buy and use a shower
wheelchair. A shower wheelchair can be rolled right into the
shower so one doesn't have to risk walking or standing on
slippery tile. Often times a shower wheelchair will double as a
commode since the designs are so similar.
A shower wheelchair is on wheels of course so that it
enhances mobility. The seat is cut out like a toilet seat so
the user can reach all parts of the body without having to
stand up. In addition, the armrests are usually removable if it
is safe for the user to do so. This allows for more freedom for
reaching all body parts. The chair is usually made of plastic
or rust proof steel so that it is waterproof. A backrest is
optional but provides comfort so it is recommended.
To get the full benefit from a shower wheelchair, one needs
to have the proper type of shower. It needs to be one that does
not have an edged threshold. The user should be able to wheel
right into the shower without having to pick the shower
wheelchair up. Of course, if a person is able to easily stand
for short periods, it might work out to leave the shower chair
in the shower and transfer the user to it. The user would also
benefit from a hand held shower attachment and lowered towel
rods in the shower. The shower wheelchair should be height
adjustable so the user can comfortably reach the shower
knobs.
Shower wheelchairs are not too expensive. They can be
purchased for $100 to $200. However, they can be purchased used
for much cheaper. For the purposes of a shower chair, buying a
used one would be acceptable. One probably wouldn't want to buy
an electric wheelchair used, but a shower wheelchair does not
have sophisticated parts that can break down. Just make sure
there are no cracks in the plastic and the casters roll
freely.
A shower wheelchair is a very useful piece of equipment for
those of limited mobility. They can make life easier to the
user and caregiver alike. They may even give the user total
independence in the bathroom and restore their ability to live
a comfortable life.
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