Wheeled Shower Chairs

Shower chairs with wheels are mobile seats designed to be used in wet environments and in some cases inside the shower itself.

Many look similar to conventional wheelchairs, while others appear more like commodes with wheels.

Often a shower wheelchair will double-up as a mobile commode.

Those with mobility difficulties, regular wheelchair users, or people living with certain conditions associated with old age.

Most are transit, also known as attendant-propelled, wheelchairs.

This means they have small wheels both at the front and rear.

There is a minority which are self-propelled and have the familiar large pushing wheels at the back.

For ease of transfer, some models do indeed have armrests which can either be removed completely, drop down or flip up out of the way.

This makes the wheelchair more accessible for side transfers.

They range from simple moulded seats on lightweight metal frames, through to robust, high weight-tolerance, self-propelling wheelchairs.

The lighter models tend to have small, lockable castor wheels, while the other more robust models have more substantial wheels.

The larger models often feature armrests, as well as padding both on the arms and backrest.

These more substantial chairs also have footrests, which can be flipped up out of the way if they’re not being used.

All wheeled chairs in this category have drainage holes or slots in their seats, preventing the build-up of standing water.

Yes, many shower wheelchairs are big enough for this purpose and feature an aperture that allows them to be rolled over a toilet pedestal.

Many have U-shaped seats, with a large cut-out section at the front.

This enables the individual to use the toilet without leaving the wheelchair.

There are plenty of chairs designed to be used under running water.

This is ideal if the individual needs to remain seated while washing.

Wet rooms or large shower cubicles designed specifically for wheelchair access are suitable for this type of wheelchair.

Most wheelchairs for the shower have wheels which can be locked in position.

This means the user can undertake their washing tasks from a position of stability.

Even lightweight chairs have castors which may be locked into position.

Yes, there are models which have a weight capacity of 30 stone, making them suitable for heavier individuals.

These models are made from reinforced steel and have wider dimensions than standard wheelchairs.

Some wheeled models do indeed come with padding both on the seat, the armrests and the back.

This makes them more comfortable for those who need them regularly, as well as guarding against skin damage for those vulnerable to it from minor collisions.