This article is focused on shower accessories that are used by someone in a wheelchair or using a walker. The key factors of any shower quality accessory are that the product is functional and safe. Ideally, the products increase or allow independent use by the individual showering.
All individuals, regardless of their abilities appreciate being independent, when it comes to bathing or showering. So it is extremely important that there is enough room to easily move into the bathroom or shower area with a wheel chair or walker. Depending on your shower room location, you may find removal of the door and suspending a curtain as a temporay screen is one of the simplest things to do in a pinch. However, another option to increased access through a doorway is to install a pocket door that slide out of the wall.
Decorative Shelf Supports
Shower stalls with no lip are great for access with wheelchairs or walkers or for someone with limited mobility. To assist with keeping the shower water in the shower stall, now there are collapsible water dams or retainers available on the net or in some medical supply retailers.
Grab Bars
A non lip shower stall, large enough for a wheel chair can be made of tiles or fibreglass. Serious consideration should be given to fibreglass because of the ease of cleaning and there are less tiny surfaces for mould to start to grow. Non slip surfaces are also very important when it comes to safety in a shower stall. Regardless if you have a tile or fibreglass shower stall, it is also important to consider the backing that you have behind your shower walls. Ideally, having ¾ inch plywood would provide the strength to mount grab bars anywhere in the shower. However most shower stalls are not built to this high standard, and therefore you may have to install your grab bars where there are wall support studs.
Shower Shelves and Towel Racks
These are great for putting your soap, shampoo and a person's bath towel. Consider installing these to an appropriate level in reach of all users, especially for someone using in a wheel chair, or on a shower chair or bench.
Shower curtain
No one in a wheel chair need a large heavy glass shower door to deal with especially when we are also striving for independence. Consider using a new unique shower curtain that creates a reusable water tight seal against any shower wall. This type of curtain is now available on the net and in some retail stores. These curtains are great for case workers, because they can be partially sealed to keep the aid worker from getting wet and provide protection to most surfaces from water damage
In closing, always remember to think about function and safety in choosing and installing your shower accessories.
