Six Considerations for Finding the Appropriate Shower Commode Chair

Are you shopping for a shower commode chair for yourself or someone you take care of? Of all of the human needs, being able to use the restroom and be cleaned are necessities that all of us have. Finding the best shower commode chair is an important part of having the right bariatric care for your disabled loved one.

However, shower commode chairs come in all shapes and sizes, and there is not a single right answer while identifying the best shower commode chair for your needs. While searching for geriatric chairs for the restroom and shower, you should take the following factors into consideration:

Six Considerations for Finding the Appropriate Shower Commode Chair

Durability

While shopping for geri chairs for the bathroom, you want to make sure that the chair you select is designed to be durable. You should consider the size of your loved one and the weight capacity of the chair, to ensure that it does not break while being used. The material the chair is made out of is another important consideration for this factor; the most durable shower commode chairs are made with a stainless steel frame. Also, you want to make sure that the casters and other components of the chair are equally durable. Your shower commode chair is only as strong as its weakest component.

Maneuverability

A good shower commode chair must be able to easily maneuver when you want it to, and also easily lock when you need it to be stationary. Look for a chair with casters that move in multiple directions, but also that provide directional locking when you need it to only go forwards and backwards, for the safety of the patient. Also, many bathrooms are fairly limited in space; make sure to consider the maneuverability in tight spaces, to gain the greatest functionality from the shower commode chair.

Ease of Use and Caregiver-Friendly

On the subject of functionality, a shower commode chair is only beneficial to the patient if it can easily be used. Make sure the shower commode chair you select is easily position-able by a caregiver, or the patient themselves. A good shower commode chair has removable sides, for transferring the patient from the chair to the bed or other wheelchairs, and flip up footrests for ergonomic comfort while using it.

Patient Comfort

While we’re talking about comfort, making sure the patient is comfortable while using their shower commode chair is an important consideration. Look for a shower commode chair that has a padded commode seat, since that is where a majority of the patient’s weight will lie. Other comfort factors include a padded headrest and the ability to tilt and recline the chair, so the patient is comfortable while being cleaned. If the patient needs it, finding a chair that has supportive one piece elevating leg rests is another great feature for additional comfort.

Safety

Obviously the safety of the patient and their caregiver is the most important consideration you should make while shopping for a shower commode seat. Look for a chair that has deep tilt and recline positioning features, as this prevents the patient from falling. Also, make sure the shower commode chair is exceptionally stable in
construction, so that there is no risk of it breaking while the patient sits in it.

Cost Effectiveness

Commode shower chairs easily cost hundred to thousands of dollars. For an investment of this nature, you want to make sure you get your money’s worth out of it. Before purchasing a shower commode chair, research the lifespan you can expect to get from it. Also, take into consideration the maintenance that will be required for it; purchasing a less costly shower commode chair is not worth the money if you have to put frequent money into its upkeep.

On this note, sometimes a shower commode chair is considered a necessary medical tool, and you may be able to get your health insurance to cover it. You want to look into your health plan coverage before purchasing a shower chair, so that you don’t pay out of pocket when it could have been covered.