Shower Bench For The Elderly: Benefits, Installation, And Maintenance Tips

With age, daily activities like taking a shower have become more problematic. It is because of reduced mobility, body flexibility, lack of body balance or chronic pain. To this problem, a shower bench is the perfect solution.

It is a simple and transformative solution to promote safety, comfort and independence for older adults in the bathroom, one of the most accident-prone areas in any home. This article explores the benefits, installation and maintenance tips for shower benches for older adults.

Benefits Of The Shower Bench For Seniors

Some of the prominent benefits of the shower bench for the elderly are explained below.

Enhanced Safety And Independence

The primary reason behind the invention of this shower bench for seniors is to prevent a sudden fall. With age, senior people lose mobility, balance, and they suffer notable bathroom-related injuries on an annual basis by slipping on the wet floor.

The shower bench avoids the probability of accidents. It helps the elderly to sit on the chair or the bench while bathing, avoiding the requirement to balance on wet surfaces.

These shower benches not only secure the presence of elderly people in the bathroom but also reduce their dependency on third parties. Some seniors have always been independent, and they think they do not require a second person with him/her in the bathroom for taking a shower.

To solve this issue, shower benches are the perfect solution. They provide freedom to the seniors and do not require any assistance. It serves the purpose of not slipping on the wet floor and also eliminates the requirement of a caregiver.

Elderly Comfort

Old people find it tiring to stand for a long time under the shower. It lingers around if they are suffering from arthritis, heart conditions or frequent fatigue that worsens if extra pressure is imposed on the body. When they stand for a long time, the pressure increases.

Now, this shower bench provides a comfortable place to sit and take a bath. There is no additional pressure to stand for completing the bath and managing your routine hygiene tasks under the shower.

Hygiene Management

Old people should also focus on adequate hygiene slowly without rushing or getting worried, to avoid slipping on the wet surface.

So, even if they are not flexible enough to move their body parts, the shower bench comfort will allow them to sit and wash their hands or legs that they are not able to reach while standing.

Support During Recovery And Disability

During rehabilitation or after surgeries, older people can find standing difficult for a specific amount of time. Here comes a shower bench to your rescue to help older adults recover from temporary immobility or any surgeries like knee or hip replacement, which recommends not keeping pressure on the lower portion of the body.

Installation Of The Shower Bench For Aged Adults

A chronological installation process of the shower bench for seniors has been noted down here for you to avoid any external assistance.

Pre-Installation Processes

Before the installation of the shower bench in your bathroom, these are the stages that should be considered to give yourself a head start.

Space Evaluation

Before the installation, measure the shower area to ensure a comfortable fit of the bench. Otherwise, the misalignment can create unnecessary spacing issues and make the installation a tiring process.

Choosing The Perfect Shower Bench

Shower benches should be chosen based on the user's requirements, frequency of use and availability of the bathroom space. For example, if you need a permanent shower bench, then install it directly into the wall with folding adjustments.

Checking Weight Capacity

It is very important to avoid further accidents by falling from the chair. Standard shower benches support elderly people weighing 250 to 500 lbs. So if the patient weighs more than this, then customised shower benches need to be purchased.

Required Tools

The tools required to install shower benches are a drilling machine, stud finder, anchors, screws and a wrench. So, keep these tools handy so that you can avail them quickly.

Installation Steps

After considering the pre-installation tips, these installation steps for the shower bench in the bathroom are important.

Locating The Studs

To install a shower bench in the bathroom wall the most secure options are the screws and nuts used for wood. These screws provide strength when they are anchored directly to the stud.

Marking Mounting Points

The alignment of the shower bench should be at a comfortable height, especially 17 to 19 inches from the floor. Use a level marker to mark the exact points based on the height of the elderly person.

Drilling Pilot Holes

After marking the exact point, drill holes and insert wall studs.

Securing The Shower Bench

Attach the shower bench seat with screws. Before regular use, test it for extra security by applying gradual pressure.

Maintenance Tips

In order to maintain the durability and hygiene of the shower bench, the following maintenance tips should not be avoided.

Daily Cleaning

The shower bench should be cleaned at least once every week. Mild soap and lukewarm water are the cleaning agents.

For plastic shower benches, disinfectant spray is ideal to prevent bacterial formation. For wooden shower benches, special sealants and mild cleaners are important to prevent rot.

Damage Inspection

For a prolonged time, when a product is used, it depreciates. All the parts, joints, screws and frames of the shower bench should be inspected for instability so that accidents can be avoided. If any screw loosens or becomes rusty, then either fix it or replace it properly.

Avoid Prolonged Exposure To Moisture

To avoid the occurrence of mould or rust on the wooden or iron chairs, always keep the bench dry after use.

Rubber Tip Replacement As Per The Requirement

Sometimes the rubber tips of the shower benches lose their grip. Install the non-slip feet on the rubber tip to avoid any sudden fall of seniors.

Miscellaneous Activities

Under miscellaneous activities, reapplication of waterproof sealants for wooden shower benches, avoiding overloading and checking for stability before every use are mandatory. Within 6 to 12 months, replace waterproof sealants to maintain durability.

Do not overload the shower bench by exceeding the mentioned weight limit because it can compromise functionality and render it unable to fulfil its purpose.

Conclusion

At present, a shower bench for the elderly is not only a luxurious comfort item but is a clinical requirement. It is a safety help in minimising bathroom accidents. Now the shower bench installation is the most important part.

You can call for help to install a shower bench, or alternatively, you can install one at home using tools and techniques, either permanently or temporarily, as needed.