Especially if you’re trying to modify your bathroom to accommodate someone who is elderly, disabled, injured, or recovering from illness, a shower seat just makes sense. Even if no one in your home falls into one of those categories, consider this: bathroom falls are one of the leading causes of injury in the home. In fact, research shows that each year about 235,000 people over the age of fifteen are treated in an emergency room for a fall that occurred in the bathroom.
Shower seats can make your shower safer and reduce your risk of falling. They come in many styles, with features to suit a variety of needs. Wooden wall-mount, fold-down shower benches are functional and attractive. A transfer bench with a back can be quite heavy-duty and easy to assemble. If all you need is a simple, lightweight stool, a rotating bath seat with an adjustable height might be the perfect fit. If you’re looking for comfort, it’s easy to find a shower seat with a padded seat and armrests. Shower seats are available with a variety of weight limits and comfort levels, and they can be moveable or installed. The kind of shower chair you choose depends on your wants and needs.
When you’re choosing a shower chair, there are some factors you should take into consideration.
- How large is your shower or bathtub? Seats can be large or quite narrow, so it’s important to know the measurement of your space, in order to find the right size.
- How much weight will the chair need to support? Some shower seats are rated to hold only about 250 pounds, while others can support up to 450. Knowing what you need prevents you from choosing one too small or too large.
- Do you want a shower seat that’s fixed or an adjustable? Seats that are attached to the wall can fit with your décor and be as attractive as they are functional. However, if you don’t need a permanent shower seat, you might be better off with a seat you can take in and out of the shower as needed. Especially if you require the seat to be adjustable, that may be the way to go.
- Has your doctor weighed in on which particular type of shower seat is right for you? If a shower seat is recommended by your physician, make sure to ask questions about the kind of seat your doctor recommends. Your doctor knows your limitations and can give you helpful advice on which seat to choose.
Whether you’re ready for a major renovation or you just want to install some new safety features, when you’re ready to remodel your bathroom, trust the industry-leading team at Bath Planet of New Jersey. Our professional bath renovation company has been providing the best in cost-effective, luxurious bathroom renovations in and around Monmouth County for over thirty years, and has built a legacy of superior, customer-first bath remodeling solutions. Give us a call or request your free, no-obligation estimate!