The older you get, the harder it is to meet your basic hygiene needs. Climbing into the bathtub becomes a hassle and a dangerous one at that, and if you have strength and endurance problems, it’s difficult to stand in the shower for long periods of time.
In such cases, you may benefit from a wall-mounted shower seat. As the name suggests, these chairs fix to the wall in your shower. Just walk in, sit down, and get cleaned up. If you combine this seat with a handheld showerhead and/or a waterfall showerhead, even better!
Who Can Benefit from Wall-Mounted Shower Seats?
If you have trouble standing for long periods of time and feel like you need to cling onto the wall or door of the shower, consider investing in a wall-mounted seat. This is true for many elderly users, as it’s tiring for them to stay standing while cleaning themselves at the same time.
Other people who may benefit from a wall-mounted shower seat include:
- People in rehabilitation following an injury or surgery
- Individuals with chronic leg or back pain
- Pregnant women
- People with chronic fatigue
- Disabled individuals
What to Look for in a Wall Mounted Shower Seat
These mobility products are relatively simple, but that doesn’t mean they are all made to the same high standard. There are many features to consider, so keep these in mind to ensure you get the best product for your money.
Installation
How easy is the seat to install and do you have the tools or the assistance needed? More importantly, can it be installed in your shower without causing damage to the walls?
Materials
Does it use a strong, reliable, and durable material; is the seat soft and comfortable? A lot of mobility products sold under generic names are made using cheap plastic and they may not provide the support that you need.
Weight Capacity
It’s important to consider the weight capacity of any mobility product. Exceeding this won’t necessarily break the product, but it will place it under unnecessary strain and there is no guarantee that it will remain strong and effective. Overweight individuals should always check the weight capacity and look for heavy duty options if they weigh more than 300 pounds.
Maintenance and Anti-bacterial Properties
The seat will be fixed in a warm and moist environment—the perfect conditions for bacteria and mold. Some seats feature anti-bacterial and mold-resistant properties to prevent problematic growth. At the very least, the seat should be easy to clean.
Stability
If you’re concerned about your weight or the strength of your walls, look for a shower seat with legs. It will still attach to your wall, but the legs provide added support and take some of the strain off the wall.
The Best Wall-mounted Shower Seats
You can find a wide range of quality shower seats at Amazon.com. These vary in price, but you can get some very good ones for less than $200. We have browsed the site and found the best products while keeping all of the above features in mind. These have been highlighted below.
CSI Bathware SEA-WB1815-NH-PHSLO
Priced at around $100 with a strong and supportive design, this seat can hold up to 500 lbs., is easy to clean, and features a waterproof and rust-proof design. It manages to be both stylish and practical, although it’s not as soft as we would like.
On the plus side, it folds up when not in use, which is ideal if you live in a house with multiple family members and don’t want the seat to get in their way.
CSI Bathware SEA-SD2216-NH-PA ADA
In terms of aesthetics, we prefer all the other seats on this list. It doesn’t look anywhere near as impressive and doesn’t fold-up either, so it’s not ideal if you live in a house with other people. However, it is the only one with legs, which may be more suitable for certain shower walls, and it has the most comfortable seat.
Clevr Teak Wood Modern Folding Seat
If you have a fully renovated and stylish bathroom that you don’t want to spoil with a plastic-looking shower seat, this could be the perfect option. It features a chrome and wood design and looks spectacular, just like a seat in a Swedish sauna.
It spans 20 inches in length and is available for less than $130. Of course, it’s not as practical as some of the other options and may be a little tough on your backside, but if it’s style that you’re looking for you can’t go wrong.
Jcwangdefu Folding Shower Seat in White
The brand is a mouthful and a spelling mistake waiting to happen, but it seems to produce some very good shower seats, and this is one of the best. It is a stylish seat that can fold up and down and can take up to 440 lbs. The price comes in at less than $180, and you get a lot of quality for your money.
There aren’t many customer reviews for this particular product, but there is a 90-day return policy and because you’re buying from Amazon, you’re guaranteed good after-sale service.
Other Mobility Products for the Bathroom
If wall-mounted shower seats aren’t quite what you’re looking for, take a look at the following bathroom aids. The best products for you will depend on your budget, bathroom, and mobility aids. The options include:
- Bath Transfer Seats: A seat that sits halfway inside and halfway outside the bath, making it easy for the user to sit on and slide along. Bathtubs are huge hazards for elderly users and these seats can remove much of that risk and provide a safer bathing experience.
- Reclining Shower Seats: Available with and without wheels, these seats provide a complete and comfortable experience, making life easier for elderly patients with mobility issues, as well as their caregivers.
- Grab Bars: Always a useful tool, these bars give you support when and where you need it most. Place them near the toilet, bath, shower, and door, as well as other areas in which you struggle to perform essential duties.
- Toilet Supports: If you struggle to use the toilet, a grab bar may not be sufficient. Instead, consider purchasing a toilet frame, which is secured to your toilet and has handlebars on either side. You can also look at a toilet seat riser, which adds up to 7 inches to the seat.
- Commodes with Wheels: Commodes offer patients a little privacy and make life easier for caregivers. Many of these toilet chairs are made using waterproof and rust-proof materials and can be rolled into the shower.