Ordinarily, a good number of basic daily activities such as having a bath, vacuum cleaning, gardening, lawn mowing, and so on are best done in the standing position.
However, due to aging, elderly people are unable to stand for as much time as they used to, during their more active years. This explains why the best they can do is sit down while carrying out most tasks.
So, one of ways to make life easier for seniors is to provide them with specialized chairs for various activities. Bath chairs are typical examples.
According to senior health and safety professionals, bath chairs are about the most important bathroom aids for the elderly. Thanks to their weakened bones, having a bath unassisted without slipping, falling, or having to sit isn’t very feasible. And this is why every elderly senior needs a bath chair.
OUR TOP PICK
No products found.Duro-Med Heavy-Duty Sliding Transfer Bench Shower Chair
EDITORS CHOICE
No products found.MedMobile Bathtub Transfer Bench/Bath Chair
BEST VALUE
No products found.Shower Chair with Back by Vive
What are bath chairs?
Bath chairs, just as the name implies, are chairs that are strategically fitted into baths and shower rooms to provide stability and comfort for the elderly during baths. Also called shower chairs and bath seats, they are particularly important for elderly people with health conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, etc.
Although bath chairs come in various shapes and sizes, they are all designed serve the same purposes — provide stability and support.
Bath chairs generally have anti-slip surfaces and well-balanced footings. And they support almost any kind of body weight. Some of them come with additional features such as the adjustable height, the soap case attachment, rotating function, and the stand-up wall grip to provide support when standing up after use.
Why do elderly seniors need bath seats?
Bath chairs provide support for the elderly during the ‘now tedious’ task of having a bath. Just the thought of having to stand (for those using the shower) or sit back (for those using the bathtub) can be really unappealing to the elderly. Therefore, there is need for additional ‘sitting’ support.
Bath chairs also provide security for the elderly during the ‘now risky’ task of having a bath. Many deaths among seniors have been reported that resulted from bath tub slips and falls. But with bath chairs to the rescue, the risk of slips and falls is eliminated.
What to look for when buying bath chairs for seniors
There are quite a number of features you should look out for when shopping for a good bath chair for elderly seniors. And here are some of the most important ones.
- Seat padding: The padding of the bath chair is very important, as well-padded chairs provide more comfort than non-padded ones. Note, however, that an ideal bath chair should not be over-padded, as too much padding could also lead to discomfort.
- Rotation: Bath chairs with the rotation feature are more efficient than those that don’t. They allow the user to pick and drop things in the bathroom without having to twist, turn, or stand up.
- Rust-proof/anti-rust: Since they’re used during baths, bath chairs get drenched in a lot of water, which causes rust over time. This explains why those made with rust-proof materials or have an anti-rust feature should be favored over other types.
- Back/ arm support: Although this might not totally tilt your decision for or against an item, back and arm support on bath chairs is always an added advantage — especially for those looking to get the maximum comfort.
- Adjustable height: Because individuals vary in height, bath chairs with adjustable heights are better than those with fixed heights — for obvious reasons. Using a bath chair with a fixed height can be discomforting for seniors who find it too tall or too short for them.
Best bath chairs/ shower seats for the elderly: Our top picks
As with most other senior products, bath chairs of various brands and models abound in the market. And making the right choice can be quite challenging.
However, we’ve eased that task for you by scouring the online marketplace for high quality bath chairs and comparing them against each other based on buyer reviews, brand trust, and the features listed above.
And here are the best four we can proudly recommend.
OUR TOP PICK
Duro-Med Heavy-Duty Sliding Transfer Bench Shower Chair
No products found.The Duro-Med Heavy-Duty Sliding Transfer Bench Shower Chair is simply one of the very best shower chairs today money can buy. Fitted with a sliding transfer bench from wheelchairs and walkers, this shower seat is designed not just for the elderly, it also brilliantly tackles for the needs of elders who are less fortunate to be in wheelchairs or are dependent on walkers or rollators.
The shower seat itself is made of textured plastic and has back support – both of which are made of non-slip surface. Aside these clearly awesome and super impressive features, nylon straps lock and hold the seat of this shower apparatus in place to ensure an event or an unforeseen mishap.
What we like
- Transfer bench (perfect for elderly users who use a wheelchair, walker or rollator.
- Non slip surface.
- Nylon strap locks.
- Lightweight and easy to move.
- Tool free super easy assembly.
- Anti-back strain design.
What we dislike
- Some users would have loved the seat softer.
- Other customers (with small bathrooms) opined that the shower seat did not fit very nicely in their bathrooms.
Buyer opinions
The overall buyer opinion of this shower seat is awesome…users are in love with the transfer bench and love the fact that the seat is practically built and designed with the elderly and disabled in mind.
EDITORS CHOICE
MedMobile Bathtub Transfer Bench/Bath Chair
No products found.If you’re shopping for a bath chair that is excellently built and also incorporates a backseat that can be removed, 5 level height adjustments to fit you (whatever your height may be) and super easy transfer from a wheelchair or rollator, then, you should be taking a keen and interested look at the MedMobile Bathtub Transfer Bench/Bath Chair.
Made of legs that are sturdy, rustproof and slip proof, this shower chair is for the elderly gentleman or lady who is still interested in taking his/her shower on terms of their choosing and in grand style whilst doing so.
What we like
- 5 different height adjustments.
- Anti-rust and slip-proof suregrip legs.
- Ability to accommodate weights up to 250lbs.
- Optional (and removable) back rest.
- Seat can be assembled for either right or left hand applications.
What we dislike
- Users complained that the instructions that shipped with the shower seat did not help them much…common sense did.
- Some customers are not comfortable with the detailed and comprehensive design of the shower seat and would prefer something simpler.
Buyer opinions
The summary of buyers’ opinions of this shower seat is that it is easy to assemble, very sturdy and super practical to use.
BEST VALUE
Shower Chair with Back by Vive
No products found.Looking for a traditional chair that is fitted to actually look every inch as a day-to-day chair but with the rare functions and features of a shower chair? Your best bet is the Shower Chair with Back by Vive. Designed with full back support and two armrests, the shower chair looks every inch a traditional chair that also serves as an awesome shower seat.
Sporting an impressive lifetime guarantee (not warranty) and capable of bearing up weights to 300lbs, this lightweight shower chair is poised to provide you with impressive comfort whilst you seat securely and take your bath – a reality few bath chairs can match.
What we like
- Lifetime guarantee.
- Adjustable height.
- Support of up to 300lbs.
- Lightweight – and perfect for movement and travel.
- Arm support.
- Removal back design (so that a stool is got instead).
What we dislike
- Some customers opined that they would have loved the chair better if it had sturdier handles.
- Some users also complained that shipping was not particularly fast.
Buyer opinions
Buyers of this bath chair have opined that, they love the plethora of options this chair has. They also opined that they are impressed with how the features of the chair do not add unnecessary bulk to the overall design. In summary: great product with super awesome features.
RUNNER UP
Drive Medical Premium Series Shower Chair with Back and Arms
No products found.The back and arms support of the Drive Medical Premium Series Shower Chair and its adjustable height makes it the best bath chair for elderly people — in our humble opinion. The legs are straight and firm, and its arm-rest and back-rest are detachable for easier storage. The height can also be adjusted from anywhere between 16 inches to 20.5 inches, making it perfect for users of any height.
What we like
- Full support feature – back and arms rest.
- Not annoyingly heavy. Weighing in at just 8 pounds.
- Anti-slip seat surface, perforated for quick water passage.
- User weight support of 350 lbs.
- Sturdy anti-slip footholds.
- Ease of use (easy to assemble).
- Adjustable height for user comfort.
What we dislike
- No seat padding (can deter long use).
- The seat adjust sometimes may get stuck.
- Needs more maintenance due to its default color.
RUNNER UP
Drive Medical Bath Stool with Padded Rotating Seat
No products found.The Drive Medical Bath Stool is one of the bestselling bath chairs online, thanks to its thoughtfully crafted design, turgid structure, and tested durability. This bath chair isn’t the coolest looking but it sure strikes a fine balance between form and function. Its rotating seat makes picking and dropping items around a piece of cake. It can also support weights of over 300 lbs.
What we like
- Rotating seat (locking at every 90-degrees but can go the full 360)
- Seat padding for extra comfort.
- Not annoyingly heavy. Weight is just 7.4 pounds.
- Anti-rust body, which enhances durability.
- Can support user weights of over 300 lbs.
- Sturdy anti-slip footholds.
- Storage tray beneath for storing items.
What we dislike
- No arm and back support feature
- Some users complained that the padded seat needed some getting used to.
- Sometimes, the rotating screw beneath the seat gets jammed (greasing should solve this though).
RUNNER UP
Moen DN7105 Home Care Transfer Bench
No products found.The Moen DN7105 Home Care Transfer Bench is one of the bestselling bath chairs for many good reasons. Asides its welcoming aesthetic looks, it features an easy grip handle and a totally balanced base that rules out the risk of slipping. Its sports one of the widest seats and it’s resistant to corrosion.
What we like
- Wide seat for very easy rotation and transfer.
- Anti-slip grip and sturdy design and structure.
- User weight support of over 300 lbs.
- Anti-corrosion body with glacier finish.
- Very easy to use and assemble.
- Adjustable height with firm grip edges.
What we dislike
- The seat isn’t perforated for easy water drainage.
- Some users complained that it took some getting used to (they loved it afterwards).
- Weightier than other options.
- Body design requires extra maintenance (Cleaning).
RUNNER UP
Ez2care Adjustable Lightweight Shower Bench
No products found.When you hear the phrase, “Simplicity is the highest form of sophistication”, you might start thinking about the Ez2care adjustable shower bench. This nice bathroom companion comes with curved edges for extra security, sturdy anti-slip legs, and a perforated surface for easy water drainage. The height is also very much adjustable.
What we like
- Curved edges for extra security
- Very reasonable total weight at just 4 pounds.
- Anti-slip seat surface, perforated for quick water passage.
- User weight support of 250 lbs.
- Corrosion resistant aluminum legs.
- Ease of use (easy to assemble).
- Adjustable height from 12.5 inches to 16.5 inches.
What we dislike
- No seat padding (this can discourage long use).
- Tall users may find the seat hard to cope with.
Wrap-up
Above a certain age, there is no point trying to shower or take your bath without any direct assistance. One of the very many direct assistance you can use is a bath stool – or a shower seat – which we sincerely hope you have decided to acquire today.
Happy shopping – and a very safe bath!
Last update on 2023-12-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API