For those with reduced strength, balance and co-ordination problems showering safely can be a real problem.
In addition, wet surfaces add to the risk of someone slipping and falling over in the shower.
Simple shower seats for the elderly can make a big difference to helping a person manage this regular activity of daily living safely.
Many of the shower seats are lightweight, sturdy and can easily fit into the smallest shower enclosure giving you increased independence and confidence with your personal care.
These portable seats are available in a wide ranges of sizes and designs.
What different styles are available to use ?
With / without arm support
Folding shower seats and chairs
Wheeled shower seats
Wall mounted versions
Best Shower Seats for the Elderly 2022
Many of the shower seats or chairs have back support as well, unlike a simpler bath or perching stool, which gives you more stability when sitting, particularly when you are tired.
It very much depends on your individual need and preference, take the time to consider what is the most practical and affordable option for you before purchasing.
Shower seats & chairs (with arm support)
The Homgrace Aluminum Alloy Medical Shower Stool Bath Seat is lightweight and easy to move around.
It comes with a fully sealed comfortable seat and backrest. The armrests and legs can be adjusted for the correct height for you.
It also has slip resistant, non-marking rubber ferrules to hold it firmly in place when you shower.
With its solid and sturdy support it gives the user added confidence when bathing, and is a popular style and choice for a lot of people.
If you are a looking for a simpler option then the NRS Healthcare Height Adjustable Stackable Chair be a good choice.
This chair has back support but perhaps doesn’t offer quite the same comfort as the Homgrace shower stool.
- Height adjustable sturdy frame
- Chair is fitted with anti-slip ferrules for increased stability and security
- Integral arm supports for added comfort
- Comfortable and durable moulded plastic seat with drainage holes and supportive back
Strength and stability are an important part of any shower seat, as it will be something that probably has a lot of use over time. This is where the ERN Shower Seat is ideal with its high strength and durability in wet environments.
The seat can be easily adjusted to 6 different height settings to accommodate the different size user, and has a maximum weight of 200kg.
Shower seats & chairs (without arm support)
If you have good sitting balance and don’t tire easily then you could easily manage a shower seat without back support as well as without arms.
They tend to be a little more compact taking up less space in the shower, and are better suited for people with limited space available.
The Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare Rotating Rounded Shower Stool with Swivel Seat
It also provides easy access in and out of the shower, particularly useful for someone who has reduced strength or poor co-ordination.
The seat is height adjustable in 2cm increments with a simple push button operation, and can easily be removed for cleaning.
Another simple shower seat is the Days Height Adjustable Perching Shower Stool 
It has non-marking slip resistant rubber feet for good stability, and the slight incline of the seat lowered at the front makes it easier to transfer on and off it.
Folding Shower seats and chairs
When space is an issue, or perhaps other household members also use the shower, then you might want to consider trying a folding shower seat.
Lightweight and compact, they can be left either in the shower when not in use, or in the bathroom for easy access.
Also, they can be easily folded away for storage, or if needed when travelling, or on holiday.
The Aidapt Shower Stool has a concave textured plastic seat offering good support when sat on, and even with its lightweight aluminium frame is able to accommodate a user weight of 136kg (21 Stones).
For extra support the stool has integral hand support to steady yourself, and 8 adjustable height settings.
If you want a portable, compact folding shower seat but also need back support then you could try this Lightweight folding shower seat chair with backrest
It has drainage holes in the bath seat to reduce the chance of slipping, and a durable corrosion proof frame.
Wheeled Shower seats & chairs
Wheeled shower seats are suitable for someone who has a walk in shower or wet room. They are often used by a person with restricted or poor mobility.
Who might need this type of seat ?
Someone who has poor mobility and has reduced strength / balance or co-ordination when walking
Someone who has difficulty or unable to manage stepping in / out of their existing shower
(they have adapted their shower to a wet room)
Someone who needs a secure seat with adequate back and arm support
Things to consider when buying a Wheeled Shower Seat or Chair
Correct Support – Does the seat have adequate support when in use. Arm, back and on some seats headrest helps a person’s stability and support when washing.
Stability – Check that the seat has lockable swivel castor wheels on it for extra support when in use, and increase user safety.
Space – The dimensions of the chair are important. Consider the space available to you – width of doorways and access in and out of the bathroom.
Weight – Check the products maximum user weight capacity as many have different restrictions. Also, check the weight of the chair as very often a family member or carer will be pushing the chair – you may need a lightweight version to manoeuvre easily.
Storage – Some shower seats have storage pockets to allow toiletries, such as shampoo or soap to be accessed easily.
Durability – The construction of the wheeled seat is very important. Ideally aluminium is a good choice as it is not only lightweight, but also rust and corrosion free.
Comfort – Padded comfortable cushion support is useful, particularly for people with pressure sores, or arthritic pain.
Combined with Commode – Do you need a basic wheeled seat or is an integrated commode chair a better option. Many of the wheeled shower chairs double up as commode chairs, which saves the expense of buying a separate fixed or glide about commode.
Footrests – Do you require integrated foot plates – many are height adjustable and also detachable.
Wall mounted Shower seats & chairs
If you are looking for a permanent fixture in your shower or wet room, then wall mounted shower seats for the elderly are ideal.
When not in use it can easily be folded away, and is particularly useful if other household members also use the shower.
There are many different styles and designs available to choose from, so here are some important things to consider before purchasing one –
Wooden or plastic – which is your preferred choice ?
Do you want it to match with your existing colour scheme / design in bathroom ?
Do you need arm support when sat or can you manage without any ?
Do you want added leg support ?
Comfort and support – do you need padded arm rests, back or seat cushioning when sat ?
Check the maximum user weight
Do you need a flat or curved seat ?
Benefits of using a Wall Mounted Shower seat or chair
- Easy to fit and unobtrusive – useful if space is a limiting factor
- Adjustable leg height – this allows the seat to be positioned either level, with a slight incline, or recline as required
- Ideal if you have an uneven floor surface
- Easily fitted to any type of wall construction
Bariatric Shower Seats & Chairs
For many heavier or bariatric users, there are also a large comprehensive range of showering seats available to help you, where style and functionality has not been compromised. Here are some of the popular choices available –
The Aidapt Portland Bariatric Padded Back Shower Stool
It has side arms and comfortable back support, and is able to accommodate a maximum user weight of 254kg (40 Stones).
Also in the Aidapt Portland range is the Bariatric Adjustable Shower Stool which is wider to accommodate bariatric use. In addition to the easy removeable clip on / clip off perforated top which helps you easily clean the stool, it has good solid side arm support.
If you need an integrated shower / commode seat then the Homecraft Atlantic Bariatric Commode and Shower Chair with Footrests 
The chair is manufactured in a plastic coated steel, easy to manoeuvre and comes with detachable armrests and footrests support which easily fold away.
It also has a front cut-out at the front of the seat to enable easier personal cleaning.
The chair looks stylish with its attractive blue finish which is colour coordinated in both the brake castors and upholstery.
It is available in two widths and has a maximum user weight of 225Kg (35 Stones).
Best Shower seats for the elderly 2022
Hopefully, the above information provides a comprehensive guide to choosing the best shower seats for the elderly.
Consider the various options available to you, as each person will have their own individual specific needs as to what style and type of seat they need.
If you have any questions, or other products you are interested in or need reviewing, please do not hesitate to contact me at mark@elderlyfallsprevention.com and I will be happy to answer any queries.
Really helpful review. I was about to purchase one for my grandma and thanks to your review I decided that I am going to get the wall mounted as it seems like the best solution in my case.
I am glad you found the information useful for you and your grandma. Please get in touch if you have any questions about other products, and I will gladly try and help.
I use several of the things in this article. I have the armed shower chair, I have assist handles mostly in my bathroom. I also have a armed chair type gadget on my toilet to help me get up. I have Lupus so I need assistance. I signed up for your news letter. Very informative and useful information. Thankbuou.
Thanks Deborah for your comments. Please feel free to check out the rest of my website for advice, products and information on ways to prevent falls.
Mark,
fortunately I or non of my family are in a position whereby they would requite the use of these product just yet.
you have explained the use of all these wonderful products very well and they are quite superb innovation in technology.
I didn’t know these existed so I’ve discovered something new
thanks for this
Oliver, thanks for checking out shower seats for the elderly. If you need any help or advice in the future, or know of friends and family who need information, please get in touch and I will be happy to help.