You’ll probably have no idea how much you need a mobility shower until you have to use one. Even if you’re not facing a medical crisis, it’s still something that can come in handy when the situation demands it. This article covers everything you need to know about mobility showers and why they are so important in everyday life. You’ll learn what types of mobility showers are available, the benefits they provide, and much more. Keep reading for insight on this helpful bathing aid.
What is a Mobility Shower?
A mobility shower is a device that allows you to shower in a standing position, which can make the experience much easier for people with certain ailments. It is important that you understand what a mobility shower is before you buy one, as it’s helpful to know what your options are. Mobility showers are designed to make it easier to bathe if you have a limited range of motion anywhere on your body. They are typically meant for people who may not be able to stand in a traditional shower, or who would have difficulty doing so. There are several varieties of mobility showers available, and they can be helpful to a large range of people.
The Importance of Mobility Showers
If you’re facing a medical crisis and your mobility is limited, you may feel like you can’t take even the simplest of tasks. Bathing is one of these tasks that you may feel is impossible, but it isn’t. You may feel like you have no choice but to ask for help with every little thing, but there are plenty of things you can do to ease the burden on your loved ones. One of the simplest things you can do to help yourself is to invest in a mobility shower. Mobility showers help make the act of bathing possible even if you’re limited by a medical condition. If you’re dealing with something like arthritis, for example, taking a traditional shower can be very difficult.
Types of Mobility Showers
If you have ever had to take care of an older loved one, you know that bathing them can be an issue. Many older people lose their balance and muscle strength, making it difficult to stand for long periods of time. This can make showering nearly impossible, which can prove to be dangerous. If you’re caring for someone who is experiencing issues with their mobility, you’ll want to find a bathing device that will make things easier. The good news is that there are several bathing aids that can help make your loved one’s life easier without having to install a whole new shower system here are some ideas.
Bath Seats – These devices typically sit inside the bathtub and can swivel to make it easier to sit down in the water. They can also be used to make it easier to get out of the bathtub, which can be beneficial for anyone with mobility issues.
Shower Stools – Shower stools are devices that allow you to stand in the shower. They can either be placed on the floor of the shower or on the wall next to the showerhead.
Shower Bars – These bars can be placed anywhere in the shower and are perfect for people who can’t stand on their own. They’re typically built with grips that make it easier to hold onto the bar for stability.
Transfer Boards – Transfer boards can be placed in the shower and allow a person to sit while they take a shower. They can be placed on the floor or against the wall.
Benefits of Using a Mobility Shower
While the benefits of a mobility shower are pretty self-explanatory, they are nonetheless important to discuss. A mobility shower is designed to be used by someone who cannot stand for long periods of time.
Greater Safety – One of the most important benefits of using a mobility shower is that it makes you much safer while bathing. If you’re unable to stand in the shower and support your own weight, you can easily fall. Falling and injuring yourself in the shower can be dangerous and lead to a costly trip to the emergency room.
Greater Accessibility – Mobility showers are designed to be used by anyone, regardless of their age or level of mobility. This makes them an excellent alternative to a bath chair, as they can be used by people of all ages.
Greater Dignity – Taking a bath can be an embarrassing experience for anyone, but it can be even worse if you can’t stand on your own. Using a mobility shower is a great way to regain a bit of your dignity while bathing.
Who Can Benefit From a Mobility Shower?
Anyone who is dealing with a medical condition or injury that has diminished their mobility may benefit from using a mobility shower.
Elderly People – If you’re over the age of 50, you may have to deal with some issues with your mobility. In many cases, this is due to arthritis, a degenerative bone condition common in older people. Arthritis can cause pain and stiffness in the joints, which can make it difficult to stand for long periods of time.
Pregnant Women – Pregnant women may find that they have trouble with their mobility due to a condition called edema. Edema is a condition that causes swelling in the lower body and legs, which can make it difficult to stand.
People With Injuries – People who are recovering from an injury may not be able to stand on their own. In this case, a mobility shower can be useful for bathing.
People With Disabilities – People with disabilities may have trouble standing for long periods of time. This makes it difficult to take a traditional shower without assistance.
How to Find the Right Mobility Shower for You
If you’re dealing with a medical issue that makes you unable to stand in a traditional shower, you may want to think about investing in a mobility shower. Before you do so, you’ll want to make sure you find a mobility shower that works for your needs. When you go to purchase a mobility shower, make sure you have a clear idea of your needs. Keep track of your symptoms, and consider the following factors when looking for a mobility shower.
The Type of Shower – Before you even start looking at specific products, you’ll want to decide on the type of shower you want. This will help you narrow down your choices, as many mobility showers are designed to fit specific types of showers.
Your Budget – Mobility showers vary widely in price, so make sure you have a budget in mind. You don’t want to overspend on a product like this, but you don’t want to skimp and end up with a subpar product, either.
Your Installation Needs – You’ll also want to consider how you’ll install the mobility shower. If you have a standard shower, it’s easy to install a mobility shower. If you have a custom shower, it may be more difficult.
Conclusion
When you’re dealing with limited mobility, the simplest of tasks can become a burden. Bathing is one of the most difficult tasks to accomplish when you can’t stand on your own, but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, a mobility shower is a quick and easy way to make the process much simpler. With a mobility shower, you can stand in the shower without fear of falling and make the experience much more enjoyable.
