Calgary Aging in Place Services: Shower Chair or Bath Bench?

With just a few additions to your home, you can age in place gracefully. Aging in place is all about increasing your independence by keeping your home as safe and accessible as possible. If you’re not ready to make significant changes like walk-in bathtubs or multi-railed showers, you can install shower chairs or bath benches to help increase your mobility and safety in the bathroom. Find out more about the differences between the two options to decide which one is right for you and who to call for home repairs for seniors in Calgary.

Shower Chairs

Shower chairs are for people who prefer to or have access to a stall-like shower setting. Shower chairs are best used in walk-in showers like those that close with the use of a full-length door. Some people like to use shower chairs in the bathtub, but there is a risk of stepping over the lip of the bathtub in a wet environment with the chair in the way; it presents more than one dangerous possibility. Repair services in Calgary can install shower chairs in as short as an afternoon.

Shower chairs have multiple features to make the shower easy and accessible for aging in place, those who have a limited range of motion, and those who are recovering from an injury. Some of the features that shower seats have include:

• Hygiene cutouts for easy washing and rinsing 
• Swivel head seats for better mobility 
• Holder for handheld showerheads 
• Removable, washable pads for added comfort 
• Easy to remove from shower once dry 
• Stable back for added support and relief 
• Maintains privacy and independence

Bath Benches

Bath benches have a dual purpose. Bath benches can be used for people who do not have stall-like showers to accommodate a shower seat. If you have a bathtub and shower combo or just a tub with an extended shower head, a bath bench is a more practical and flexible option to meet your bathing needs. Bath benches are home repairs for seniors that take little to no time to install.

Bath benches are optimal to help those aging in place maintain their independence and privacy. Like the shower chair, it also aids people with limited mobility and range of motion and recovering from an injury. A unique feature of the bath bench is that it slides over the tub’s lip so that you do not have to worry about entering and exiting a soaking tub onto a wet floor. So many bathroom slip and fall accidents are the results of wet floors and surfaces. Other beneficial features of a bath bench include:

• Stability for those unable to stand for long periods 
• Easy transferability to and from wheelchair usage 
• No stepping over tub walls 
• Backrest for added support and relief 
• Armrests for added support and stability 
• Padded comfort for long sessions 
• Additional commode options

Chair vs. Bench Considerations

Although shower chairs are best fitted to walk-in stall showers and bath benches are best suited for tubs and shower and tub combinations, there are a few other considerations to make before deciding on which option is best for you. The professionals at Handyman Connection will go over your options and help you make the right choice that increases your independence and safety. Some additional points to consider include:

• Height capacity 
• Weight capacity 
• Product features 
• Reversibility options 
• Floor space after installation 
• Overall stability 
• Presence of shower door 
• Water containment

From decisions about shower chairs or bath benches to hallway motion lighting and lever handles, Handyman Connection has expertise in both the big and little changes that help make a home ready for ageing in place. Contact Handyman Connection today for more information about installing your shower seat or bath bench in Calgary.