Shower Chair and Shower Stool

Select the equipment based on the person’s assessed abilities, transfer method, balance, endurance, cognition, body measurements, shower layout and support needs. Check the manufacturer’s instructions and safe working load for the specific product.

Overview

A shower chair or shower stool provides a seated surface for showering.

Both may reduce the effort required to stand during showering and may support safer personal care for a person with reduced balance, strength, endurance or mobility.

A shower chair usually has a backrest and armrests.

A shower stool usually has no backrest. Some models have side handles.

Assistive technology may help a person complete daily activities more safely and independently. The NDIS gives a shower chair as an example of equipment that may reduce falls risk in the shower.

Purpose

Reduce prolonged standing during showering
Support balance and stability
Reduce fatigue, pain or shortness of breath
Support safer washing of the lower body
Reduce the physical demands placed on carers
Maintain independence with personal care
Reduce falls risk when the equipment is suitable and used correctly

Shower Chair and Shower Stool Comparison

Feature	Shower chair	Shower stool
Back support	Included	Usually not included
Arm support	Included	Some models have side handles
Postural support	Greater	Lower
Transfer support	Armrests may assist controlled sitting and standing	Requires more independent balance and transfer control
Space required	Usually greater	Usually less
Weight	Usually heavier	Usually lighter
Portability	May be less portable	Often easier to move and store
User effort	May allow more rest	Requires more active trunk control
Typical user	Person needing support, rest or transfer assistance	Person with good sitting balance who mainly needs to reduce standing time

How to Choose Between a Shower Chair and Shower Stool

Choose a Shower Chair When

A shower chair is generally more suitable when the person:

Has reduced sitting balance
Becomes fatigued while sitting
Needs back support to maintain posture
Has reduced trunk control
Experiences dizziness, pain or shortness of breath
Needs armrests to assist with sitting down or standing up
Requires more time to complete showering
Needs supervision or physical assistance
Has reduced confidence in the shower
Has a history of falls or near misses
May lean backwards or sideways
Needs a clearer and more stable seating position

A chair with both backrest and armrests may be preferred when the person requires increased postural support and a more controlled sit-to-stand transfer.

Choose a Shower Stool When

A shower stool may be suitable when the person:

Has good unsupported sitting balance
Has adequate trunk control
Can transfer on and off safely without armrests
Mainly needs to reduce standing duration
Requires equipment that fits a small shower
Needs a lightweight item that can be moved or stored easily
Can safely reach and wash without losing balance
Does not require back support during the task

A stool should not be selected only because it is smaller or less expensive. The person must be able to sit, reach and transfer safely without relying on a backrest or armrests.

Choose a Shower Chair Rather Than a Stool When Unsure

A shower chair may provide a larger margin of support when the person’s balance, endurance, cognition or transfer ability is variable.

A trial remains important because armrests, backrests and frame dimensions can also restrict movement or prevent the equipment from fitting the shower.

Decision Guide

Assessment finding	Usually consider
Good sitting balance and independent transfers	Shower stool
Reduced endurance but stable unsupported sitting	Shower stool or chair
Reduced trunk control	Shower chair
Needs arm support for sit-to-stand	Shower chair with armrests
Fatigues during showering	Shower chair
Small shower enclosure	Compact stool or compact chair after measurement
Requires carer assistance	Shower chair, subject to access and manual-handling assessment
Variable cognition or safety awareness	Shower chair with supervision and clear instructions
Tends to lean backwards or sideways	Shower chair with appropriate postural support
Needs frequent repositioning or access for personal care	Trial both options and assess carer access
Unable to complete a standing transfer safely	Consider a mobile shower commode or another transfer system rather than a standard chair or stool

Who May Benefit

A person who has:

Reduced standing balance
Lower-limb weakness
Reduced endurance
Pain when standing
Falls or near falls in the bathroom
Difficulty washing feet or lower legs
Reduced confidence when showering
Reduced mobility following illness, injury or surgery
A need to conserve energy during personal care
A carer who is assisting with showering

When It May Not Be Suitable

A standard shower chair or stool may not be suitable when the person:

Cannot maintain a safe seated position
Requires significant postural support
Cannot transfer safely using the available method
Requires hoist transfers
Exceeds the safe working load
Has severe involuntary movements
Attempts to stand without recognising risk
Has skin or pressure-care needs that are not addressed by the seat
Requires wheeled transport to and from the shower
Has a shower base that cannot safely accommodate the equipment
Has insufficient space for the person, equipment and carer
Cannot use the item safely because of cognitive, behavioural or perceptual changes

Consider a mobile shower commode, tilt-in-space shower commode, bath board, transfer bench, fixed shower seat or environmental modification when a standard chair or stool does not meet the person’s needs.

Occupational Therapy Assessment

Person

Assess:

Showering goals and preferences
Standing and sitting balance
Trunk control
Sit-to-stand ability
Transfer method
Lower-limb strength
Upper-limb strength and reach
Grip and ability to use armrests
Pain
Fatigue and exercise tolerance
Dizziness or postural hypotension
Falls history
Skin integrity
Cognition and safety awareness
Vision and perception
Height and weight
Hip width and thigh length
Foot placement
Need for assistance or supervision

Activity

Observe or discuss:

Entry into the bathroom and shower
Removal and replacement of clothing
Transfer onto and off the seat
Ability to wash all required body areas
Reaching for taps, soap and shower hose
Ability to manage the handheld shower
Drying method
Duration of the task
Whether the person attempts to stand during showering
Carer access and assistance technique

Environment

Assess:

Shower dimensions
Door or screen opening width
Step or hob height
Floor gradient
Floor surface and slip risk
Drain location
Position of taps and shower hose
Grab rail location
Available transfer space
Carer access
Toilet, vanity or screen interference
Whether all equipment feet can remain fully supported
Storage when the item is not in use
Ability to keep the bathroom floor clear

Bathroom tiles can become slippery when wet. Purpose-designed grab rails may support safety, while towel rails should not be treated as grab rails.

Measurements

Record measurements before selecting the product.

Person Measurements

Popliteal height:
Hip width:
Thigh length:
Overall height:
Weight:
Preferred sitting height:
Required armrest height:

Environment Measurements

Internal shower width:
Internal shower depth:
Door or screen opening:
Shower step or hob height:
Distance to taps:
Distance to grab rails:
Available transfer space:
Drain position:
Floor gradient:

Equipment Measurements

Seat height range:
Seat width:
Seat depth:
Overall width:
Overall depth:
Width between armrests:
Backrest height:
Safe working load:
Footprint at prescribed height:

[!tip]

Measure the overall footprint, not only the seat width. Height-adjustable legs may spread outward and increase the space required.

Features to Consider

Backrest

A backrest may assist when the person:

Has reduced trunk endurance
Needs rest during showering
Has reduced balance
Requires a clear seating boundary
Tends to lean backwards

Check that the backrest does not interfere with the shower controls, wall, hose or the person’s washing method.

Armrests

Armrests may:

Assist controlled sitting and standing
Provide lateral boundaries
Increase confidence
Reduce usable seat width
Restrict side transfers
Limit carer access

Confirm that the person can grip and load the armrests safely.

Seat Height

The height should usually allow:

Feet to rest securely on the floor
Hips to be level with or slightly higher than knees when appropriate
A controlled sit-to-stand transfer
Clearance from the shower screen or fixtures
Stable contact of all equipment feet with the floor

A seat that is too low may increase the effort required to stand.

A seat that is too high may reduce foot contact and sitting stability.

Seat Size

Check:

Hip clearance
Thigh support
Pressure distribution
Access for washing
Space between armrests
Whether the seat depth restricts knee movement
Whether the seat is too narrow or too large for stable sitting

Seat Surface

Consider:

Drainage holes
Slip-resistant texture
Comfort
Cleaning
Skin integrity
Pressure risk
Whether textured surfaces create discomfort

Legs and Feet

Choose:

Height-adjustable legs where required
Non-slip ferrules suitable for wet areas
Legs that lock securely
A frame that remains stable on the shower floor

Do not use the equipment when ferrules are worn, missing, loose or contaminated with soap residue.

Materials

Select corrosion-resistant materials intended for wet-area use.

Check for:

Rust
Cracks
Loose fasteners
Sharp edges
Water trapped inside components
Deteriorated plastic or rubber parts

Safe Working Load

The person’s weight must remain within the manufacturer’s stated safe working load.

Do not assume that all shower chairs and stools have the same capacity.

Equipment Trial

Trial the proposed equipment in the actual shower where possible.

Assess:

Entry into the shower
Positioning of the equipment
Transfer onto the seat
Sitting stability
Foot placement
Ability to reach taps and shower hose
Ability to wash safely
Need to stand
Transfer off the seat
Ability to exit the shower
Carer position
Equipment movement
Water drainage
Client comfort and preference

Do not proceed when the equipment rocks, slides, bridges the drain, sits partly on a raised edge or prevents safe access.

Set-Up Instructions

Place the chair or stool fully inside the shower.
Position all feet on a stable part of the shower floor.
Keep feet away from raised edges and unstable drain covers.
Adjust all legs to the prescribed height.
Confirm each adjustment pin or clip is fully engaged.
Check that the seat is level unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise.
Check that all ferrules contact the floor.
Position the item so the person can reach the shower controls and hose.
Maintain space for safe transfer and carer assistance.
Complete a stability check before use.

How to Use

Before Use

Check the frame, seat, legs, ferrules and fasteners.
Confirm the equipment is stable.
Remove soap, shampoo and water from the transfer path.
Place toiletries within safe reach.
Use a handheld shower hose when prescribed.
Arrange supervision or assistance when required.
Ensure adequate lighting.
Check water temperature before showering.

Sitting Down

Approach using the prescribed mobility aid.
Turn using the recommended transfer method.
Move backwards until both legs touch the seat.
Reach for the armrests when available and safe to use.
Lower slowly onto the centre of the seat.
Place both feet securely on the floor.
Adjust posture before beginning showering.

During Showering

Remain seated when this is the prescribed method.
Keep both feet supported.
Avoid leaning beyond the base of support.
Bring toiletries within reach rather than stretching.
Use installed grab rails only as prescribed.
Request assistance for areas that cannot be reached safely.
Avoid using the chair or stool to support forceful pulling or pushing unless designed for this purpose.

Standing Up

Move forward on the seat as instructed.
Place both feet in the recommended position.
Use armrests or a prescribed grab rail when appropriate.
Lean forward using the practised method.
Stand in a controlled manner.
Stabilise before stepping away.
Use the prescribed mobility aid.

After Use

Rinse soap residue from the equipment.
Allow it to dry.
Store it without blocking access.
Report movement, damage, pain, falls or near misses.

Safety Issues

Main Risks

Slipping during transfer
Equipment movement
Incorrect seat height
Insufficient foot contact
Overreaching
Loss of balance while washing
Legs positioned partly on a shower edge
Worn or missing ferrules
Exceeding the safe working load
Incorrect assembly
Corrosion or structural failure
Skin injury
Hot water exposure
Carer manual-handling injury
Using towel rails or unstable fixtures for support
Standing on the seat

Risk Controls

Complete an individual assessment and trial
Measure the person and shower
Select the correct size and safe working load
Adjust all legs evenly and lock them
Position all feet on a stable surface
Keep the transfer path dry and clear
Provide grab rails or other supports when clinically indicated
Position toiletries within reach
Train the person and carers
Inspect the equipment regularly
Review after falls, near misses or functional change

Do Not

Stand on the shower chair or stool
Use it as a step
Pull it towards the body during a transfer
Use towel rails for body-weight support
Use the equipment with missing ferrules
Use it when unstable, damaged or corroded
Place it partly on a shower hob or raised drain
Exceed the safe working load
Make unapproved modifications
Use a wheeled shower chair without applying brakes as instructed

Carer and Support Worker Instructions

Follow the assessed transfer method.
Avoid lifting the person manually unless this is part of an assessed procedure.
Maintain enough space to assist without twisting or overreaching.
Keep the person within a stable sitting position.
Do not allow the person to pull on the carer during transfers.
Report changes in balance, strength, cognition or transfer ability.
Report all falls, near misses and equipment faults.
Request review when the current equipment no longer supports safe care.

Cleaning and Infection Control

Rinse after use.
Clean using products approved by the manufacturer.
Remove soap and body-product residue.
Pay attention to drainage holes, joints and ferrules.
Dry the equipment where possible.
Do not use products that damage plastic, rubber or metal surfaces.
Follow organisational infection-control procedures for shared equipment.

Maintenance

Check regularly for:

Loose screws or fasteners
Cracks in the seat
Bent frame components
Rust or corrosion
Worn or missing ferrules
Stiff or damaged adjustment mechanisms
Unstable legs
Faded safe working load labels
Mould or trapped moisture

Replace damaged components using manufacturer-approved parts.

Inspection Checklist

[ ] Equipment is the prescribed item
[ ] Safe working load is suitable
[ ] Seat height remains correct
[ ] All adjustment pins are engaged
[ ] Frame is stable
[ ] Seat is secure
[ ] Backrest is secure when included
[ ] Armrests are secure when included
[ ] Ferrules are present and in good condition
[ ] No rust, cracks or sharp edges
[ ] Equipment fits fully within the shower
[ ] Transfer space is clear
[ ] Toiletries and shower hose are within safe reach
[ ] Client can use the equipment safely

Troubleshooting

Problem	Possible cause	Action
Equipment rocks	Uneven leg adjustment, sloping floor or damaged frame	Reposition and check adjustments. Stop use if instability remains
Equipment slides	Worn ferrules, soap residue or unsuitable floor	Clean the floor and ferrules. Replace worn parts
Feet do not reach the floor	Seat is too high	Reassess and adjust height
Difficulty standing	Seat is too low, reduced strength or poor foot position	Reassess height and transfer method
Armrests restrict transfer	Incorrect style or width	Trial a different configuration
Backrest limits shower access	Incorrect position or product design	Reposition or trial an alternative
Person leans or slips	Reduced balance, unsuitable seat or incorrect height	Stop use and request reassessment
Chair does not fit	Overall footprint is too large	Trial a compact model or another showering solution

Review Triggers

Review the equipment when there is:

A fall or near miss
A change in mobility
A change in transfer ability
Increased fatigue or pain
Reduced sitting balance
Cognitive or behavioural change
Weight change
Skin damage
Increased carer assistance
A bathroom modification
New mobility equipment
Repeated equipment movement
Damage or corrosion

Client Instruction Summary

What It Is For

The shower chair or stool provides a seated position during showering. It may reduce fatigue and support balance.

Before Using It

Check that it is stable.
Check that all feet are on the floor.
Keep the floor clear.
Place toiletries within reach.
Arrange help when required.

How to Use It

Move backwards until your legs touch the seat.
Use the armrests or prescribed grab rail.
Sit down slowly.
Keep both feet supported.
Avoid leaning or reaching too far.
Stand using the practised method.

Stop Using It When

It moves or rocks
A ferrule is missing
The frame or seat is damaged
You feel unsafe
You have a fall or near miss
Your ability to transfer has changed

Related Assistive Technology

Handheld Shower Hose
Grab Rails
Bath Board
Transfer Bench
Mobile Shower Commode
Long-Handled Sponge
Non-Slip Bathroom Flooring

References

Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. Support at Home services and Assistive Technology and Home Modifications scheme.
National Disability Insurance Agency. What is assistive technology.
Better Health Channel. Preventing falls at home.
Better Health Channel. Dementia and hygiene.
Relevant manufacturer instructions for use.
Relevant organisational policies and Australian Standards.