Having a bath can be quite discouraging for the elderly or individuals with disabilities because there are quite several risks that are attached to it.

Taking a bath is a routine and regular activity for anyone that have no disability. But for the elderly and disabled, who have issues with mobility, it is a herculean task that is risky and could end up discouraging them in the long run. This is where the need for bath chairs for the elderly and the disabled to enable them to overcome the challenges becomes crucial.

Bath or shower chairs for the elderly or disabled or even bath benches as the case may come with so many great features, and these were targeted to enhance the safety of the user and make bathing an easier task for them.

All bath chairs, in this case, should have a non-skid mechanism to prevent them from sliding, many also have adjustable height, and some have armrest with backrest. Other bath chairs possess almost all the features and many more.

The intention of this article is to explain and distinguish the essential, the important and the optional features of a good bath chair. Then to list the best bath chairs for disabled adults and the elderly.

Let’s start exploring by identifying the important features you should take note of when considering buying a bath chair.

Some Important Bath Chair Features to Take Note of When Buying a Bath Chair

• Back and armrest

The elderly and the disabled certainly need some support. Among all the additional features that come with a bath chair, back and armrest appear to be the most useful.

The reason has been that the arm and backrest are usually well-padded, and this makes it a good option to encourage stability and comfort to the users.

Tip: Using a knee pillow is a handy decision to prevent leg and back pains and to fall asleep fast. Calming Comfort® Cooling Knee Pillow and Comfilife Knee Pillow are two of the best knee pillows available.

• Cutouts

This is an important and helpful feature thought could be neglected most time. It is essential, especially when trying to assist the elderly or the disabled to take a bath.

This particular cut helps to reach parts of the body that usually will not when the regular bath chair is used.

• Sliding seat

Bath or shower transfer seats are of two types, we have the sliding and the fixed seats.

The one that is more convenient in transferring the elderly or disabled into the bath is the sliding seat.

Tip: The Wonder Sheet helps with easy sliding to and from the bed.

• Swivel seat

A seat that swivel is one of the useful features of the bath chair because it brings huge comfort when the transfer chair is used. The user can turn in any direction and goes a long way transferring in and out of the bathtub. It is quite beneficial to the user.

Tip: Platinum Health Carousel Sliding Transfer Bench is a good example for a unit with a solid swivel seat.

• Weight capacity

There are various weight capacities of bath chairs. Intending buyers should check the description of the product to ascertain if it can carry the weight of the user.

Now, let’s review the leading bath chairs in the world to identify their unique features and how they stand against each other.

MJM Bath Chairs Review

MJM is an international corporation known for Healthcare Grade PVC product production. These products provide several benefits to the medical healthcare industry.

Benefits of their Healthcare Grade PVC include;

• durability,
• no corrosion or rust,
• lightweight and
• easy to clean.

Their products also can be customized to meet customer’s needs.

Another great benefit of MJM products is that they make use of stabilizers in the process of their production that hinders the growth of fungi and bacteria on their products.

MJM international produces medical care products to meet the needs of the elderly and disabled individuals too, assisting in making their lives more comfortable.

MJM Bath and Shower Products

Below are of the key MJM products.

• MJM International Standard Shower Chair

This PVC chair is highly durable, and it is designed in such a way that the users can comfortably and safely take their bath.

Assembling it with a quick-drying backrest mesh isn’t quite difficult, it is effortless to roll, and it has a soft anti-slip rubber hand grip.

The backrest mesh can be removed, and it’s available in different colors.

The chair height is adjustable for the user’s comfort, and there is a pull/push handles on the backrest that is ergonomically designed for caregivers.

It also features a pocket pouch and is well reinforced too.

MJM International Shower Chair Benefits and Features

• Ø It has a quick to dry backrest mesh.
• Ø It has an adjustable height.
• Ø It comes with a pocket pouch.
• Ø It has a fitting and cushy design.
• Ø It possesses a smooth, durable and roll wheel.
• Ø It has a removable backrest.

• MJM Shower Chair with Square Pail

This Bath Chair helps the elderly and disabled to maintain a good level of hygiene. It is constructed with healthcare grave PVC material.

It is very durable and strong enough to support up to 300 pounds of weight.

This MJM shower is designed with many features that are very useful, for example, the non-slippery hand grips which help to prevent the user from slipping away.

Also, the bath chair has a push/pull bar that gives the caretaker the ability to move the chair adequately to the destination desired or to help the user to adjust the chair while inside the shower.

It also has a larger seating surface of 18” which gives the user adequate comfort.

The commode pail provided is large enough, and a comfortable movement can be accommodated, the commode trail is about 10 quarts and can slide out when trying to empty it.

The bath chair undoubtedly is user-friendly and provides sufficient assistance both to the users and also to the caretakers.

MJM PVC Shower Chair with Square Pail Product Benefits and Features

• Ø Healthcare Grade.
• Ø Non-slippery hand grip.
• Ø Push and pull bar for easy movement.
• Ø Longer seating surface.
• Ø Command pail.
• Ø Removable back mesh.

• MJM Shower Chair with Sliding Footrest

This MJM International shower Chair with siding footrest helps the users to comfortably take their bath while relaxing on the chair.

With a commode opening for more convenience, the chair functions as both a commode chair and a bath chair.

It is well reinforced and can be able to sustain 300lbs of weight during use. Whether the chair is used as a commode chair or a bath chair, it has a great advantage.

It also has non-slip hand grips that help minimize the risk of accidental slipping.

Again, this sliding footrest shower chair is designed to provide the user with incredible comfort. With its adjustable footrest, users can feel more comfortable.

The chair has a removable soft mesh material that makes it easy to dry after each use to maintain proper hygiene.

Also, the PVC material of the chair makes it easier to clean and dry the rest of the chair which makes it easier to reduce the risk of harmful bacteria and mold thereby prolonging the life of the bath chair.

MJM PVC Shower Chair with Sliding Footrest Product Benefits and Features

• Ø It has a low risk of bacteria and mold.
• Ø It possesses caster wheels and handles for transport.
• Ø Handgrips to stop slipping.
• Ø Adjustable footrest.
• Ø It is well reinforced.
• Ø Healthcare standard.
• Ø It has a removable backrest.
• Ø It has an opening for a commode.

• MJM Shower Chair with the Soft Removable Center Section

The bath offers the user a convenient dual-purpose function. It serves as both a commode chair and a bath chair as well. This is made easy by simply removing the seat center section.

The back mesh and PVC frame make it easy to clean after each use and also stop harmful bacteria growth.

In bathroom safety equipment, the bath chair is ultimate, with anti-slip hand grips that help to prevent slipping off during transfer.

The chair also features four caster wheels to increase mobility and facilitates transfer, making movement from the room to the bathing area quite easy.

The handle which is located at the back of the chair also helps to pull and push the chair as desired.

Product benefits and features

• Ø Double function as a commode chair or a bath chair.
• Ø It has a handle to pull/push the chair as desired.
• Ø It is well reinforced.
• Ø It possesses caster wheels for smooth transport.
• Ø It has no latex or lead.
• Ø It also has an anti-slip hand grip.
• Ø Quick-drying back mesh
• Ø Anti-bacteria are present.

• MJM Shower Chair with Deluxe Elongated Open Seat

This bath chair is lightweight, portable and durable.

Its frame is built to fit around dimensions of a standard toilet, reinforced to carry up to 300lbs.

Besides, PVC frames are accessorized easily with footrests, different seats, commode pails, wheels and grips or seat belts for individual preference. It does not also allow the growth of bacteria or mold, it can be easily moved around with the handle built on the back.

This deluxe elongate open seat delivers wonderful support during commode or bath use.

MJM PVC Shower Chair with Deluxe Elongated Open Seat Product Benefits and Features

• Ø It is designed to fit the dimensions of a standard toilet.
• Ø It is well reinforced.
• Ø It contains water safe for convenient cleaning and showering.
• Ø It has a removable quick-drying back mesh.
• Ø Healthcare Grade PVC is encouraged.
• Ø Advanced users comfort.
• Ø Non-slip hand grip.
• Ø It has a pull/push handle.
• Ø It comes with a wheelchair.
• Ø It has a pocket pouch.
• Ø Anti-bacteria.

Tip: Choosing a good wheelchair cushion to prevent pressure ulcer is important. Roho Cushions and Star Wheelchair Cushions are considered two of the best cushions.

HOMCOM Products Review

HOMCOM offers one of the best qualities of any home, bedroom, office, or living room products. Among their products are wide ranges of quality bath chairs.

Here is the key products of their bath chair range.

• HOMCOM Adjustable Shower Bench, Portable Medical Stool with Adjustable Back and Armrest for Mobility

This HOMCOM sturdy, multi-functional and straightforward bath chair is ideally designed for the elderly and the disabled who need extra support or assistance to have their bath.

It has a fortified Aluminum frame, well-padded armrests, with a high-quality polyethylene backrest and seat to deliver extra bath comfort and security.

The level of the chair can be adjusted for the users’ comfort, and the legs have anti-slip rubber tips that encourage safety and stability.

HOMCOM Adjustable Shower Bench Products Benefits and Features

• Ø It allows people with injury or limited mobility to relax and bath independently.
• Ø It is capable of supporting a 135kg capacity weight
• Ø It carries Anti-bacteria and has a good quality polyethylene backrest and seat with a padded armrest to provide support and increase comfort for the user.
• Ø Its drainage holes minimize sliding or slipping off on water, making it comfortable and safe.
• Ø Each of the four legs is sealed with anti-slip rubber for added security and safety.
• Ø The height can as well be adjusted.
• Ø It can also be assembled without tools.

• HOMCOM Bath Chair Shower Seat Safety Bathroom Elderly Aids with Adjustable Positions

HOMCOM made this bath chair to assist those who may need help and also the elderly in the bathroom.

Designed with anti-rust aluminum, the chair is durable and stable and can support up to 136kg capacity weight.

The height of this chair can be adjusted to give the user a most comfortable sitting position. The drainage holes also provide added comfort to the user.

To avoid slipping and ensure safety, the chair has on each foot a suction pad that stops it from slipping. The chair generally makes life in the bathroom easy.

Product Benefits and Features

• Ø The seat is made of a hard-wearing plastic with holes for drainage for the user’s maximum comfort.
• Ø Anti-rust Aluminum for strength and stability.
• Ø It has eight different adjustable height level.
• Ø It comes with suction pads to avoid slipping and moving of the chair.
• Ø Compact and lightweight for easy movement.
• Ø It has removable arms.
• Ø It can be assembled without tools.

• HOMCOM Adjustable Medical Shower Chair with Back with Padded Arms

This simple, hardened, and multifunctional HOMCOM bath chair is ideal for people who find it challenging to get up or down or with mobility limitations.

It is framed with a hardened Aluminum frame, high-quality polyethylene backrest, and seat with a padded armrest that offers maximum security and comfort to the user.

Like every other bath chair from HOMCOM, this chair also features height and suction pads for the legs that keep the chair from slipping or moving. The bath chair is ideal for the handicapped and the elderly who need assistance to take their bath.

With this hardened HOMCOM medical bath/shower chair, there is no room for any fear of slipping off while bathing.

Product Benefits and Features

• Ø Additional safety measures.
• Ø The removable padded armrests are added convenience and security.
• Ø Larger seating surface for added comfort.
• Ø Six different adjustable height levels.
• Ø The aluminum frame is durable, corrosive and rust resistance.
• Ø Drainage holes to minimize water pooling and slipping.
• Ø Suction pads to increase stability.
• Ø Easy to clean.
• Ø Lightweight aluminum frame that can support 300lb of weight.
• Ø It can be assembled without a tool.

• HOMCOM Adjustable Mobility Medical Grade Shower Seat Chair With Removable Arms

This is another product from HOMCOM that is safe and durable. It is also made up of a high-quality polyethylene seat and sturdy Aluminum. The chair can withstand frequent shower use.

A suction tip is attached to each leg to deliver extra stability and safety process. It comes with detachable arms, and the seat is designed with drainage holes to avoid water pool up and also control slipping potential.

It is made up of handicapped and elderly people that need extra assistance in taking their baths.

Product Benefits and Features

• Ø Detachable arms.
• Ø Drainage holes to control water pooling and reduce slipping.
• Ø Suction tips to increase stability
• Ø Made with polyethylene seat and durable aluminum.
• Ø Adjustable height.
• Ø It can be assembled without tools.

• HOMCOM Adjustable Medical Bath Bench Shower Chair

This product is a safe and durable bath chair designed for the elderly and disabled.

HOMCOM manufactured this bath chair with sturdy Aluminum and a high-quality polyethylene seat. This HOMCOM adjustable medical bath bench shower chair can withstand frequent shower use. It has a drainage hole to reduce the risk of slipping and water pooling up. The elderly and the disabled find the chair very friendly because of the great comfort it offers.

HOMCOM Adjustable Medical Bath Bench Shower Chair Products Benefits and Features

• Ø Suction tips on the four legs for great stability.
• Ø Made of quality polyethylene seat and lasting aluminium.
• Ø Drainage holes to avoid water pooling and slipping risk.
• Ø Adjustable height
• Ø It can be assembled without tools.

IPU Bath Chair Products Review

Innovative Products Unlimited (IPU) is the leading producer and originator of standard PVC healthcare equipment.

They embarked on the production of bath chairs in 1985 and have greatly improved on their products, especially that of the bath chairs. The conception was borne to help make bathing comfortable and unchallenging for the disabled and the elderly.

Let’s explore the IPU bath chair product range.

• IPU Elite Shower Chair with Footrest and Drop Arm

Chairs from IPU are designed with practically indestructible backrest and seat that comes in different colors.

It is built in such a way that it will provide unmatched comfort to the user with its drop arm and slide out footrest for easy transfers.

It also features twin wheel casters for easy movement which can even be locked while in the shower and can be able to carry up to 325lbs capacity of weight

Product Benefits and Features

• Ø Practically indestructible backrest and blow-molded seat.
• Ø Front seat u-shaped opening delivers easy bathing care access.
• Ø Easy to clean.
• Ø All locking anti-rust twin-wheel caster.
• Ø Push handles on the backrest for easy movement.
• Ø Drop arm and slide out footrest for easy transfer.

• IPU Elite Shower Chair with Footrest and Safety Belts

This model of IPU bath chair is designed specifically for the disabled and the elderly who for obvious reasons, needs additional support.

With its safety belt, the risk of falling off the chair is significantly reduced.

Its features are unique with a practically indestructible backrest and a blow-moulded seat which is available in many colors and slide out footrest for adequate comfort.

The chair also has its push handle built on the backrest for free movement.

Products Benefits and Features

• Ø Practically indestructible backrest and blow-molded seat.
• Ø Front seat u-shaped opening for easy bathing care access.
• Ø Lockable anti-rust twin-wheel casters.
• Ø Quite easy to clean.
• Ø It has a push handles on the backrest for easy movement.
• Ø Safety belt and slide out footrest for adequate comfort and safety.
• Ø It can support up to 325lbs of weight capacity.

• IPU Elite Shower Commode Chair with Footrest

The IPU bath chair features a commode chair for more convenience. The users can comfortably relax on its indestructible backrest and blow-molded seat with the slide-out footrest.

It possesses a lockable anti-rust twin-wheel caster for stability and easy movement with a push handle at the backrest that is capable of upholding up to 325lb weight capacity.

Product Benefits and Features

• Ø Presence of a commode chair for convenience.
• Ø It comes with a practically indestructible backrest and a blow-molded seat
• Ø It is very easy to clean.
• Ø It has a push handles on the backrest for easy movement.
• Ø It possesses anti-rust twin-wheel casters.
• Ø There is also the presence of a footrest for comfort.

• IPU Elite Shower Chair with Footrest

This product is quite simple but has all the qualities and features of a standard IPU bath chair.

The presence of an indestructible backrest and a blow-molded seat give the user great comfort and firmness.

The push handles on the backrest enables easy movement, and the slide-out footrest adds to the comfort that the backrest and the seat offer.

This bath chair also can support up to 325lbs of weight.

It is designed with an anti-rust, lockable twin-wheel caster which makes the whole bath chair easy to clean.

Product benefits and features

• Ø It is very simple and durable.
• Ø It has a practically indestructible backrest and blow-molded seat.
• Ø It offers great comfort.
• Ø Presence of anti-rust, lockable twin-wheel casters
• Ø Slide-out footrest
• Ø It is easy to clean.
• Ø It has a push handles on the backrest.
• Ø It can support up to 135lbs weight.

Carex Shower Benches Review

Now let’s review the key Carex shower bench range.

• Carex Portable Shower Bench – Bath Seat-Adjustable Width to Fit Most Bathtubs, Comfortable Contoured Seating Area with 300-pound Weight Capacity, Portable and Easy to Store

This portable bath chair from carex designed for the elderly and the disabled comes designed with a contoured seating surface and can easily be adjusted to fit common bathtubs.

It features rubber stops to prevent it from scratches and also has an in-built soap dish with holes for drainage.

This carex portable bath chair is very comfortable, convenient and also portable for travel
and easy storage.

It can be able to support up to 300lbs capacity of weight and attaches to the tube securely. It does not weigh more than 5lbs and can be easily and quickly installed.

• Carex E-Z Bath and Shower Seat with Handles-Shower Chair with Back for Elderly, Seniors, Handicap-Sturdy Frame-supports Up to 300 pounds

This bath chair features adjustable height, ranging from 16.5”-22.5” so that it can provide maximum comfort to all users.

With the backrest and handles for additional assistance to the users while sitting and standing in the tube.

This E-Z bath chair has a stylish modern look with its sturdy contribution.

It has holes for drainage in the seat to avoid water pooling and to keep the user-supported and comfortable throughout the shower.

It can support up to 300lbs of weight, very durable and lightweight, a perfect bath chair for the elderly and the disabled with removable legs and foldable backrest for convenient storage and easy travel.

It does not require tools to assemble or to adjust. It is easy and convenient to install.

• Carex Bath Seat and Shower Chair with Back for Seniors, Elderly, Disabled, Handicap, and Injured Persons, Supports up to 400 lbs

This bath chair is perfect for individuals with stability, mobility, or balance issues like the elderly, disabled, injured or handicapped, and it is made up of high-quality plastic and sturdy design.

This shower chair will not corrode or rust, guaranteeing a long time of use.

It has holes for drainage in the seat to prevent water pooling and to ensure the safety and comfort of the user.

Also, this shower chair features an in-built notch to hold the handled shower spray when the user is not spraying.

The seat can be adjusted to fit the height of all users and can support up to 400lbs, which can be easily lifted and portable for travel because of its lightweight.

It does not require tools to assemble as the chair is easy and convenient to assemble.

Aquasense Bath Seats Review

Now let’s review Aquasense Bath Seat range.

• Bath Seat with Backrest with Ergonomic Shape by Aquasense

This contoured adjustable bath chair with backrest comes with a textured surface, seat handles drainage holes and anti-slip rubber for the user’s safety.

It is designed in such a way that the height can be adjustable for the comfort of the user.

The following are the features;

• Ø Multiple colored choices (white, pebble, waterfall and sunlight)
• Ø Ergonomic shape
• Ø Corrosion-resistant and sturdy frame
• Ø Improved comfort
• Ø Non-slip textured surfaces
• Ø Adjustable height (15” to 22”)
• Ø Fits standard bathtubs
• Ø Rubber tips for safety
• Ø Lightweight (3.2kg)
• Ø Easy installation (without tools)
• Ø Accommodating seat size (20” x 12”)
• Ø It can support up to 300lbs of weight capacity.

• Bathtub Transfer Bench by Aquasense

This Aquasense Adjustable Bathtub Transfer Bench is designed with a rust-resistant lightweight frame with 9 adjustments for the user’s maximum comfort.

It comes with a removable armrest to support transfer in and out of the bathtub and a molded textured seat to prevent slipping and delivers perfect water drainage. It is also designed with a reversible seat and backrest to allow right or left transfers.

This bath chair also has anti-slip tips for delivering great traction and also secure the bath chair to the floor.

Features

• Ø Adjustable height
• Ø Tool-free and easy to assemble
• Ø Easy to clean
• Ø Durable seat
• Ø Drainage holes
• Ø Non-slip textured surface
• Ø 250 pounds weight capacity
• Ø Removable armrests
• Ø Reversible seat and backrest
• Ø Tools free and easy to assemble

• Folding Bath Seat by Aquasense

This folding bath seat from Aquasense wins “best of the category” because of its sturdiness, practicality, and comfort.

It provides extreme comfort and security, and it is designed to support the user’s wellbeing. It comes with seven choice height adjustments, flexible backrest for maximum comfort and safety, anti-slip tips for better stability.

Folding bath chair fits a standard bathtub and delivers support for a person who needs to sit while having a shower. It has drainage holes in the seat to help drain water properly and help the user to avoid slipping off.

Features

• Ø Patented design.
• Ø In-built, double use side handles.
• Ø Effectively fits with almost every bath math.
• Ø Supports up to 250lbs weight capacity.
• Ø Latex-free
• Ø Tool-free and easy assemble
• Ø Easy to store
• Ø Adjustable height.

Conclusion

There are various bath chairs for the elderly and the disabled on the market today, but in a bid to opt for the best that assures of durability and reliability, one has to embark on research. This is because various brands provide different qualities that would result in variation in performance and strength.

This review will help the buyers to make the right decision while choosing the best bath chairs that will offer adequate support, exceptional comfort, and safety.

Tip: It’s worth sticking with healthy footwear.

Tip: Platinum Health Carousel Sliding Transfer Bench is a good example for a unit with a solid swivel seat.