HealthInfo Waitaha Canterbury
Shower stools
Tūru hīrere
A shower stool is specifically designed to sit inside a shower or wet area.
It makes it easier for you if you cannot stand for a long time or you get very short of breath, as you can sit down when having a shower. You can also use the stool outside the shower to get dressed on.
Shower stools come in many different shapes and sizes, designed to fit different people and different shower spaces. A standard shower stool fits best in a cubicle shower. If you have an angled shower or a shower with doors that make getting in and out difficult, there might be less space for a shower stool.
Some shower stools have adjustable legs, and some do not. Stools with adjustable legs tend to tilt forward, as they're slightly higher and angled at the back.
Make sure you know what the options are. Also make sure you know your weight and the weight limit of any stool you're considering.
Do not use a plastic outdoor chair in your shower, as the plastic in these chairs can soften in the hot water and the chair may give way under you.
Using a shower stool
- If your stool is adjustable, adjust it until it's the right height. Measure your lower leg from the back of your knee to your heel, then add 5 cm. Use the pop buttons on the front legs to change them to this height. Then adjust the back legs by the same number of spaces. Make sure your feet are on the floor when you sit on the stool.
- Place it with the highest (or angled) legs at the back.
- Place a non-slip mat under the front legs of the shower stool.
- Make sure the stool is stable before you use it.
- When sitting down or standing up from the stool, hold both armrests at the same time. This will stop the stool from tipping.
- If other people also use your shower, ask them to put the stool back in the same position after their shower so it's always in the right place for you.
Things you should not do with a shower stool
- Do not lean back on the shower stool.
- Never stand on it.
- Do not use it if it's cracked, rusted or unstable. If there are problems and Enable New Zealand paid for your stool, call 0800‑171‑995 to arrange for it to be checked. If you bought it yourself, get your supplier, or any of these equipment suppliers, to check it.
- Do not use it in the bath. If your shower is over the bath, there are other options, including a bath board. Talk to an occupational therapist about what will be best for you.
Caring for a shower stool
To make the stool last longer, wipe it down regularly, particularly underneath.
Check its condition at least once a month. Check for rust at welds and screw holes, make sure the rubber stoppers aren't worn and check the adjustment buttons are all locked into place.
If you find any wear and tear, ring your occupational therapist or assessor to get it checked.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Age Concern – Equipment suppliers
A directory of businesses and organisations that supply disability and mobility equipment for people of all ages.
Written by the South Canterbury DHB. Adapted by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed November 2022.
SourcesReview key: HIDAH-120231
