Shower and bath chairs

Shower and bath chairs make washing safer for anyone who finds it hard to stand for long or to get in and out of a bath. They give a stable place to sit under the shower or over the bath, which lowers the risk of slips and takes the strain out of bathing. At Quirumed we supply shower and bath chairs in Ireland in height-adjustable, stool and commode designs, suited to older adults and anyone with reduced mobility.

This page explains the main types, how to choose one for your bathroom and what to check on size and safety. Other home mobility equipment sits under mobility aids in the bathroom and the wider mobility aids for home range; for users who also spend long periods in bed, see anti-bedsore mattresses.

Types of shower and bath chair

The right seat depends on the bathroom layout and how much support the user needs. The main types are these.

• Shower chairs: a seat with backrest and often armrests, the most supportive option for users who need to sit securely.
• Shower stools: a simple backless seat with a small footprint, suited to smaller showers and users who need less support.
• Bath seats: designed to sit over or inside a bath so the user can wash without lowering to the bottom of the tub.
• Commode and toilet chairs: combined seating that also serves as a toilet aid, useful where bathroom access is limited.

Most shower chairs and stools are height-adjustable, so the seat can be set to make standing up easier. The Quirumed range covers adjustable shower chairs and stools, bath seats and commode chairs.

How to choose a shower or bath chair

Start with the bathroom. A walk-in shower suits a shower chair or stool, while a traditional bath needs a bath seat or a board that spans the tub. Measure the space so the seat fits without blocking the door or the taps, and check the user-weight limit against the user's needs.

Then match the support to the person. Someone steady on their feet may only need a stool, while a user who tires easily or has poor balance benefits from a chair with a backrest and armrests. A few features make any seat safer and easier to use day to day:

• Non-slip feet that grip a wet floor.
• Drainage holes in the seat so water does not pool.
• Adjustable height to make standing up easier.
• A backrest and armrests for users who need extra stability.

Shower chairs and stools compared

The choice between a chair and a stool comes down to support against space. A shower chair with a backrest and armrests gives the most stability and helps the user push up to stand, which suits anyone with limited balance or strength. A stool is lighter and takes up less room, which works in a small shower for a user who only needs somewhere to sit.

Both should have non-slip feet and a seat that drains, and both are easier to use when the height can be adjusted. If the user also needs toilet access, a commode chair combines the two functions in one frame.

Shower chairs and HSE support in Ireland

In Ireland, bathroom aids such as shower chairs may be provided or recommended through the Health Service Executive in some circumstances, often following an assessment by an occupational therapist. Anyone unsure whether they qualify, or which type of seat suits their needs, can ask their GP or local HSE service about an assessment.

Buying privately gives the widest choice and the fastest access, and an adjustable shower chair or stool covers most everyday needs at a reasonable cost. For a user at higher risk of falls, an occupational therapist can advise on the safest set-up before you buy.

Shower and bath chairs in Ireland

Quirumed ships shower and bath chairs across Ireland. Because the right seat depends on the bathroom and the user's needs, it helps to measure the space and confirm the user-weight limit before ordering, which avoids returns.

A stable seat is one of the simplest changes that makes bathing safer at home. It sits within the wider home mobility range and pairs naturally with other bathroom aids such as grab rails and non-slip mats.

Frequently asked questions about shower and bath chairs

What is the difference between a shower chair and a shower stool?

A shower chair has a backrest and usually armrests, which give more support and help the user push up to stand, so it suits anyone with limited balance or strength. A shower stool is a simple backless seat with a smaller footprint, which works in a tight shower for a user who only needs somewhere to sit. Both should have non-slip feet and a seat that drains water, and most are height-adjustable. If toilet access is also needed, a commode chair combines seating and a toilet aid in one frame.

Should a shower chair have a back?

It depends on the user. A backrest adds support and security, which matters for anyone who tires easily, has poor balance or sits for longer while washing. A shower chair with a back is the safer choice in those cases. A user who is steady on their feet and only needs a brief seat may manage with a backless stool, which takes up less space. If you are choosing for someone at risk of falls, a backrest and armrests are worth having, and an occupational therapist can advise on the right level of support.

How do I choose the right size of shower or bath chair?

Measure the shower or bath space so the seat fits without blocking the door, taps or controls, and check the seat width and height against the user. The user-weight limit on each model matters too, so confirm it before ordering, and look for an adjustable-height seat so it can be set to make standing up easier. For a bath, check whether the seat sits over the rim or inside the tub, since this changes the height the user has to step over.