I'm worried mum will fall in the shower what can I do?

Submitted by Emma Hamilton on Wed, 21/04/2010 - 2:00pm

Falls often happen in the bathroom and can be devastating for a frail older person. If your mum is unsteady on her feet or finds it difficult to stand long periods in the shower consider using a shower chair.

Shower chairs allow a person to sit in a shower recess or bath whilst attending personal hygiene. Used along with grab rails they give a person extra support and stability when showering.

Other items to consider:

Place a slip- proof bath mat on the floor
Use a handheld shower hose
Consider using a personal alarm system in case of a fall in the bathroom
Consult an occupational therapist about modifying the bathroom for safety
Organise a community nurse to help with showering

Shower chairs can be purchased at some pharmacies, online or medical and rehabilitation shops.

Before purchasing a shower chair consider the following:

How wide is the shower recess or bath?
Do you need a shower chair with adjustable legs?
How much does the person weigh?
Do you need back and arm rests?
Can the person safely transfer in the shower?

1 comment

Guest wrote 26 weeks 5 days ago

You can also get more information on equipment to help with bathroom safety from your local Independent Living Centre. Independent Living Centre (ILC) is an information and advisory service about assistive technology. Assistive technology is anything that can help you do a task. They have Occupational Therapists who can help you decide what you need. Solutions can involve equipment, changing a technique, using a service, handy hints or adapting something you can find around the home. They are a non profit organisation and do not sell equipment. Call 1300 885 886 to be connected to your local Independent Living Centre. There is one located in each state of Australia!

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I'm worried mum will fall in the shower what can I do?

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