Gerontologic Environmental Modifications >> Injury Prevention



	U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
		Upholstered Furniture Safety Alert
		Tap Water Scalds
		Aluminum Cookware Can Melt and Cause Severe Burns
		Electrical Receptacle Outlets
		Extension Cords Fact Sheet
		WARNING! Fire Hazard with Nightlights
		Carbon Monoxide Detectors Can Save Lives

	Bathing safety equipment
		Choosing the right bath seat
		Handheld showerheads
		Grab Bars
		Grab Bar Safety Meeting Notes
		Grab Bar Testing Data
		Bath Mats
		Resource list

Bathing Safety Equipment

	Bath Stools & Benches
	Bath Chairs
	Transfer Benches

Bath Chairs

A bath chair with a back is appropriate for persons with limited back strength or balance or who simply enjoy the comfort of back support.


	Top - A plastic bath chair. Bottom - Close up of textured surface. (click for larger view)

Bath chairs are available in plastic or in a padded waterproof vinyl for extra sitting comfort. However, as vinyl can become slippery when wet, a person with poor sitting skills should consider using a plastic chair with a textured slip-resistant seat.

A seat cutout makes it easier to access personal areas as one does not have to stand to wash. A person needs good sitting posture to use this type of chair as one has to purposefully sit upright to keep from sliding into the hole.

For New York residents: bath chairs are available at no cost for those in need from the National Amputation Foundation. A person does not have to have an amputation to qualify. Call the National Amputation Foundation for information on their current inventory at (516) 887-3600.

If purchased, cost is $45- $100.


A padded waterproof vinyl bath chair with a seat cutout.


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Questions to ask before purchasing a bath chair:

Do you need adjustable height legs so you can change the seat height if necessary?

Would you benefit from built-in side handgrips to improve balance and leverage?

Does the seat have drainage areas to reduce slipperiness?

Do you need to purchase suction cups and replace the rubber tips if additional stability is needed?

Does the seat have a concave surface (not flat) with a slight flare upwards at sides for increased sitting comfort?

Would you benefit from a textured seat surface to reduce slipperiness?

Would a padded seat surface be more comfortable if you have good sitting posture?

Is the seat size and frame construction appropriate for your weight? Most standard models support up to 250 lbs.; "bariatric" model are available that can support up to 500 lbs.