Handicap Shower Ramps
When a person is unable to safely stand for a shower or sit on a standard shower chair, other accommodations must be made to allow for safe showering of a handicapped person. One of the first items that will be needed is a safe shower chair the person can be secured in during showering. To get the shower chair in and out of the shower area, a ramp may be needed. A ramp will also help people who have gate or balance problems safely get in and out of the shower.
Handicap Shower Ramps
A shower chair is made for showering and will not be as durable as a wheelchair that is made for daily use. Tipping the chair to get it into the shower may cause damage to the shower chair. Depending on the size of the person in the shower chair and the person assisting, tipping the chair to get it over the edge of the shower can cause injuries. With a handicap shower ramp, the shower chair can be easily wheeled from a bedroom, to the bathroom, and into the shower area.
The shower ramps need to be water resistant and durable. When other people who are mobile are using the shower, the ramps may be a hindrance, so removable or portable ramps will be needed.
Handicap Shower Ramp Uses
Not only do people who use shower chairs need a ramp installed in their shower, those with gate issues will also benefit from the installation of a handicap shower ramp. When someone with a gate issue lifts their foot up to step over the ledge of a shower, they can loose their balance, stub their foot, or trip. This can cause an injury and it may cause an injury to whoever is assisting them when they try to prevent a fall or help them up. The ramps can be used in addition to grab bars to safely shower people with disabilities.
Types of Handicap Shower Ramps
Some of the ramps are more compact than others, so you will want to determine how much room you have on both sides of the shower curb. These are some of the types of shower ramps that are available:
- Hard plastic ramp
- Ramp with drainage holes
- Rustproof ramps
- Stacking shower ramps (adjustable)
- Metal ramps
Before choosing a shower ramp, you will need to measure the width of the chair, the opening, and the room on both sides of the curb.
Cost of Handicap Shower Ramps
The cost can vary so it is worth shopping around for a handicap Shower Ramp. Knowing your needs, the weight of the person (with chair), and the weight of the caregiver will help in choosing the best ramp. It is worth paying a little extra to be able to have a shower ramp that will be durable.
Handicap shower ramps are not only worth it because of convenience, but also because it reduces the risks of showering someone with a disability. It can help a person with a disability to be more independent when showering.