Chair/stool for shower? Any reccs?

[Manifesto]

Hi. I’m in new territory here. Elderly dad need to be able to sit in his shower.

What should I be looking at? is a chair better?
i can see that B&Q sell them, but should i be going to a medic equipment supplier?
thank you !

We got a chair that folds up and is secure to the wall. Ours came from Impy as we also got their half height shower screens.

Ideally, he should have an occupational therapist review to advise on the best type for his mobility/abilities and also other equipment he might need.

If its just him using that bathroom, then it won't need to be taken in/out of the shower. Something with arm supports (1st link below) can be easier to get up and down off rather than just a small stool (2nd link). You can often find them in charity shops or on marketplace/nextdoor.com.

How large is the gap to get a chair into the shower, or can it be lifted over the top? Many years ago, my mum drilled holes in a plastic garden chair and used that in her shower as a temporary solution.

https://www.argos.co.uk/product/9395668?clickPR=plp:3:7
https://www.argos.co.uk/product/8641241?clickPR=plp:1:7
https://www.argos.co.uk/product/3568800?clickPR=plp:8:7

I bought a stool for my Mum and MIL much like the HOMLAND one on Amazon for £39.99 and they were both happy with them.
MIL had a fixed fold down one installed initially when she had her shower done, but she found she was sat too close to the wall on it, making washing properly difficult.

I did wonder about that the wall type might be too close to the wall - thats an interesting point. We’re not in any occ Health loop as he’s really independent. In fact this is the first time he’s ever made a comment about having some sort of aid. Now going to checkout those links - thanks!

It's worth having an OT assessment "so you get the right one". Our OT came up with all sorts of ideas including one that got us higher rate Attendance Allowance. She's attached to our GP surgery.

We needed something else for the bath & went to CareCo they were very helpful - online and local stores. Worth a look.

Please get an ot visit- they are the experts and can offer advice and equipment.

A U shaped chair like this allows for better access to the groin and genitalia whether he is washing himself or in the future needing carers to help. It’s important to buy what he needs now plus thinking about what the next step in his needs might be and incorporating that so whatever you buy has longevity.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Modundry-U-shaped-Adjustable-Disabled-Anti-Slip/dp/B0DG8WM57C/ref=pd_lpo_d_sccl_1/257-5411598-8895241?pd_rd_w=6I9vh&content-id=amzn1.sym.bb13d3fc-af40-4fff-a822-e0e4c415da96&pf_rd_p=bb13d3fc-af40-4fff-a822-e0e4c415da96&pf_rd_r=DJE7DVX1B0Z1JXQBY2YH&pd_rd_wg=YHDut&pd_rd_r=ded5630d-c0a0-4769-b979-99aba3f78a6b&pd_rd_i=B0DG8WM57C&psc=1

Sounds like your dad's at the point of asking for a bit of help in the shower, which is the trickiest moment because he's still independent and you don't want something that makes him feel parked. The thing I'd add to the good suggestions above: before you buy, work out whether he can take his full weight through his legs. If he can, a height-adjustable stool with a wide base and rubber feet is often plenty and less faff than the wall-mounted ones, just set the height so his knees sit at around a right angle. If standing back up is the harder bit, that's where the arm rests earn their keep.
If you want to try a couple of models before committing, Living Made Easy (the Disabled Living Foundation site) lets you compare them side by side, and your local Red Cross often loans this kind of kit short-term so you can see what actually suits him. Has he said whether it's the standing up or the staying-steady part that worries him?

Both parents have had stools issued by an OT at different times. The advantage of the stool is it's easily removed when anyone else uses the shower. The first had a plastic seat, the second metal - they both preferred the first as it was less cold to sit on and the water bouning of was quieter!