Mobility showers are a bathtub or standing shower that has been created with ease of use in mind. It is designed to be the most accessible shower available. This is because they typically have a lower countertop than standard tubs, making it easier for someone who uses a wheelchair to enter and exit the shower without assistance from other people. Mobility showers, also known as mobility bathtubs, are not just for people with disabilities; they’re for anyone who would rather bathe themselves than have someone else take care of it. They’re also great for seniors, babies and toddlers due mostly to their smaller size.
Things to consider when choosing mobility showers near me
- Accessibility features.
Mobility showers can be a great choice for people with disabilities who require assistance and don’t have the strength or balance to take long showers. Some mobility showers are equipped with handles to help you get in and out of the shower with ease, and these strengths can also be found in other facilities such as bathtubs. For those needing the use of handles, it’s wise to ensure that your mobility shower has those features throughout the unit, not just for one side or the other.
- Price point.
Mobility showers may not be cheap, but they do offer high quality at a low cost. The price tag will vary greatly depending on the manufacturer, the size of your bathroom, and the features that you need.
- Size.
Like standard tubs, mobility showers come in a variety of sizes that can accommodate different sizes and numbers of people. It’s important to get the right size for your bathroom so that it doesn’t overfill or under-perform for you and your family. Generally speaking, mobility showers are mostly one-person deals with a few exceptions where two people can fit comfortably inside; however even these exceptions come at an increase in price tag.
- Shape.
The shape of mobility showers will vary slightly depending on the manufacturer, but generally speaking, mobility showers are elongated and rectangular so that someone who uses a wheelchair can get in easily. Mobility showers tend to be shorter than standard bathtubs, too, which makes for a more comfortable bathing experience for someone in a wheelchair or on crutches or other assistive devices.
- Material.
Mobility showers are typically made with acrylic or Lucite, both of which are highly durable and resistant to scratching as well as some basic elements of damage. If your mobility shower is not made of acrylic or Lucite, then it may not be suitable for people with disabilities.
- Installation features.
Mobility showers are typically installed in the same way that tubs are installed onto a standard floor-level bathtub. If you have a 1-inch gap under the ceiling, you’ll need to install your mobility shower with a drain board at the bottom of your shower floor so that water can flow from the larger hole into your tub. This will allow for effective drainage and drainboarding rather than overflow when using the shower to bathe someone in a wheelchair.
Conclusion
Mobility showers offer many of the same features and benefits as standard bathtubs, but they’re designed to be easier and safer to use for people with disabilities. They’re made with ease-of-use in mind, so if you’re currently long-showering due to a disability or age, mobility showers may be the right choice for you.