For many people, showering is a routine part of everyday life. However, reduced mobility, balance concerns, recovering from surgery or age-related changes can make standing in the shower more difficult over time.
A shower chair provides a stable, supportive seat that allows people to shower while seated, helping reduce fatigue and providing greater confidence during bathing. Whether the need is temporary or long-term, choosing the right shower chair can make a significant difference to both comfort and independence.
This guide explains the key features to consider when selecting a shower chair, including safety, comfort, sizing and long-term suitability, so you can choose a solution that best meets your individual needs.
What is a shower chair?
A shower chair is an assistive bathing aid designed specifically for use in wet bathroom environments. Unlike an everyday chair, shower chairs are made from water-resistant materials and include features such as slip-resistant feet, drainage holes and adjustable legs to provide greater stability and comfort while showering.
The most suitable shower chair depends on factors such as your mobility, strength, balance, bathroom layout and the level of support you require.
If you’re unsure which bathing aid is most appropriate, an Occupational Therapist can assess your individual needs and recommend a suitable solution.
What should you consider when choosing a shower chair?
Safety comes first
Bathrooms are naturally wet environments, so stability and safe design should be the first considerations when selecting any shower chair. Features to consider include: weight rating, slip-resistant feet, adjustable seat heights, back rests and arm rests.
Weight rating
Every shower chair has a maximum weight it can hold; this is often called a weight rating or a maximum weight load. Choosing a chair that is appropriate for the intended user is essential for safe operation.
Q-assist offers a range of shower seating options, including:
- Q-assist Shower Chair — maximum user weight 150kg
- Q-assist Bariatric Shower Chair — maximum user weight 250kg
Slip-resistant feet
A stable shower chair starts from the ground up.
All Q-assist shower chairs feature slip-resistant feet designed to provide secure contact with the shower floor.
If the feet on an existing shower chair become worn, they should be replaced promptly. Q-assist replacement suction feet are available for compatible chairs.
When selecting replacement feet, look for features such as:
- wide bases for improved stability
- drainage holes to minimise trapped water
- reinforced construction for durability
- a weight rating suitable for the intended user
Replacing worn components can help maintain the performance and stability of your shower chair over time.
Adjustable seat height
Everyone is different, so an adjustable shower chair allows the seat height to be tailored to the individual user.
A chair that is too low can make sitting down and standing up more difficult, while one that is too high may reduce stability because the user’s feet cannot rest comfortably on the floor. Correct seat height helps create a more comfortable seating position while allowing both feet to remain firmly supported on the shower floor.
The Q-assist Shower Chair and Q-assist Bariatric Shower Chair feature adjustable legs, allowing users to find a comfortable working height that best suits their individual needs.
In this short video, Occupational Therapist Anita Brown-Major demonstrates how the Q-assist Shower Chair can be easily adjusted to suit the individual user.
See how to correctly adjust a shower chair
Choosing an adjustable shower chair is only part of the process. Correctly setting the chair to the user’s height is just as important for comfort, stability and safe transfers.
The Occupational Therapy team at The Royal Melbourne Hospital has produced a practical guide and video demonstrating how to:
- adjust the shower chair to the correct height
- position the chair safely within the shower
- safely transfer on and off the chair
- check the chair’s stability before use
Watch the Royal Melbourne Hospital Occupational Therapy Shower Chair Setup & Use video here.
Backrests and armrests
Supportive features can make showering both safer and more comfortable.
Backrests provide additional postural support while seated, while armrests offer something to hold when sitting down, standing up or repositioning during showering.
Some Q-assist shower chairs also feature removable backrests, allowing them to be converted into shower stools if required. If a removable backrest is an important feature for you, look at the Q-assist Bariatric Shower Chair which can be converted into a shower stool.
Contoured seating and drainage
A well-designed shower chair should be comfortable enough for everyday use.
Look for features including:
- contoured seating
- textured or non-slip surfaces
- drainage holes that allow water to flow away from the seating surface
Drainage holes help prevent water from pooling on the seat to improve hygiene and make cleaning easier.
Will it fit your bathroom?
Before purchasing a shower chair, measure your shower space carefully.
Consider not only whether the chair fits inside the shower, but also whether there is enough room to move comfortably around the shower chair. Is it easy to get on and off it inside the shower?
If assistance from a family member or support worker is required, ensure there is adequate space for them to safely assist during showering.
Taking a few simple measurements before purchasing can help avoid selecting a chair that is too large for your bathroom.
Is portability important?
In many households, the shower is shared by multiple family members.
If the shower chair will need to be moved between uses, lightweight construction becomes an important consideration.
Q-assist shower chairs are manufactured from lightweight aluminium, making them easier to:
- move in and out of the shower
- clean
- transport
- store when not in use
This can make everyday use easier for both users and their family members or carers.
Think about your future needs
Choosing a shower chair isn’t only about meeting today’s needs. It’s also worth considering whether your mobility is likely to change over time.
For example, stepping over a shower hob may feel manageable now but could become more difficult if balance or strength declines in the future.
In these situations, a Q-assist Transfer Chair may provide a more suitable long-term solution.
Unlike a standard shower chair, the Q-assist Transfer Chair features an extended bench that allows users to sit outside the shower before sliding safely across into position. This can reduce the need to step over a shower hob and may provide greater confidence for people whose mobility is changing.
The Q-assist Transfer Chair can also be used with many shower-over-bath and bath configurations and has a maximum user weight of 250kg.
For people whose mobility is expected to remain stable, a Q-assist Shower Chair or Bariatric Shower Chair may be the most appropriate option.
Australian Standards matter
When selecting assistive bathing equipment, choosing products that have been independently tested to relevant Australian Standards provides additional confidence in their safety and performance.
Q-assist shower seating products are independently tested to relevant Australian Standards, including:
- Q-assist Shower Chair — AS/NZS 3973:2009
- Q-assist Bariatric Shower Chair — AS/NZS 3973:2009
- Q-assist Suction Feet — AS/EN 12182:2015
- Q-assist Sloped Suction Feet — AS/EN 12182:2015
- Q-assist Transfer Chair — AS/NZS 3973:2009
Learn more about Australian Standards here.
Choosing the right shower chair
The right shower chair is one that suits both your current needs and your lifestyle.
By considering safety, comfort, bathroom size, portability and how your mobility may change over time, you can choose a shower chair that supports safer showering while helping maintain independence at home.
Before purchasing any assistive bathing equipment, speak with your Occupational Therapist or healthcare professional to ensure the product is appropriate for your individual needs.
Explore the full range of Q-assist shower chairs, transfer chairs and bathroom mobility aids to find the solution that’s right for you.
| Feature | Q-assist Shower Chair | Q-assist Bariatric Shower Chair | Q-assist Transfer Chair |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum user weight | 150kg | 250kg | 250kg |
| Adjustable seat height | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lightweight aluminium construction | ✓ (3.35kg) | ✓ (3.39kg) | ✓ (5.88kg) |
| Slip-resistant feet | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Backrest | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Armrests / side support | ✓ | Side rails | ✓ |
| Suitable for stepping over a shower hob | – | – | ✓ |
| Suitable for shower-over-bath use | – | – | ✓ |
| Convertible into a shower stool | – | ✓ | – |
| Independently tested to meet Australian Standards for safety | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Frequently asked questions
Q: What is the difference between a shower chair and a shower stool?
A shower chair typically includes a backrest and may also include armrests, providing additional support while showering. A shower stool generally has a smaller seat without a backrest and may be suitable for users who require less support.
Q: How do I know which shower chair is right for me?
The most suitable shower chair depends on your mobility, balance, bathroom layout, body size and the level of support you require. If you’re unsure, an Occupational Therapist can help assess your needs and recommend an appropriate solution.
Q: Can shower chairs be adjusted?
Many shower chairs, including the Q-assist Shower Chair and the Q-assist Bariatric Shower Chair, feature adjustable legs that allow the seat height to be customised for greater comfort and safer transfers.
Q: Are all shower chairs tested to Australian Standards?
Not all shower chairs are tested to Australian Standards. When comparing products, check whether they have been independently tested to the relevant Australian Standards and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe use.