There are many hazards to deal with when showering a patient or resident. According to the National Institute on Aging, about 80% of falls among seniors happen in the bathroom. It takes planning, attention to detail, and the right bathroom aids and equipment to ensure a safe, sanitary, and comfortable showering experience.
It also takes the right chair. An article from McKnight’s states that, “For most of nursing home residents, a shower takes place in a shower chair. And the vast majority of those are made of inexpensive medical grade PVC piping with relatively low weight limits and short life spans.” They go on to state that, “And if a resident attempts to stand from a lightweight chair while holding a grab bar, the seat could tip as the weight is removed.”[1] In this blog we will explore the EZ1000 Shower Chair and how this bathroom aid provides a positive showering experience, both for the resident and for the caregiver, as well as a long-lasting value for your organization.
The Right Solution For Showering
The right solution for showering uses a combination of equipment including safe patient lifting and transferring devices, a sturdy, safe, and long-lasting shower chair, and shower panel with a cleaning/disinfecting system. Our focus in this article is on a safe, comfortable, and long-lasting shower chair.
TThe EZ1000 Shower Chair minimizes static load and offers an ergonomic working environment for caregivers along with a smooth transfer for the patient or resident, making this bathroom aid a safe, dignified, comfortable, and efficient solution for showering. The EZ1000 Shower Chair is used in conjunction with floor lifts, ceiling lifts, sit-to-stands or stand aids to safely transfer a person into or out of the chair for transport to the showering room. Once in the chair, the 2810 Shower Panel is used to shower the person, and then also clean and disinfect the chair.
Designed With Care
Great care was put into the design of the EZ1000. It’s clean, stable design provides safety, comfort, and ease in transfers, showering, and mobility. The seat and frame are designed for toileting over a standard toilet, and the back of the chair gives greater access to a person’s backside for easier cleaning. You can also toilet with the commode pan which comes standard with the chair. Its many ergonomic features provide comfort for both the patient/resident as well as the caregiver.
Ergonomics, Ease, Safety, and Comfort
The EZ1000 is designed both for the comfort and safety of the resident, as well as for the ease of use and ergonomics for the caregiver. The goal is for everyone involved in the showering process to have a positive experience and remain safe from injury. Let's take a look at some of the features which make this happen.
Forward and Recline Tilt: The chair reclines up to 25 degrees for relaxation and access for cleaning. A forward tilt of up to 7 degrees provides easier movement and secure transfers from wheelchairs and standing aids. The forward tilt also aides in back care.
Height Adjustment: The easy to use hand control allows the caregiver tilt the seat and raise or lower the height for better ergonomics while showering. The chair adjusts from 21 inches up to 36 inches in height. The twin columns move smoothly and gently to make the person and the caregiver feel comfortable while showering and toileting.
Seat & Backrest: The seat and backrest on this bathroom aid are designed for comfort. The seat is made of polyurethane (PUR), providing a comfortable surface which doesn’t absorb water and is easy to clean and disinfect. An optional Gel Seat Pad fits onto the seat and back to provide even more comfort, and to help those with skin sensitivities. The top of the seat back is cut away exposing the metal tubing, acting as handles to ease in pushing the chair.
Footrest & Headrest: The footrest supports the feet for a comfortable showering experience. The footrest is adjustable and foldable. The headrest is also adjustable, and provides excellent support of the head and neck. Both the footrest and headrest are standard features on the chair.
Leg Rest and Armrest: The integrated leg rest is designed for maximum ergonomics, and is made to streamline with the body and alleviate pressure. The arm rests fold up for easy side transfers, and have grip knobs for comfort.
Safety Belts: A chest belt and a hip belt come standard with the chair for added safety while in use. Made of comfortable, yet durable, nylon the belts help keep the person safe and secure in the chair.
Emergency Stop: The emergency stop comes standard, and allows a caregiver to immediately stop tilting, raising, or lowering if they spot an issue.
Casters: The chair comes with four twin casters with brakes, along with a straight steering option to make pushing the chair much easier under load.
Showering and so much more
While showering is the first thing that comes to mind, the EZ1000 bathroom aid can be used for so much more.
Toileting: The EZ1000 fits over most standard size toilets for easy and convenient toileting. A commode pan with lid comes standard as an alternative toileting choice.
Shampooing and Haircare: For long term care organizations with in-house salons, the EZ1000 makes a perfect chair for shampooing, conditioning, and cutting hair. Simply transfer your resident into the chair and let them remain comfortably seated until finished.
Foot Care and Wound Care: The ergonomic and adjustable foot pad along with the height adjustable seat make foot care much easier on the caregiver. No more bending, kneeling, or stooping to reach the feet. Likewise the design of the chair along with its tilting features make wound care more accessible and convenient for the caregiver.
Investing in safe, comfortable, and durable bathrooms aids and shower equipment makes the showering process easier, improves quality of life for the resident and caregiver, and can improve clinical outcomes. We invite you to contact us to learn more about the EZ1000 Shower Chair, and see firsthand how it will help your residents, patients, and caregivers.
Standard Features
Optional Features
[1] Marselas, Kimberly, “Today’s mobile LTC resident can add layers of complication to bathing safety”, McKnight’s Long-Term Care News, May 1, 2019.