Taking a bath can be a very good way to start the day out right. For those that are older, taking a bath is not only relaxing, but it is often safer than taking a shower. It is easy to loose your balance during the length of a shower, especially if you suffer from health disorders like arthritis. The same diseases that make it difficult to take a shower safely, can also make it very hard to get into and out of the wheelchair shower, so many people use bath lifts to increase safety.
Wheelchair shower is device that is used to raise and lower a person into their ADA bathtubs. There are several easy to install kits available that use very strong suction cups to secure the bath lift to the bathtub.These suction cups are very strong and most require a special tool to get them to release, so you do not need to worry about the lift slipping once it is in place. In most cases, a bath lift can be installed onto a bathtub in only a few minutes and removed just as easily. Since they can be moved so easily, it is often possible to take the lift with you when traveling.
Luckily, there are several products available that can make any bathroom accessible without requiring a contractor to add expensive permanent adaptations. The most important of these, especially for seniors and those with limited lower mobility, is the bath lift.
A bath lift can safely lift and lower a person into a bath tub and allows the user to maneuver with out the help of a care giver. This not only makes bathing safer, but increases the user’s level of independence.
ADA bathtubs are simple to operate and the controls on most modern models are usually quite intuitive. The lifting and lowering is accomplished through the use of a low voltage wheelchair shower powered by rechargeable batteries. When shopping for bath lifts, there are a few important questions you should always ask.
Most offer a reclining backrest, which can be lowered to allow the body to more fully submerge. Additionally comfortable headrests are usually available as well as lap and chest restraints. A swivel seat is also available for most lifts. The swivel seat works basically like a Lazy-Suzanne. It is circular and features a comfortable gel pad. It freely turns and is mounted to a track, so it makes transferring into the lift easier. For seniors, it is very important to prevent falls and reduce the risk of accidents. The bathroom can be very dangerous, but using ADA wheelchair shower is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of a fall.
Portable Shower Stalls for Wheelchairs
Standard Portable Shower for Wheelchairs
FAWSsit-S2000
Standard Model
36"x36"x48"
For use by individuals weighing up to approximately 220 lbs and who do not require footrests on the wheelchair Designed for any individual who can sit comfortably in a standard sized wheelchair.
This model enables the user to either do their own bathing, with the enclosure of a full privacy curtain, or to have the assistance of a care attendant who can reach in and assist in the bathing without having to get into the shower with the person in a wheelchair.
The front curtain can be left open to enable easy caregiver access, and only the FAWSsit™ design directs the waste water to the back of the pan for easy and complete removal with the safe frame-attached waste water removal pump. The shower head can be either frame mounted or hand-held to facilitate complete water access for bathing.
Super Standard Portable Shower for Wheelchairs
FAWSsit-SS4040
Super Standard Model
42"x42"x48"
For use by individuals weighing up to approximately 300 lbs, or who may require the use of footrests on the wheelchair. Slightly larger than S2000 for those that need just a bit more room. Meets the needs of wheelchair users who do not require a tilt back shower wheelchair.
Allows room for wheelchair foot pads as well as the wheelchair. With the same caregiver access and usability features as the S2000 Standard model, this unit also allows for quick set up, easy roll in, and immediate roll out after the shower is completed.
The unique pan design for all FAWSsit™ models enables waste water removal while showering, so once the shower is completed there is no need to wait for drain pan emptying, unlike all other shower pan designs.
The FAWSsit™ pump is custom-designed as well to rapidly remove the waste water, and to run safely wet or dry. A special filter mechanism designed into all FAWSsit showers ensures that no blockage will occur with the FAWSsit™ waste water removal pump.
Bariatric Portable Shower for Wheelchairs
FAWSsit-B5000
Bariatric Model
46"x46"x44"
For use by individuals up to 400 lbs, or who may require a slightly reclined wheelchair whose depth does not exceed 45" Meets the needs of wheelchair users that require more space for larger size wheelchairs or special patient requirements.
The FAWSsit™ B5000 Bariatric is designed to offer all of the features and benefits of the S2000 Standard and the SS4040 Super Standard models, but gives added space to accommodate large sized wheelchairs, or even slightly tilted wheelchairs.
With the B5000, even morbidly obese individuals are able to receive a safe, effective shower, and are able to easily reach all body parts with the customized shower head assembly.
The slightly lower height, at 44”, enables care attendants better access when reaching in to the larger unit to assist with bathing.
As with all FAWSsit™ models, the germicide-imbedded vinyl shower curtains can either be fully enclosed for privacy, or can be left open in front to best enable care attendant access. And, only FAWSsit™ portable showers have a triple layer, fiberglass-mesh imbedded waste water pan to hold up to multiple years of repeated roll in and roll out without breakdown or tearing.
No “foam fatigue” occurs with the FAWSsit™ pan design, so water spillage is NOT a problem, as can happen with unsupported foam sided drain pans.
Reclining Portable Shower for Wheelchairs
FAWSsit-R3000
Reclining Model
36"x76"x36"
For use by individuals who require a reclining style wheelchair or gurney, and who require the assistance of a care attendant for bathing Meets the needs of the High quadriplegic, CP and any medical condition requiring a tilt back shower wheelchair.
Only the FAWSsit™ R3000 Recliner has a double fold-away design which allows it to open to a full 74” in length to accommodate reclining wheelchairs and gurneys. But, when the showering is completed, this unit quickly folds flat to only 16” in depth for easy storage.
The R3000 has the added feature of lower height to make care attendant access as easy and effective as possible. The 15 foot long hoses (or longer if requested) allow for full reach and access for bathing.
Tall Portable Shower for Wheelchairs
FAWSsit-T4000
Hazmat Stand-up Tall Model
36"x36"x72"
For use by either able-bodied individuals or individuals with disabilities who can stand while bathing Meets the needs of Emergency Services or HAZMAT and is wheelchair accessible.
The FAWSsit™ T4000 Tall shower is also an ideal alternative for use in homes that need a full shower stall, but do not have room for a permanent or even semi-permanent structure.
The T4000 Tall shower, like all FAWSsit™ models, is shipped COMPLETELY ASSEMBLED, but folds flat to less than 8 inches in depth when showering is completed. This is a great alternative for cabins, basements, garages, or other locations where a shower is desired, but space is a concern.
The T4000 shower is also fully accessible, so it can be used by both the able-bodied and disabled in a family.
For emergency services and hazardous materials decontamination, time is of the essence for getting a shower facility functional. This unit can be mounted, fully assembled, on the side of a fire truck, or stored in an emergency closet for immediate use when needed. Exposure to hazardous materials especially calls for IMMEDIATE decontamination and for containment of the waste water.
ONLY FAWSsit™ portable showers enable this immediate use capability and waste water disposal system for easy bladder containment.
