Rolling, sturdy shower chair. Which one??

[Boopieup]

I can't stand up or walk, so I need a rolling shower chair. Does anyone have any input, ideas, or know where to buy one?

Here's what I need:

Rolling with big (24"+) rear wheels similar to a manual wheelchair.
8" swiveling casters on the front.
Cut out, and well padded seat.
No PVC
No or removable footrests.
aluminum, lightweight frame with stainless steel hardware.
Rated for 400 lbs., which I am not, but it's better to be safe than sorry with a chair that is more than adequate.

I'm sure I'm missing something here.
If you have any ideas or very helpful links, feel free to PM me.

I'm dying to take a shower in my newly remodeled bathroom and can't until I get a shower chair.

[Lyon]

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[Boopieup]

Thanks Lyon,
Keywords are 8" front casters and non-PVC. That's a tough one to find as I have yet to find one like that in my searches.

Thanks for the help.

[Lyon]

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[Boopieup]

Because my new shower requires more than a 5" caster to get over the ramp and threshold to be safe and to keep from stopping and pitching me out onto the ground. I have tried the 5" casters on a chair and ended up on the floor.

[Lyon]

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[Wendigo]

Hi Boopieup - I am so glad I looked carefully at how I spelled your name - my vision isn't the best - I'd typed a "b" instead of the middle "p."

I seems doubtful you'll find a chair that is just what you need and dear God safety is THE most important factor. Falling is so horrible - gravity always wins. Maybe you could consult a company that specializes in modifications for the disabled - sounds like you'll have to have an already made shower chair modified or one built to your needs.

http://www.mobilitymasters.com/bath_safety.shtml

[HarryZ]

Hi Boopieup,

About 3 years ago, we set out to get a roller chair for my wife (passed away in 2007) We didn't require the larger wheels since we had the shower stall built to the same level of the bathroom floor.

Save yourself the time and energy of trying to find a decent chair on the net. You need to go to a local company in your area that specializes in equipment for the disabled. They usually have examples of chairs in their shops which you can try and are very helpful in assisting in your final choice.

But be prepared to spend a lot of money...over $ 1000.00 for the standard chairs. The wheels you want are going to be a challenge because if they are even available, the chair will become a custom project and that will really add up in costs. And finding one that isn't PVC will also be an even bigger challenge. I wish you the best of luck in finding the right chair.

Harry

[Boopieup]

HarryZ:
That is very sound advice. I just went through the disaster of buying one online that was PVC and rated for "400 lbs.". It broke under me and I ended up on the floor.

Hi Boopieup - I am so glad I looked carefully at how I spelled your name - my vision isn't the best - I'd typed a "b" instead of the middle "p."

Wendigo:
That's funny.



That wouldn't have been the first time.
Thanks for the link.

I'm going to call my PTist and see what he can come up with.

[HarryZ]

HarryZ:
That is very sound advice. I just went through the disaster of buying one online that was PVC and rated for "400 lbs.". It broke under me and I ended up on the floor.


I'm going to call my PTist and see what he can come up with.

A wise move. Over the years my wife had to purchase a lot of different devices as her disability slowly became worse. I learned that getting the right one takes a lot of work with the right people at the right store.

Harry

[Boopieup]

This is the chair I finally got. My PTist --useless, local medical supply places--useless.

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It works fine because we have a ramp now. Yeah, it was really expensive but tax deductible.