The smallest details can make an enormous difference. Consider the humble footrest—a seemingly subtle feature of a shower chair. Yet, its impact on users' comfort, stability, and overall well-being is boundless. A well-designed foot support does more than just keep feet in place; it ensures proper alignment, instilling a sense of security and ease that surpasses the ordinary bathing experience.
Such was the case for our client….
Let’s meet the client
Our user, a young lady, faces significant challenges caused by severe leg contractures, which involve the stiffening of muscles. These contractures severely restrict the natural movement of her legs, resulting in awkward positioning. As a result, standard footplates are unable to accommodate her unique leg positioning, depriving her of adequate support and exacerbating her discomfort during daily activities, such as bathing.
Why is foot support important on a shower chair?
- Stability: Foot support plays a crucial role in maintaining stability and balance while you're seated in your shower chair. By providing a firm foundation for your feet, it reduces the risk of slips and falls, ensuring your safety and confidence as you bathe.
- Comfort: A stable foot surface enhances bathing comfort, reducing strain on the legs and feet, especially for prolonged sitting. However, correct foot placement is crucial; a 90-degree leg position distributes pressure evenly, while improper placement can lead to discomfort. Therefore, optimal foot placement is vital for long-term shower chair users to maximise comfort and minimise strain during bathing.
- Improved Posture: Proper posture is essential for overall well-being. Foot support encourages correct alignment of the spine, hips, and lower limbs while seated, reducing the risk of slouching, or leaning forward, which can cause muscle tension and discomfort. Moreover, maintaining proper posture facilitates better circulation.
- Adaptability: A key advantage of foot support on a shower chair is its ability to be customised to individual needs. Height, angle, and positioning can be adjusted to accommodate various leg lengths, foot sizes, and mobility restrictions, ensuring excellent comfort and support for each user.
- Prevention of sliding: Inadequate foot support can lead to users sliding forward on the chair, increasing the risk of injury. Footrests function as anchors, providing an additional layer of safety and stability during showers.
Our Specialised Solution
1. Design Phase:
- Research and Analysis: Thorough investigation into the client's specific needs and requirements, coupled with extensive research on existing foot support solutions and user feedback, to pinpoint areas for enhancement.
- Conceptualisation: Our dedicated Product Advisor collaborated closely with our Custom Specials Team to conceive ideas and concepts for foot support, prioritising optimal functionality and user comfort.
- Prototyping: Creating prototypes based on our initial designs, evaluating them to see how they work, and gathering feedback to make the final product better.
2. Choosing Materials:
- Upholstery: High-quality, soft padding materials were selected to maximise user comfort while prioritising durability and ease of maintenance.
- Waterproofing: Waterproof Dartex material was chosen to protect against moisture and enhance the footbox's longevity.
3. Mechanism:
- Hook Integration: An innovative hook attachment mechanism ensures secure fastening of the footbox to the chair, combining stability with ease of installation and removal.
And the result….
Introducing the ABS Footbox — a precision-engineered foot support solution thoughtfully cushioned with soft padding and encased in waterproof Dartex material.
What sets this footbox apart is its ingenious hook attachment system, which guarantees exceptional stability and reliability once affixed to the chair, providing sturdy support while alleviating discomfort commonly associated with dangling limbs or unsuitable metal bars.
Furthermore, we take pride in its versatility. The footbox is consciously designed for easy removal, facilitating chair recycling and repurposing for future clients. This not only prioritises the current client's comfort and safety but also emphasises our commitment to sustainability and enhancing the usability of our products.
The bespoke shower chair was promptly delivered, and the user was pleased with the outcomes.
Our equipment specialists regularly conduct FREE product assessments across the UK. Find out more by calling 01634 813388 or book your product assessment online now.
