Raz AT offers safe showering solution in care home

Background

At a care home in Lancashire, a client was experiencing increasing difficulty and anxiety around showering. She has a condition that causes involuntary movements, reduced mobility, and a significant risk of falls. The standard shower seating available was no longer safe or suitable, leading to concerns for both her safety and her ability to maintain independence with personal care.

Her family and care team were particularly worried about the risks of injury from her uncontrolled movements and the instability of conventional seating. A specialist solution was needed to ensure safety, comfort, and dignity during showering.

Requirements

The chair needed to:

• Provide robust, stable support to minimise the risk of falls.
• Reduce injury risks from involuntary movements.
• Offer sufficient postural support for comfort and safety.
• Be adjustable to the service user’s individual body measurements.
• Allow the user to feel secure and confident while showering.

Challenges

The main challenges were:

• The user’s involuntary movements, which put her at risk of injury against standard shower chairs.
• The need for strong, adaptable seating that could be customised for posture, size, and comfort.
• Balancing safety with comfort, so the service user could relax and enjoy the shower rather than feel restrained.

Solution

Wealden Rehab’s local Product Advisor, Adam Webb, attended a joint assessment alongside the Occupational Therapist. The OT explained the service user’s postural and safety needs, while Adam, advised on product selection and the range of bespoke adaptations available.

The RAZ AT tilt-in-space shower chair was identified as the most suitable solution. It was customised with:

• Neoprene padding throughout for comfort and protection.
• A four-point lap belt for safety and stability.
• Reinforced seat and dynamic rockers to withstand involuntary movements.
• Adjustments to seat depth, height, and leg length to ensure an optimal fit.

Outcome

The RAZ AT was delivered and set up for the service user. She was delighted with the new chair and reported feeling safe and secure for the first time in months. The robust build and tailored adjustments mean she can now shower without fear of falling, while the padded supports provide both comfort and protection.