RAZ AT Shower Chair
At Wealden Rehab, we are dedicated to providing the highest standard of bathing and hygiene care equipment tailored to the unique needs of each client. Recently, our Product Advisor Harjit Bassan worked closely with a client, Mr P, to adapt his RAZ AT shower chair to better suit his individual requirements, ensuring both comfort and safety.
Understanding the Client’s Needs
Mr P is an adult with a longstanding brain injury who lives independently in the community. He has a complex postural presentation and requires 24-hour care from a skilled team of carers. Supported by a Case Manager and an Occupational Therapists, Mr P’s needs are closely monitored and managed.
Over recent months, Mr P’s posture had changed, making his existing shower chair unsuitable. Despite using a 2-point hip belt, he was sliding forward significantly, occasionally even slipping out of the chair. He also experiences global extensor spasms, which lift his hips and straighten his legs, further affecting his ability to maintain a safe, comfortable position.
His Occupational Therapist contacted Wealden Rehab for a joint assessment, to explore possible adaptations to his RAZ AT shower chair.
The Initial Assessment
Harjit Bassan carried out a detailed assessment with Mr P, the Occupational Therapist, and his care team. Key challenges identified included; The standard seating had become too short for Mr P’s height. The lap belt was too large to maintain pelvic stability. The footplates design allowed feet to slip off, contributing to forward sliding. The backrest fixed design forced a 90° hip angle, which was uncomfortable. And the headrest surface area was insufficient for his frequent head movements.
Customised Adaptations
Based on the assessment, Harjit recommended a series of targeted adaptations:
- Reclining backrest, allowed Mr P to maintain an open hip angle comfortably.
- Correctly sized lap belt, ensured the pelvis stayed securely in place.
- Longer seat cushion with visco foam, provided better thigh support and pressure relief, ideal for prolonged showering.
- One-piece, angle-adjustable footplates, angled backward to counteract forward thrusting, with forward extension plates for full foot support.
- Forward-offset footrest sockets, positioned the footplates for a comfortable knee angle and better contact.
- Upgraded headrest (Design G), increased surface area and padding to support Mr P’s head movements fully.
Outcome
Harjit returned to fit the new shower chair accessories, working closely with the occupational therapist, client, and care team. Over a 20-minute monitoring session, Harjit ensured that all adjustments were fine-tuned to Mr P’s comfort. For example, when Mr P’s body language indicated the lap belt was too tight, Harjit made immediate adjustments.
With these adaptations:
- Mr P could maintain a stable position with his pelvis at the back of the seat.
- The risk of slipping forward was eliminated.
- Overall comfort and safety during showering and toileting improved significantly.
The Occupational Therapist and care team agreed that the changes were highly effective, demonstrating how thoughtful, specialist equipment can have a real impact on daily living.
If you’re looking for specialist bathing equipment solutions or guidance on adapting equipment to meet changing needs, Wealden Rehab is here to help. Our team of experts works closely with clients, carers, and therapists to provide the safest, most comfortable solutions possible.
Harjit was extremely knowledgeable and clearly very experienced in his area of work. Harjit communicated clearly with the client throughout, using communication methods that were appropriate for Mr P and demonstrating a person-centred approach where the client’s needs and personal views were made a priority.