Walkers: Bathing

Special shower chairs and tub benches are available for use while bathing. These chairs help you bathe safely. Ask your healthcare provider where you can get one. 

Note: Try to make sure surfaces are dry before you walk on them. Nonskid mats can help prevent falls.

Getting into a shower stall

1. Back up over the lip of the shower stall with your good leg until you feel the shower chair behind you. Reach back for the shower chair first with 1 hand, then the other, as you begin to sit down.

Woman getting into shower stall with a walker. Arrow shows how to move leg back against shower chair edge.

2. Lower yourself onto the chair. Lift each foot and turn to face the faucet.

Woman sitting in shower stall on shower chair with walker moved to side. Arrow shows how to turn body to face showerhead.

Getting into a tub

1. Back up until you feel the tub bench behind you. Reach back for the bench first with 1 hand, then the other, as you begin to sit down.

Woman with walker preparing to sit down on shower chair in bathtub.

2. Lower yourself onto the bench and turn to face the faucet. Use your hands to help lift each leg over the side of the tub. A hand-held shower nozzle can make bathing on a bench easier.

Woman sitting in shower stall on shower chair, facing showerhead.

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