They have a retaining 'barrier' at the lower front edge to stop the water from flowing out onto the floor - you need sufficient balance and mobility to step over this.

A wall-mounted shower seat can either be static, or hinged, allowing it to be folded against the wall when not in use. Contrary to popular belief, no. Although a wet room can have many benefits for accessibility, it’s also possible to install a level access shower tray (such as the Braddan) which can be recessed into the floor and create a completely level access solution similar to a wet room former which is installed under the vinyl flooring/tiles. Do level access showers flood easily? Armrests provide support while you are seated, but should not be used to help you stay in the chair. If, without the arm supports, you would slide or fall, then you require a more supportive system. You are advised to seek advice from an occupational therapist.

Shower cradles are four-wheeled devices with a mesh fabric stretched over a metal frame. They have a small range of positions to choose from, enabling you to be showered in a semi-reclined position with knees and hips flexed. This helps to inhibit extensor spasm and provides a more stable position, but it will also reduce the overall length of the cradle so that it can be used in some shower cubicles. Using a cradle requires a carer to administer the shower. It also requires quite significant space to position the cradle. If you are a particularly large person, you are advised to weigh yourself accurately. You can then ensure that any equipment that you buy, or with which you are supplied, is suitable and safe for you. DFGs operate across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Conditions for DFGs will vary according to the country in which you live. For details of schemes in Scotland see Disability Information Scotland.

Depending on your needs and preferences, it may be worth considering models which have pre-set controls or one control which regulates the rate of flow and temperature. The following types are available: If hot water used for showering or bathing is above 44 °C there is increased risk of serious injury or fatality, especially where large areas of the body are exposed to high temperatures. This type of shower uses pre-heated water from your home’s boiler or hot water tank, but has thermostatic controls which automatically compensate for any changes in water pressure. This ensures that if someone turns on the cold water tap elsewhere in the house, the person in the shower will not get scalded. Shower boards may sometimes also be called bath boards but we consider shower boards to have greater width/depth than bath boards, providing a greater area of support. Bath boards are narrower, to provide more room if you wish to transfer down onto a bathseat.These are the most common type of shower tray available from most standard plumbers’ merchants and DIY chains. However, they may not be suitable for many users’ needs due to the high threshold step.

Some models will shut off completely if either the hot or cold water supply fails. Please see the section on Shower safety - temperature control below. As the bench extends outside of the edge of the bath it is more difficult to keep the shower water in the bath, even using a shower curtain. A transfer bench does not require support on the bath rim on the far side of the bath, so may be useful when this is not available. We also offer a 30 day change of mind return on most products (some exclusions apply due to health & hygenie control policies). And then, of course, there’s personal preference. Some people really need to feel clean and fresh no matter what, so a camping shower can only be an enhancement, whereas, for some others, that may not be as important – especially if they are out and about in the wild. If you cannot maintain standing and you find walking or moving your legs difficult, or you are at all unsteady, you are advised to consider a mobile chair, in which you can be pushed into the shower. You will consequently need to look at level access showers.Before installing a rail, you must ensure that the wall you fix it too is strong enough to support the rail and the weight placed on it the mobile chair may have to be reversed into some small trays so that it can be conveniently positioned under the shower head. It may be best to use this equipment whilst seated in your shower to help avoid any potential difficulty with your balance when reaching with the equipment Digital shower controls allow you to programme your desired temperature etc. They incorporate thermostatic controls to prevent temperature variations. It is usual to have a second remote control unit so that the shower can be controlled from a distance. This can be useful for a carer. Some assistive technology needs to meet Australian or other standards. Standards may relate to materials, manufacturing and installation. Products that meet Australian or international standards will have written certification. To find out if a product meets Australian Standards ask the supplier to show you the certificate. For more information about standards also see