How to Modify a Shower Seat for Handicap Access

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By Shirley Philbrick
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Handicap Access

Modifying a standard bathtub for handicap access depends largely on the disability of the person using it. Sometimes a standard shower seat or shower bench is enough, but often times mobility is limited or a limb cannot come in contact with water. A sliding shower seat can be an expensive investment if health insurance doesn't cover it or if the disability is of short duration and the seat won't be needed for an extended period.

How you modify a shower seat for handicap access will be dependent on many factors including the size and weight of the user and the mobility issues they face. Below is one way to alter a basic shower seat for greater accessibility.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Standard shower seat
8" wide pine board
Flannel back tablecloth
Backless stool-able to hold 200 lb weight or more (must be the height of the shower seat)

Step 1

Place the outer seat

Place the stool on the outside of the tub approximately 8-10 inches from the tub side. It may need to be extended a bit wider to accommodate a larger sized person requiring use of a sliding shower seat.
Step 2

Cut and cover board

Cut a pine board that has been measured from the inside wall of the bathtub and extending just to the outside edge of the stool. Cover it with a folded vinyl tablecloth with the waterproof side out. Tuck in any extra fabric so as not to create a potential hazard to the shower user.
Step 3

Sliding shower seat

Move the shower seat towards the faucet end of the tub and place the board to span the shower chair and stool as shown in the photo in the introduction. Placing it toward the faucet allows more room for the legs of the user.

Tips & Warnings

hand held shower sprayers are reasonably priced and can help to keep splints, casts, or surgical wraps clean and dry.
Do not make it too wide a span between the shower seat and the outer stool or the board may buckle under the weight of the user. Safety is a priority even with a temporary handicap accessible modification.