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Falls among adults 65 and older have risen on average 1.5% a year for the last three years, and up to 80% of falls occur in the bathroom. Keeping the older adult in your care safe during regular daily activities can be challenge enough, but add water and slick surfaces and the regular practice of bathing can become dangerous and stressful. 

Beyond installing handrails and transfer benches, safety features like a shower bench, seat or stool can provide safety, stability and comfort, and help give older adults a sense of independence while bathing. 

While there isn’t much variety between most bath safety shower stools on the market, differences are usually found in the seat type, weight capacity and overall size. You likely can’t go wrong as long as you’re accounting for bathroom safety and weight when shopping for shower stools. 

This lightweight and height adjustable shower stool offers six heights and a soft, curved seat and nonstick feet, making it a no-brainer for showers or bathtubs of any shape and size. 

Similar to the HomCom, the Bios bench offers a curved bath seat and aluminum frame, making it easy to transfer. But this stool features a backrest and drain holes in the seat for additional comfort. 

For heavier bathers, the Healthline stool supports up to 550 pounds thanks to a reinforced structure below the seat, 6 mm of padding on the seat and even a free 12-inch suction handle to help your senior with limited mobility get in and out of the shower. 

While this shower stool is basic in design and functionality, it’s sold as a part of a kit that includes a suction cup grab bar, a suction showerhead holder and two bath sponges. 

This sturdy stool from KMINA offers a simple yet functional design for bathers up to 330 pounds, nonslip feet and a thick, removable cushion for added comfort. 

This unique stool from OasisSpace features a swivel chair to give your senior loved one more mobility in the shower, as well as a small, simple frame for smaller showers and easy transfers to and from the bath. 

Remember: As long as your senior feels safe, secure and comfortable, most stools will work for you and make for a more enjoyable bathing experience. This may take a few tries to find the right bath chair fit, but thanks to free returns through most online or physical retailers, trial and error has never been easier. 

Jessica Toms is a writer with a special passion for covering topics that matter. With a 16-year career in writing for some of the biggest brands in the U.S., she has experience writing for a wide variety of subjects, but really enjoys stories related to health, fitness and wellness, and finding a healthy balance in life. Jessica loves being outdoors and enjoys physical exercise like running, hiking and yoga.