Shower stool

ViCare shower stool from Villeroy & Boch

A shower stool is an important aid in the bathroom that makes hygiene easier for people with limited mobility. For anyone who either cannot or does not want to stand up for long periods while showering, a shower stool offers a comfortable seating option. Furthermore, these stools also offer greater comfort for people without disabilities when showering. Shower stools are available in many different designs – however, a few things should be taken into account when purchasing one. 

What shower stool solutions are available?

A shower stool is a waterproof seat that is placed in the shower cabinet while showering. What features should a shower stool actually have? There is no correct answer to this question, as every person is different and therefore has different needs when showering. A shower stool should therefore suit the personal requirements of its owner – and of course the dimensions of the shower. There is a wide range of different bathroom stool solutions on the market, each offering certain advantages – but some models are not suitable for everyone. 

  • Round shower stools: Traditionally, bathroom stools are circular and take up little space in the shower tray, making them ideal for small showers. The round shape allows relatively flexible movement on the stool – which is practical in terms of personal hygiene, but also requires a certain degree of coordination. Round shower stools are often not suitable for taller or heavier people due to their small size. Furthermore, round bathroom stools are often less comfortable on account of their rather plain designs and space-saving dimensions. However, there are also models with upholstered seats that offer far greater comfort. 

  • Triangular shower stools: Bathroom stools with a triangular seat are also very compact and usually have three legs. These tripod shower stools often have an ergonomically shaped seat. This makes them quite comfortable, but turning your body while on the seat is not as easy as with a round seat. 

  • Rectangular shower stools: The most generous seating area is typically offered by rectangular stools. These designs may be upholstered or have an ergonomic seat; some models also include practical recessed grips or attached handles. These make it easy to lift the stool, place it in the shower and remove it from the shower cabinet after showering. Handles also provide additional support while washing. 

  • Shower stools with swivel seats: Some models even feature a swivel seat. Their main advantage is that they provide greater freedom of movement and remove the need to stand up while showering. For example, the user can swivel on the shower stool to operate the taps or reach for shampoo and shower gel. However, swivel bathroom stools are not suitable for everyone – the user needs good coordination skills and body control and should not suffer from vertigo. 

  • Folding shower stools: Folding stools are a practical solution in the bathroom. When not in use, they can be folded up to save space and stored in a corner of the bathroom. When showering, they can be quickly unfolded with very little effort. Folding shower stools are also available for fixed installation on the wall. These models can be easily folded down and up again after use. They should be installed by a specialist company. Not every shower wall is suitable for installing a folding seat, and as always: safety first! 

  • Shower stools with hygiene recess: The shape of many shower stools might seem strange at first glance. Instead of a continuous seat, they have a divided seat or a larger, U-shaped recess at the front centre. This recess is designed to facilitate personal hygiene by making it easier to reach all areas of the body when sitting. 

  • Shower chair: If you want more comfort and safety when showering and can make some sacrifices in terms of flexibility, a shower chair is a good option. In addition to a seat, it has a backrest – some models also have armrests. A shower chair typically takes up more space than a stool and so may not fit inside smaller showers. 

When is a shower stool useful for the elderly?

Most people wish to remain independent and look after themselves into old age. Personal hygiene plays a big part in this. An accessible bathroom offers comfort and convenience for elderly people. However, standing in the shower for a long time is often very uncomfortable for older people. If they have impaired stability and mobility, their risk of falling in the shower and bathroom is increased. 

A shower stool is a useful everyday aid for elderly people who want even more safety and comfort when showering. However, it is not only helpful for the elderly – a shower stool can also be useful after surgery or for people with disabilities. By providing comfort and safety while showering, it enables both greater independence and well-being. 

Shower stools from Villeroy & Boch
When choosing a bathroom stool, pay particular attention to the following criteria: 

  • Material: The chosen shower stool should in any case be made of a waterproof and rustproof material such as aluminium and sturdy plastic. It should also be easy to clean and disinfect. 

  • Weight: To ensure that the shower stool can be used flexibly, it should not be too heavy. 

  • Non-slip feet: Non-slip feet are essential to ensure stability. 

  • Strength: Pay attention to the maximum load that can be placed on the shower stool. 

  • Comfort: With ergonomic seat or upholstery, good seating comfort is ensured. 

  • Height: Measure the height of the taps and fittings in the shower to help you find a stool with the right height. 

What’s more, Modern shower stools look elegant and blend in perfectly with the design of your bathroom - like the bathroom stool from the ViCare line by Villeroy & Boch. It combines an attractive look and shapely design with a high degree of functionality. 

Can you get a shower stool on prescription?

The price of a shower stool varies wildly – from a simple and sparsely equipped model for 30 euros to a premium stool with many extras for 600 euros. In many cases, the costs may be covered by the health insurance companies because a shower stool is a recognised medical aid. Your doctor can therefore write a prescription for a shower stool. 

However, in this case, the health insurance provider will only cover the cost of a bathroom stool with the features that are actually needed according to the prescription. For people requiring a defined level of care, a shower stool can also be applied for from the care insurance fund – however, it is then usually only provided on loan. If you or your relatives have specific ideas about your stool and would like to keep it permanently, it therefore often makes sense to pay for it privately. 

Shower stools from Villeroy & Boch