Check the product and make adjustments
In this topic you will learn how to check the product, and adjust the height of the product to suit the person.
Check the product
Before fitting a toilet or shower chair for a person, check the product is in good working order. If the product has wheels, make sure the brakes are working.
Maximum weight
Check that the weight limit is suitable for the person. Each toilet or shower chair has a maximum weight limit. This is the maximum weight that the chair can safely hold.
The weight limit is usually written on the chair or on its box.
Check that the weight limit is equal to or more than the weight of the person.
Make adjustments
Most toilet and shower chairs have adjustable height legs. It is important to adjust these to the right height for the person.
The right height depends on:
- Where they will use the chair
- How they will get on and off the toilet (transfer).
If a toilet chair will be used over a sitting toilet, it must be high enough to fit over the toilet bowl.
If the person will transfer from a sitting position, the chair should be approximately the same height as the surface they are transferring from.
Remember Peter?
Peter transfers from a sitting position. He needs a shower chair at the same height as his wheelchair.
If the person will sit down and stand up from the chair adjust the height so that it feels easy for them.
Remember Cali?
Cali uses her toilet chair over the toilet.
The height is adjusted so that it clears the toilet and she does not have to lower herself too far to sit on the toilet chair.
To adjust the height of the chair, adjust each of the legs by using the push button or screw mechanism. Adjust each leg evenly so that the chair sits level on the ground. It should not rock when touched.
Depending on the product, there may be other adjustments that can be made such as the footplate height.
Activity
Check the weight limit and practice adjusting the height of the toilet and shower chairs that you have available.