Shower Stools
Choosing the Right Shower Stools
Shower stools are purpose-built seating solutions that let people with limited mobility or balance safely sit while washing in the shower or bathtub. They reduce the risk of slips and falls, which are among the most common household accidents for older adults and those using mobility aids.
Types of Shower Stools
A compact, lightweight model suitable for most adults with moderate mobility needs. It offers a basic seat without extra padding, making it easy to clean and ideal for smaller bathrooms.
Designed for larger users or those requiring a higher safe working load, this stool features a broader seat and reinforced frame, providing added stability for users up to around 310 kg.
Adds a soft, removable cushion to the standard seat for enhanced comfort during longer showers. The padding is moisture-resistant and easy to wipe clean.
Combines a padded seat with a low backrest to aid upright posture and reduce strain on the lower back — suited to users who need extra lumbar support while seated.
A compact, space-saving design that fits into tight bathroom corners, freeing up space without compromising safety, while maintaining the same load capacity as the standard model.
Key Features to Consider Before Buying
Legs that extend across a range (typically 670-855 mm overall height) let you set the stool to the right level for any shower bench or tub edge. Proper height reduces the need to stretch or bend, lowering fall risk.
Safe Working Loads range from around 136 kg to 310 kg, ensuring the stool can support a wide spectrum of body types. Choosing a model with a higher SWL adds a safety margin for active users.
Frames made from aluminium or steel are finished to resist rust in constantly wet conditions, extending the product's lifespan and keeping it looking clean.
Rubberised or textured foot caps provide grip on smooth tiles, helping prevent the stool from sliding during use — important for users who shift weight while seated.
Select models include a cut-out seat opening that allows easier access for cleaning and for positioning a handheld shower, supporting better hygiene.
Removable foam cushions add a layer of softness without compromising the stool's structural integrity, and are sealed to repel moisture for daily shower use.
Aluminium stools are lightweight and easy to move, while steel variants offer extra robustness for bariatric users — both are compatible with standard bathroom fittings.
Funding & Costs
Products in this category are commonly funded through the pathways below — always confirm eligibility and the current code with your plan manager, OT, or our team.
National Disability Insurance Scheme
- Core Supports — Basic / Low-risk — Level 1 : Basic stools — no formal AT assessment required.
- Core or Capital Supports — Standard — Level 2 : Adjustable/wide models — clinical recommendation typical. (prescription required — Occupational Therapist (OT))
Australian Government Support at Home Program
- AT-HM Low Tier
- AT-HM Medium Tier
Statewide Equipment Program (Victoria)
- Aids & Equipment Program : Bathroom and toileting aids are explicitly covered under SWEP. (prescription required — Occupational Therapist (OT), Physiotherapist, Speech Pathologist)
Department of Veterans' Affairs
- Gold Card — Full Coverage (prescription required — Occupational Therapist (OT), General Practitioner / Medical Specialist)
- White Card — Accepted Condition Only (prescription required — Occupational Therapist (OT), General Practitioner / Medical Specialist)
Fast, low-cost AT for entry-level aged care needs (CHSP)
- Entry-Level Items : Shower chairs and bath seats are named as a typically-covered GEAT2GO item.
Frequently Asked Questions
Measure the distance from the shower floor to the height of the bench or tub edge where you'll sit, then select a stool whose adjustable range includes that measurement. A good rule of thumb is to keep your feet flat on the floor with knees at a comfortable angle — if unsure, start at the mid-range setting and adjust from there.
A stool provides a simple flat seat, whereas a chair includes a backrest and often armrests for additional support and posture control. Chairs suit users who need extra stability or have limited trunk control, while stools suit those who can balance independently and want a low-profile option.
Suction pads rely on a smooth, non-porous surface to create a seal, so they may not grip well on textured or patterned tiles. It's safer to choose a stool with rubber-coated legs, or place a non-slip mat beneath the foot caps, so stability doesn't depend on tile finish.
Rinse the stool after each use with warm water to remove soap residue, then wipe it dry with a soft cloth. Use a mild detergent for aluminium frames, or a stainless-steel cleaner for steel frames; wipe removable cushions with a damp cloth and air-dry fully to prevent mould.
Most stools can sit securely on a bathtub rim as long as the rim is wide enough to support the legs. Make sure the height setting still lets your feet reach the floor comfortably, and check the legs are stable before stepping onto the stool.
If the user has significant balance issues, trunk weakness, or needs arm support to stand, a chair with a backrest and armrests provides more stability. When transfers become risky or longer sitting is needed, a shower chair or dedicated shower commode is generally the safer choice — worth discussing with an OT if unsure.