NOVA 9026 Shower Chair with Removable Arms and Back

The NOVA 9026 is a height-adjustable shower chair with a backrest and armrests with foam hand grips, built on a lightweight aluminium frame with a weight capacity of 136kg (300lb). The arms and back release with a push button, so the same seat can be used as a full chair or as an armless, backless seat where the arms get in the way.

Features

• Removable arms and backrest with a push-button, snap-together design and no tools needed
• Height adjusts across a 41 to 53cm seat height range to suit the user and the space
• Lightweight aluminium frame, about 3kg
• Drainage holes in the plastic seat so water does not pool
• Skid-resistant rubber feet and foam-covered hand grips on the armrests
• Use in the shower or in the bath

Specifications

• Brand and model: NOVA Medical Products 9026
• Weight capacity: 136kg (300lb)
• Seat height: 41 to 53cm (16 to 21 inches), adjustable
• Seat size: 40 x 33cm (15.75 x 13 inches)
• Overall size: 54cm wide, 47 to 49cm deep, 72 to 86cm high
• Width between arms: 47.6cm; arm height above seat: 17cm
• Product weight: approx. 3kg (6.7lb)
• Materials: aluminium frame, plastic seat and back, foam hand grips
• Folding: no
• Warranty (manufacturer): limited lifetime on the metal frame, 1 year on other parts

Why choose a shower chair with arms and back?

Standing on a wet floor is where many bathroom falls start. healthdirect Australia lists a seat in the shower or bath, alongside handrails and non-slip mats, as a simple way to reduce your risk of falling at home. Arms give the user something to hold when sitting and standing, and a backrest gives back support. Arms are not a substitute for a securely fixed grab rail. Both remove without tools when they get in the way.

Shower chair or shower stool: which do you need?

A shower stool is a backless, armless seat for someone steady on their feet. A chair adds a back and arms for people who tire, feel unsteady, or need help standing up. This model covers both: with the arms and back removed it is an armless, backless seat.

It is worth being clear about what this product is not. It does not fold, so it is not the best choice for travel or for storing flat. It is not a transfer bench, which straddles the bath edge so a person can slide in without stepping over, and it is not a commode chair for toilet use. If stepping over the bath edge is the problem, ask about a transfer bench instead.

Setting it up safely

• As a general guide, set the height so the user's feet rest flat on the floor; follow your clinician's advice if you have hip precautions or limited knee movement.
• Check every leg is locked at the same height and all four rubber feet sit flat before each use.
• All four feet must sit on a firm, level surface. A non-slip mat helps only if it lies flat and does not shift the chair.
• Do not exceed the 136kg weight rating, and do not stand on the seat.

An occupational therapist can assess the bathroom and recommend the right equipment, especially after a hip or knee replacement or a fall. For a raised step at the shower or bed, see our single step stool, and for bed protection in home care the waterproof vinyl mattress protector. People who need a lot of help with transfers may need a carer, a grab rail or a different aid. Our guide to falls prevention and treatment covers the rest of the home, and you can browse more rehab and daily living supplies.

Shower Chair FAQs