Foot stools, also known as step stools, are designed to allow people to safely stand on and obtain objects out of their reach, or to assist an individual in stepping up onto a higher elevation. Coming in many sizes and made from metal, wood or plastic, some with our without handles, step stools are used in homes, nursing homes, clinics, hospitals, car repair shops, or for getting in and out of a car.
What are the Benefits of Different Types of Footstools?
Step stools are available in many shapes, sizes, and weight capacities. Some are stackable, come with or without a handle, and are constructed of wood, steel, aluminum or heavy-duty plastic. They are useful at home, hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, or for simply getting in and out of a transportation vehicle. Some are a single step while others have two or more steps for height or exercise.
Stacking step stools may be constructed of hardwood for lasting ability and have easy-to-carry handle recesses along with non-slip treads on each step for safety. They can be paired with an exercise balance platform with rails or plywood panels for balance and strengthening exercises, and can have a weight capacity of up to 500 pounds.
Heavy-duty plastic step stools may offer a single or double step with non-slip treads on each step, and a vinyl grip on the base for safety. Some are designed to coordinate with theme-related examination tables for pediatrics and are attainable in various colors with a weight capacity of up to 400 pounds. Other plastic footstools are available that stack and aid in entering buses, trains, or planes, and can be secured under a bus seat for easy storage. They also have a weight capacity of up to 500 pounds.
Single step footstools are made of a wood or aluminum construction, with some designs offering a handle for easier portability. Pediatric wooden footstools have a non-skid tread on the top for safety, can support up to 250 pounds under normal use, and some have graphics on the sides to match theme-related exam tables. Others are adjustable to assist an individual while sitting in a chair when the feet do not quite reach the floor. They position the legs properly for correct leg support. Extra-large wooden step stools can hold up to 600 pounds.
Single stainless steel stacking stools can be connected vertically or side by side to create a larger platform. They have rubber feet on the legs and rubber treads on the top for safety traction. These can be paired with a transport cart to carry several stools at one time and for convenient storage. Single step stools with a hand rail provide extra leverage, are chrome-plated steel with a rubber tread on top and rubber feet on the legs for safety. Single stainless steel stools are also available without a handle to save space. Bariatric aluminum step stools can support up to 1000 pounds and have an anti-tip base to prevent tipping when in use. Some are foldable for easy storage and contain double locking safety legs for security.
A polyethylene foot support is used to raise and support an individual’s feet while toileting so they are in a more stable and comfortable position. It has an angled shape so it can be placed closer to an obstacle while it saves space and enables the caregiver to stand in a safer working position. It can also be used with wheelchairs, beds, and other seats with non-adjusting height, and has a weight capacity of 330 pounds.
Rehabmart is pleased to offer a wide variety of superior quality footstools from well-known and innovative vendors, which include Bailey Manufacturing Company, Pedia Pals, Clinton Industries, TherAdapt, Hausmann Industries, Convaquip, Shure-Step, Brewer, and others.
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO
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