A shower gurney, also called a shower bed, is utilized in hospitals, care facilities, and individual residences to transport an immobile person to and from a bathing area. Some are multi-positional while others are flat, and most are adjustable in height for caregiver safety.
Shower gurneys are versatile devices used in professional facilities or at home to transport an individual with limited body movement and strength to and from a bathing area. The person can then stay on the gurney while being bathed because these devices are constructed of water resistant materials, which are medical grade PVC pipe for the frame and a mesh sling for long lasting durability. Some have multi-positions, some are flat, and most are height adjustable to keep the caregiver safe from injury.
What is a Multi-Positional Shower Gurney?
A multi-positional shower gurney has an adjustable headrest for comfort for the individual laying on it. Its foam pad should be closed cell and waterproof, and may feature a pillow. The safety rails drop down to allow easy transferring without any barriers, and are secured with user-friendly lock pins for safety. If the gurney has a middle set of casters, this helps with maneuverability and eliminates sagging. A shower gurney may have a drain pan under the individual to catch falling water to keep it contained and draining in one direction to prevent slips and falls. It may support up to 450 pounds.
Some shower gurneys are foldable to save space with ends that fold up quickly for compact storage. This type may hold up to 350 pounds. A height adjustable shower gurney with an adjustable backrest can be positioned at the optimal working height for a caregiver or for transfers with a hydraulic pump. Some shower gurneys are MRI compatible by being free of lead and phthalates. Also available is a smaller shower gurney for children and adolescents with a 300 pound weight capacity. Some gurneys have all terrain, high floatation wheels with non-corrosive bearings to allow it to be used on beaches, by the pool, and any other wet location.
What is a Flat Shower Gurney?
A flat shower gurney makes bathing comfortable and safe for those who need to lie down while bathing. This also saves time and effort for the caregiver by providing a mobile method of bathing an individual. Most flat gurneys have a sloped foot drain to direct the water in one direction under a padded tub, which offers comfort and security. A flat gurney may be raised and lowered with a hydraulic foot control or an electric hand control, and can hold up to 375 pounds. A bariatric flat shower gurney has a weight capacity of up to 900 pounds. It is designed to maintain a large individual’s hygiene when mobility is limited by having eight casters under the gurney.
What are Shower Gurney Accessories?
Shower gurney accessories include, but are not limited to, a separate closed cell foam pad, replacement drain hose, pan, rust-free casters, replacement liner, hinged cot rails, and an elevating headrest.
Rehabmart is pleased to carry a variety of highly functional shower gurneys from top quality vendors, which include Polaris Medical, Handicare, IPU, MJM International, and Patterson Medical.
Mike Price, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CTO
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