The History of Showerbuddy Shower Chairs

Hi, my name is Barry Redican and welcome to our website. I am the Managing Director of Showerbuddy Global Limited, based in New Zealand. We have a North American head office and global distribution hubs servicing most countries with our award winning bath shower chairs.

Whether you are searching for bath shower chairs or shower chairs for the elderly for the first time, or looking to replace your existing independent living aids, you can be assured that years of significant development of Showerbuddy products will benefit your decision to buy our bath shower chairs.

The original Showerbuddy has undergone a significant amount of development since its inception in New Zealand in 2003. The idea was born after a young New Zealand designer observed the difficulty his grandfather, Mr. Florence, was having with activities of daily living after suffering a stroke. After the stroke, Mr. Florence lost most of his mobility and soon required assistance in basic needs such as bathing and toileting using teak shower chairs.

Medical products available at the time were not suitable for bathing and toileting people who had lost much of their mobility. Teak shower chairs were stationary and therefore not easy for the user and commodes were to be purchased separately. Mr. Florence would have to suffer through two or three difficult transfers before reaching his destination. Furthermore, shower chairs for the elderly that were available had no safety features.

Finally, after a fall in the shower and a significant injury to Mr. Florence, his grandson figured that there must be a better solution for dignity, ease and comfort in the restroom and shower. There was a vision. Initial Showerbuddy shower chair

Although the initial chair wasn’t much to look at (see photo) it was a godsend for Mr. Florence and his caregivers. The system was constructed using a basic plastic garden chair bolted to a few pieces of lumber. This simple design allowed for the chair to be moved in and out of the shower without much difficulty, utilizing less transfers, unlike teak shower chairs. The benefits became very obvious. Engineering bath shower chairs suitable for most users with disabilities commenced.

The new chair would be lightweight, durable, easy to use, easy to transport and comfortable for the user as well as the caregiver. A few years and a number of improvements later, the Showerbuddy bath shower chairs were born.

The new models boast a non-rusting frame of aluminium and stainless steel; it features a 360 degree swivel rotation to allow the user a more thorough shower experience, a removable bridge attaches the chair to the track allowing the user to bathe behind closed doors if they wish. The bath shower chairs also include a commode and are capable of rolling over standard toilets.

So, here it is… The Showerbuddy bath shower chairs range, the only award winning swivel shower chairs that help maintain your independence with dignity, ease and comfort!!!

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