Bathrooms can become difficult to use safely when someone has reduced mobility, balance, strength or endurance.
Pharos Pharma Care supplies bathroom safety and home-care equipment in Harare and across Zimbabwe, helping individuals, families and caregivers find practical equipment for bathing, showering, toileting and everyday bathroom use.
The right equipment depends on the user's mobility, the amount of assistance they require and the layout of the bathroom.
What Are Bathroom Safety Aids?
Bathroom safety aids are products designed to make bathing, showering, toileting and moving around the bathroom easier or safer for people with reduced mobility.
They can include equipment that helps someone:
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Sit while bathing or showering
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Maintain balance
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Move between standing and sitting
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Use the toilet more comfortably
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Reduce unnecessary movement
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Receive assistance from a caregiver
The appropriate equipment varies according to the individual and their home environment.
Types of Bathroom Safety Equipment
Bath and Shower Seating
Bath or shower seating can provide a stable place to sit while washing.
This may be helpful for people who find it difficult to stand for long periods or who feel less stable on wet bathroom surfaces.
Depending on the design, bathroom seating may include:
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Shower chairs
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Bath benches
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Stools
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Seats with back support
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Seats with arm supports
Before choosing a product, check its dimensions, maximum user weight and whether it is suitable for the available bathroom space.
Bathroom Support Handles
Support handles can provide an additional point of contact when standing, sitting or moving within the bathroom.
Placement is important.
A support handle should be positioned where the user can reach it safely and where the wall or mounting surface is suitable for secure installation.
A poorly positioned or inadequately installed support handle may not provide the intended support.
Commode Chairs
A commode chair provides a toileting option where using the main bathroom is difficult or impractical.
Commodes may be useful for people with significantly reduced mobility, people recovering at home or individuals who need toileting support closer to a bed or living area.
Different designs can offer different features, so check the individual product specifications before purchasing.
Raised Toileting Aids
For some people, lowering themselves onto or standing up from a standard toilet can be difficult.
Raised toileting aids can reduce the distance required when sitting down or standing.
Compatibility with the existing toilet and the user's individual needs should be checked before choosing a product.
Transfer and Mobility Support
Bathroom safety is not only about the equipment used while bathing or toileting.
Some users may also require assistance moving into or around the bathroom.
Depending on the person's needs, this may involve:
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Walking aids
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Wheelchairs
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Transfer equipment
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Caregiver assistance
Visit our Home Care Equipment in Zimbabwe guide for a broader overview of equipment used around the home.
Who May Benefit from Bathroom Safety Equipment?
Bathroom safety equipment may be useful for people who:
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Have reduced balance
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Become tired while standing
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Have difficulty sitting down or standing up
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Use a walking aid
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Use a wheelchair
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Are recovering from an injury, surgery or illness
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Require assistance from a caregiver
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Have reduced mobility associated with ageing
The correct equipment depends on the individual's abilities rather than age alone.
Bathroom Safety for Older People
Bathrooms can present particular challenges for older people because wet floors, tight spaces and frequent sitting and standing can increase the difficulty of everyday activities.
Useful changes may include:
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Providing stable seating where appropriate
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Adding suitable support points
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Keeping pathways clear
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Improving lighting
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Removing unnecessary obstacles
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Making frequently used items easier to reach
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Reviewing whether the toilet and bathing area are easy to access
Equipment should be chosen according to the person's actual mobility and balance.
Choosing a Shower Chair or Bath Seat
When comparing bathroom seating, consider the following.
User Weight Capacity
Always check the maximum user weight specified for the individual product.
Seat Size
The seat should provide adequate support without being too large for the available bathroom space.
Available Bathroom Space
Measure the shower, bath or bathroom area before purchasing equipment.
Check whether the product will fit comfortably while still allowing the user and caregiver, where applicable, enough room to move.
Stability
Check the design of the legs, feet and frame.
Bathroom equipment should be used on a suitable surface and according to the product instructions.
Back and Arm Support
Some users may benefit from a seat with back or arm support, while others may require a simpler design.
The appropriate level of support depends on the user's mobility and balance.
Height and Adjustment
Where a product is height-adjustable, check the adjustment range to ensure it is appropriate for the user.
Choosing Bathroom Equipment for a Caregiver-Assisted User
Where a caregiver provides regular assistance, consider how the equipment will work for both the user and caregiver.
Think about:
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Available working space
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Ease of transfers
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Equipment stability
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Cleaning
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Accessibility
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How much assistance the user can provide during transfers
The most suitable setup should reduce unnecessary difficulty for both people.
Bathroom Safety and Wheelchair Users
Wheelchair users may require additional consideration when setting up a bathroom.
Important factors can include:
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Doorway width
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Turning space
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Transfer space
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Toilet accessibility
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Shower or bathing access
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Position of support equipment
Where a wheelchair user needs significant transfer assistance, suitable transfer equipment may also be necessary.
For information about wheelchair options, see our Wheelchairs in Zimbabwe guide.
Bathroom Safety and Walking Aids
People using walking sticks, crutches, walkers or rollators may still require additional support in the bathroom.
Walking aids should not automatically be treated as substitutes for appropriately installed bathroom supports.
Wet surfaces and limited space can change the type of support required.
Visit our Walking Aids in Zimbabwe guide to compare different walking-support options.
Bathroom Safety Equipment in Harare
Pharos Pharma Care is based in Harare, Zimbabwe and supplies mobility and home-care equipment, including bath and shower aids.
Customers can contact Pharos to confirm:
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Current product availability
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Specifications
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Current pricing
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Product dimensions
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Weight capacities
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Delivery options
Customers outside Harare can contact us to discuss current delivery arrangements for their location.
Current Prices and Availability
Bathroom and home-care equipment may change as stock arrives or sells out.
For the most accurate information, check the current product listing or contact Pharos Pharma Care before ordering.
This is especially important where you require a specific:
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Size
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Weight capacity
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Seat design
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Adjustment range
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Bathroom fit
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Support feature
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy bathroom safety aids in Zimbabwe?
Pharos Pharma Care supplies home-care equipment from Harare, Zimbabwe, including bath and shower aids when available. Contact us or check the current catalogue for stock information.
What equipment can make a bathroom safer for an elderly person?
Depending on the person's mobility, useful equipment may include shower or bath seating, support handles, commode chairs and other toileting or mobility aids.
What is the purpose of a shower chair?
A shower chair provides a seated surface for people who find standing while showering difficult or tiring.
What is a commode chair?
A commode chair provides a portable toileting solution that can be positioned closer to the user when accessing the normal bathroom is difficult.
Are bathroom support handles useful?
A correctly selected and securely installed support handle can provide an additional point of support when standing, sitting or moving. Suitability depends on the user's needs and installation location.
How do I choose the right bathroom seat?
Consider the user's weight, mobility, seat dimensions, bathroom size, level of support required and the product's maximum user weight.
Do you sell bathroom safety equipment in Harare?
Pharos Pharma Care supplies home-care and assistive equipment from Harare, including bath and shower aids depending on current stock.
Can bathroom equipment be delivered outside Harare?
Delivery arrangements depend on the product and destination. Contact Pharos Pharma Care with your location and the equipment required to confirm current options.
Need Help Choosing Bathroom Safety Equipment?
If you are unsure which type of bathroom support may be suitable, contact Pharos Pharma Care and tell us what activity is difficult and what type of assistance the user currently needs.
We can explain the features of the home-care products currently available and help you compare the options.
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