Picking out the best handheld shower heads for the elderly can quickly escalate into a rather brain-racking situation. To prevent your mind from boggling up, we have compiled everything you would need to know about them here in this article.
The elderly need attention and extra assistance on everyday activities say bathing or showering.
Both of these activities seem harmless by name. However, they can be potentially dangerous by nature for the elderly. Thankfully, you can use a few pieces of equipment to ease out the bath battle. An excellent old shower chair and a sturdy grip handle can prove to be quite the loyal company.
Hand Held Shower Heads for Elderly – Detailed Review
What about shower heads? These can bring a myriad of benefits to the table. And of course, the number one is the ensured safety of the elderly. The easier it is to use the shower head, the faster they can get over and done with the whole process.
Therefore, the choice holds significant momentum, and you better make it at the correct height if the comfort of the senior person is a priority.
1. Best Overall: Chrider Handheld Shower Head with 60″ Hose
Chrider curated one of the most effective shower heads in the market today, specifically for the elderly. With a chrome finish on ABS material, it is safe to say that this holds exceptional merit in durability.
Furthermore, the hose is made out of electro-polished stainless steel as well.
Being 6 feet long, the hose is pivotal for the elderly as it is relatively easier to use the shower head. Additionally, it would provide way more elasticity to the movements. The angle can be set according to demand as well. This way, the older person won’t have to lower their head and instead let the shower head do its job.
The mount is adjustable, and it comes with seven spray settings. The settings would include the massager, mist or spout, etc. You can direct the flow of the spray, make it gentler or harsher as per choice depending upon the older person. Moreover, it is easy to install as the universal design fits nearly all water systems fixtures.
Pros:
- Easy to install
- Durable and has a long hose
- Adjustable spray and angle settings
Cons:
- Requires regular maintenance
2. Vive Large Waterfall Rainfall Head for Elders
Stainless is one of the best materials to create shower heads if you want to cut down the price while maintaining durability. And this idea exactly is what has been implanted in this showerhead. As reliable as the name of the brand already is, this particular piece won the hearts of older adults.
Constituting an almost 6.5-foot long hose, you can expect an adequate amount of flexibility. It has a 4″ diameter coupled with a universal fit design. Therefore, thoughts of the shower head not fitting your water system can show themselves the way out.
Brass hose nuts are company-provided and can be hand tightened. It boasts five spray settings, namely, saturating, bubble, and massaging, with the rest of the two being a combination of former sprays. One can also bring the “pause” feature into good use.
Also, as mentioned above, it is pretty handy for older adults. They can stop the water flow without reaching up in case of mounts and switches, etc. Vive offers a lifetime guarantee as well, which might aid you in making your decision.
Pros:
- Long, convenient hose
- Lifetime guarantee
- Sophisticated features such as “pause”
Cons:
- Tricky to install
3. Moen DN8001CH – Best Shower Heads for Seniors
Sometimes all you need is a good old shower head to make life easier; however, your pocket ties you down. Here is one of the most affordable shower heads you can have without losing an organ or two. This piece holds all the flexibility, ease, and comfort required for seniors’ smooth and seamless bathing experience.
Furthermore, the 7 feet hose acts as the cherry on top. Most shower heads don’t have as impressive a hose as this one, especially at a cut-cost price. This ensures that you get flexibility combined with reliability.
Moen DN8001CH is lightweight; thus, seniors with problems like joint pain, etc., will find it to be a remarkable addition to the bathroom supply team. Additionally, the material is plasticky with a chrome finish. Plastic adds the lightweight aspect, whereas chrome adds the glamour.
It has a pause button, which is excellent and accessible in terms of seniors. They don’t have to reach out to stop the water flow. Although the button doesn’t halt the flow completely, it is still a helpful addition.
Pros:
- It comes with other safety equipment such as straps
- 7 feet long hose
- It has a pause button
Cons:
- The durability could be better
4. AquaDance 6-Setting 3.5″ Chrome Face Handheld Shower
ABC premium plastic is the best material to use when it comes to shower heads. Furthermore, ABS with a chrome finish makes for a dynamic combo with style and quality. The AquaDance handheld shower also accompanies a stainless steel hose.
Therefore, one can say that the shower head was made keeping the term “long term” in mind. The overhead bracket can be adjusted according to preferences.
The mobility of the angle of the overhead bracket makes it durable as well as convenient. And accordingly, competent enough to be one of the top choices in this list.
The hose is 5 feet long, and the piece utilizes rub-clean jets to minimize maintenance. Along with having a convenient method of installation, you can also switch between six spray settings.
Besides, switching between these settings will be a piece of cake for seniors. The package includes a click-lever dial.
This showerhead also has a pause mode with a comfortable grip handle.
Pros:’
- Multiple settings
- Adjustable overhead bracket
- Easy installation
Cons:
- The hose is a bit short
5. YOO.MEE ADA Handheld Shower Head For Elderly
This shower head was specifically designed keeping in mind the elderly as well as the disabled. To ease their struggle, it comes with features such as a grip handle and a long hose. Moreover, it also has a “pause” button feature.
Additionally, you can also adjust the water settings by your preference. Harsher water flows can feel detrimental to an older person’s skin. Therefore, you are free to choose a much gentler stream instead.
Polished with chrome and made out of plastic, the material is stable enough. It will last you quite a while. Moreover, as it is focused on being helpful during one-hand use and for people with disorders such as Parkinson’s, it is lightweight.
Therefore, it wouldn’t be much of a problem for the elderly during the bath. The large grip handle is made out of silicon. Consequently, the chances of it slipping from hands, even when they are soapy, are zero.
The hose is almost 6.5 ft in length, and the installation method would require a bit of a visit from the plumber. Only, however, if you don’t know the basics of wall mounting.
Pros:
- It has a large silicon grip handle
- Long Hose
- Lightweight and durable
Cons:
- The pause button is too small
6. HotelSpa 7-Setting Spiral Handheld Shower Head
HotelSpa managed to curate a masterpiece, and this shower head is brilliant, if not the best on this list. Similar to others, it is chrome finished and has plastic material. Therefore, it will last quite a long time by your side. Thanks to the adhesives, the hose is 6 ft long, and you can easily mount it anywhere.
Furthermore, it has the Pause feature, which can reduce the flow down to drops. With a 4″ face, you obtain seven spray settings, including Pulsating Massage, Mist, Power Rain, Economy Rain, two assorted modes, and the Pause.
The overhead bracket is adjustable, so the elderly don’t have to bend and strain to control the water. The installation would take only but a bit of time as the design is universal. You only need to hand tighten it up. The shower head also accompanies a limited warranty (20 years).
Couple the versatility with the anti-clog jets and the 3-zone spiral dial, and you have literal bath Armor in the house.
Pros:
- Multiple spray settings
- Pause features and easy installation
- Anti-clog jets
- Limited warranty
Cons:
- It could be more durable
7. Delia Elderly Shower Head For Disabled Pregnant Woman
Delia has a repute backing its name in the industry. And it owns up to it with the launch of every new product. Configured with ABS plastic like most others, it has been polished with chrome.
The hose is made out of stainless steel. And although these materials would require a bit of regular maintenance, you could trust them for durability. The features speak for themselves. Where today’s market craves creativity, Delia managed to churn out an elegant yet sophisticated masterpiece that can fit anywhere.
The internal pipes are heat resistant, and once you have warm water flowing through the lines, you can rest assured that there will be no scanning. The package includes everything required for the installation. All you need to do is hit someone or assemble it yourself.
The bass hose nuts prevent cracking during the installation process. There are five different spray settings you can alter between. The hose crushes convenience with its 7 ft length. You can wish leaks goodbye as this shower head is admitting quite the commitment as well as being a blessing on the pocket.
The shower head is considerably lightweight; hence the strain on hands is far fewer than regular shower heads.
Pros:
- 7ft hose stainless steel house offers exceptional versatility and comfort
- Five different spray settings
- The pause feature offers aid
Cons:
- It takes time to install
8. HauSun Handheld Shower Head with On/Off Switch
Another easy-to-install, light on the pocket, and durable shower head. There are solid reasons why HauSan’s piece made it to this list of the best handheld shower heads for seniors. It has all the required elements in the checklist marked. With a 6.5 ft hose, lightweight, and multiple spray modes, the shower head is relatively versatile.
The shower head is a universal fit; therefore, this will be a perfect match if your water system is of standard size. Moreover, if you are comfortable doing the bolting of your shower plumbing, it can also cut costs for the mechanic.
You have access to five different spray settings, including massaging spray, saturating spray, bubble, and a mix of saturating and bubble, as well as saturating and massaging spray.
There is an on-and-off switch on the wand. It is big enough to be prominent and reduces the water down to a drizzle upon turning it off. The head is 4″ in diameter and has enough nozzles which can deliver water with specific pressure. Then comes one of its most attractive features; the price.
The shower head provides the bang for the buck. Moreover, the 6.5 ft hose doesn’t kink up while in use and offers commendable convenience.
Pros:
- Incredibly durable material
- Long Hose that doesn’t kink up
- Multiple spray settings
- Easy installment
Cons:
- Requires regular maintenance
9. Hydroluxe 1433 – Best Handheld Shower Head for Seniors
Hydroluxe earned the title of the emperor a long time ago when it first launched two-way shower heads in the US. Another one of its masterworks is the 1433 Handheld Shower Head. The shower head boasts a luxurious chrome-polished look and solid gear.
You can switch between the shower heads and several modes. Not only will this showerhead be a gift for your elderly, but also, it is a rather admirable influence on the water bill.
The installment process is a piece of cake as you won’t require any unique changes if the standard size fits your water system. You would be able to handle it yourself as well.
The shower head comes with a 3-way water diverter – with an anti-swivel lock for protection. These will help keep it heat resistant as well as stop the minerals from depositing. It has two elements; one is a handheld shower, and the other a mounted one. Both have a 4″ head which covers a broader area during a bath. And the handheld shower head accompanies a 5 ft hose.
You can choose between five different spray settings. From a nice and gentle drizzle to a high-pressure stream, the twins can deliver it all. And for extra comfort, one can adjust the overhead bracket. A ten-year warranty closes off the deal with additional security on the user end. The shower head is relatively lightweight and is easily one of the most versatile pieces for the elderly.
Pros:
- Easy tool-free connection
- Available in 2.5 gpm and 1.8 gpm versions
- No plumber needed
Cons:
- Significantly reduces water pressure
- Low pressure even with flow restrictor removed
Buyer’s Guide – Hand Held Shower Heads for the Elderly
Well, before you set out to buy a handheld shower head, you should know what makes a good handheld shower head ‘good‘
The best shower heads for elderly people should have plenty of features, specifically working for reducing mobility needs of the person as much as possible.
Diameter of the Hose
Before you go buying a shower head, it is essential to know whether it fits or not. You might end up purchasing a brilliant shower head with its diameter not fitting the fixtures. Therefore, make sure to know the measurements of your water system beforehand to avoid conflicts later. Most shower heads come up with their diameter visibly displayed.
You can check up on the shower hose fitting and see the diameter. However, most commonly, for most systems as well as shower heads, it is 1.5′. Nonetheless, some shower heads, primarily those on the fleek end side, require a different setting. You can either let go of the brand or have your water system altered, the latter being more expensive.
The Length of the Hose
For the elderly, it is better to get a shower head with a longer hose. We recommend at least 6.5` or above preferably. The standard hose size is 5`; therefore, it can get a bit hard to look for one with a longer hose, like the Moen DN8001CH, which has a 7` hose. The longer the hose, the more versatility it can offer.
With a shorter hose, the person might find it difficult to get water where they want. Moreover, if they are using a chair, the possibility of a struggle to use water increases further. Make sure the hose doesn’t kink up either. Such a hose will be comfortable for bathing, not only for elders but also kids and pets.
Operating Method
Most standard handheld shower heads have their switches together with their mounts. However, this can be a disadvantage for the seniors. They might feel trouble getting them off the wall again and again during the shower. And commonly, they put the shower head down instead, which is nearer to their reach.
But this act not only makes them uncomfortable but makes the water bill blow up as well. There is an easy solution to this issue, just get a showerhead with switches on the wand. This is called chiefly the ‘Pause’ feature. It halts the water flow temporarily.
But the component allows a small amount of water to drip (to maintain temperature and not turn the water into a boiling mess).
Spray
Another way to ease out a mature person in the bath is to add relaxing features, which match their needs. This idea can be implemented by buying a handheld shower head with a bunch of different spray settings. Mostly, elders go for a more soothing, gentler flow.
Material
ABS materials Plastic chrome-nickel glass Earlier, metals and wood were used in the shower heads. And as it sounds, it was a bad idea. Rusting was one issue and heat resistance another. Now, most of the handheld shower heads are made out of ABS plastic. It is a rather sturdy material, which lasts quite a long.
Moreover, the older adult won’t be burning their hands with every touch to the shower head if they want to bathe with hot water.
Flow
Most handheld shower heads spout between 10 to 15 liters of water per minute. However, most handheld showers with water-saving technologies implanted only use 5 to 7 liters of water per minute. The elderly, especially those that are disabled or diagnosed with a disorder, don’t deal well with the whole ‘save water’ scheme.
This notion applies unless they are faced with the pause feature or close switches. Therefore, to support the environment and your water bill, you can use water-saving features for your shower head.
Another point to note is that the flow shouldn’t be too harsh for the old fellow. It might get their skin harmed or scabbed. Instead, one with gentler pressure is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you need a hand wand showerhead?
If you have an older person in the house, you will need the hand wand shower head, if only for their assistance. But aside from that, the hand wand shower heads save you from water bills by bringing the water where it’s explicitly needed. Moreover, they’re more effective as well as easier to install and control.
Why is the handheld showerhead so important?
It is straightforward for an older person to slip and fall in the bathroom. Moreover, they could be struggling with fatigue resulting from old age. With these conditions, handheld showers can become a necessity if they want to shower without assistance.
Handheld shower heads and bath chairs are necessary to minimize the above-mentioned risks and save additional suffering.
How to install a handheld shower head?
Many handheld shower heads only require hand tightening. First, add the mounting bracket after adding the backing plate first if there is one. Wind the hose and then add the wand. This whole process will only take a few minutes if done right for most showers.
However, if there are specific tools to attach, it’s better to hire a professional. You can also ask an expert for help when bolting the hose as there is always a risk of cracking.
Where should the handheld shower be placed?
Usually, it should be 40-58 inches from the floor. However, if you have children or the elderly to take care of, you can also attach it further below or above accordingly. If the senior person uses a chair, you can connect the mount parallel to it for ease of access.
What to do if the handheld shower head is leaking?
It is best to call in a professional to prevent further damage in this case. However, you can try putting the wand back on again or checking up on the threads.
Moreover, there may be mineral deposits in the rubber gasket. Clear them out. Once you’re done cleaning, you can tape it again, or if the problem is due to a faulty device, you can try installing a new piece.
Final Thoughts!
Handheld shower heads provide the mobility and versatility that make them popular among the elderly and disabled individuals. As age takes its toll, seniors seek solutions to address their reduced stamina and agility.
These shower heads offer features that aid in movement, particularly important for those with arthritis or difficulty standing. Selecting the right material is crucial, with ABS plastic being a common choice due to its durability, temperature resistance, and lightweight nature.
Additionally, choosing a gentler spray and ensuring an adequate hose length is essential for accommodating bath chairs and providing flexibility without kinking.