When a person survives a major stroke or an accident, or perhaps is born with a condition that impairs mobility, adaptations may involve more than simply learning to live with the limitations imposed by the condition. If it becomes necessary to use a mobility device, the bathrooms in a person's home may have to be remodeled, a messy, expensive process that adds to the chaos of life after such an event. If a person is in a rented home, they may be forced to move if the apartment or house can't accommodate a wheelchair or other mobility device.

Helping to make the needed changes easier is the Showerbuddy Shower Transfer Chair, an adaptable ergonomically designed transfer system that makes showering easier for the user. Thanks to the opening in the seat, it can also be used as a commode or an elevated toilet seat by rolling it over an existing toilet or using its included receptacle, allowing all the user's personal hygiene matters to be addressed in one easy trip to the bathroom.

 
The Showerbuddy system consists of a chair with a wheeled base, a stationary base that goes inside the shower, and a bridge that transfers the chair from the bathroom floor to the shower base. First, the user is placed in the chair, and belts are fastened around him or her to ensure proper positioning and to prevent falls. Next, the chair is attached to the bridge with several latches. Then the chair can be detached from the wheeled base and easily slipped backwards onto the shower base. The base may be rotated for ease in showering the user. Afterwards, simply reverse the process to exit the shower.

Thanks to parts that clip together, the Showerbuddy Transfer Chair System requires no tools for assembly and is ready to go as soon as it's put together. Maintenance and cleaning are a breeze due to a frame made from non-corrosive and rust resistant powder coated aluminum as well as stainless steel hardware and nonporous plastic moving parts such as the casters. All it takes is a wipe down with a cleaning solution and a soft cloth to keep it clean. To prevent rust and corrosion, it simply needs drying off with a towel after the user showers. The cushions for the seat and optional neck rest are made of sealed foam and can be replaced as needed with new ones.

The system is height adjustable and accessories for adapting to pediatric use are available. The seat has a comfortable cushion with a recessed spot for the user's tail bone. It will support users weighing up to 300 pounds.

The Showerbuddy was designed after its inventor's grandfather had suffered a debilitating stroke. At the time, no products existed to allow people living with severe mobility impairment to shower or use the toilet with ease while keeping their dignity intact. His grandfather had to be transferred from his bed to a wheelchair, then to a shower chair, then back. One day in the process, he fell and was badly injured. The inventor went home and built a prototype using a plastic lawn chair. From that humble prototype came the ergonomically designed Showerbuddy available for institutional and home use, allowing users to bathe and tend to personal hygiene with ease and dignity.