A transfer bench is used for disabled and mobility challenged people of all ages. There are many styles of benches available for people of all sizes that allow bathing to be a safer and more pleasant experience. The safety basics are important to understand when using a bench and learning more about the styles can help you choose the one that is right for your personal needs.

Styles

There are several main styles to choose from when you need a transfer bench. The most common bench is actually a seat with a bench that spans from the far side of the tub over the edge to create a seat for your patient to sit on. The patient then scoots over on the bench to avoid stepping over the edge of the tub. There are also several other types of benches, including the following:

• Sliding benches that have a small seat that slides over the frame of the seat. The sliding bench is typically used when patients have no lower mobility to allow them to scoot over on the bench and when the caregiver is strong enough to move the patient’s weight on their own. Since the bench needs to be pushed across the edge of the tub into place it does take some strength to move the patient into position. Many caregivers find this method simpler than using a full bench chair.
• Bariatric patients can use a transfer bench that is made to support their weight by option for a bench with a bariatric designation. Most standard benches will support up to 400 pounds, while a bariatric bench can support up to 700 pounds. The bench that you choose may have different weight limits so be sure to read the manual carefully.
• Benches that are made to rest on the edges of the tub are often the best choice when you have an especially high tub since it may be difficult to level the legs out enough for the chair to be straight all the way across. These transfer benches rely on the side of the tub to maintain their height so you must be sure the bench is attached properly for safety.

With these three basic styles you can easily find a style that fits your needs. A traditional bench is used by setting one side of the bench in the tub and then using adjusting or expandable legs on the outside portion of the bench to ensure the chair is completely level. Your chair should be very sturdy before using it on any patients.

Safety

Safety is the number one reason to use transfer benches. The transfer bench is beneficial because the patient won’t need to stand in the slippery shower and to assist those with limited mobility in stepping over the high edge of the tub. For safety reasons you won’t want to leave anyone sitting on the bath tub bench alone if they have very limited or no mobility. This is especially true if you are using a padded seat with a cutaway portion that is used for cleaning in the shower. The cutaway can quickly become slippery with soap and cause the patient to fall if you aren’t in attendance.

It is also important to make sure the seat is completely level. If you are using leg extenders then you may need to spend a few moments ensuring the extenders are in the right position and that they won’t slip once the patient is on the transfer bench. It can be tempting to simply ignore a wobbly bench but the reality is that the bench is only safe if it is well balanced. A portable shower bench may be a good choice if you simply can’t find a way to get another style to stabilize with leg extenders.

Features

There are some features to look for in your transfer bench. Durable materials are very important, for example. Thicker plastics and rust-resistant metals such as stainless steel allow you to use your bench for an extended period of time, while drain holes ensure your bench dries properly to fit mold and mildew in the shower.

A removable back that works on either side of the transfer bench is also a feature to look for. You can easily arrange the bench to the comfort of the patient if they prefer a certain position or you can arrange the seat to allow for maximum space in smaller bathrooms. You may also want to look for a bench that has a side railing inside the tub to allow the patient an extra handhold and other features like soap holders for extra convenience. Each feature that you need is important to consider for safety and for convenience.

Use

Using a transfer bench is one of the simplest ways to ensure safety when working with a patient with limited mobility. There are many types of shower chairs but the bench is one that is easily removable and that takes up a smaller amount of storage space than other bath chairs and benches on the market. If you really have very limited space then you may want to opt for a bench that sits on the edges of the tub. The patient can use the back of the shower for back support and then the bench can easily be slid under a bed or in a closet for storage.

Safety is also an important consideration in using the transfer bench. Patients with limited mobility but that can still grasp objects may be better suited to the bench than those with no arm strength. Since the bench does require some movement from one side to the other and the ability to sit upright you may find that this type of seat is useful when working with those who maintain some control over their limbs. If not then you may want to try a sliding bath bench, which allows you more control over the patient’s movements in the bath.

A tub transfer bench is often used to assist with mobility in patients as they move from the tub to their wheelchair. Slipping in the tub is common, but when you have mobility issues or health issues such as osteoporosis you are at an even greater risk. Items such as transfer benches can make the transition from inside to outside the tub much safer.

Benefits

Along with making the tub safer for those with mobility and health issues, the tub transfer bench also makes showering a simpler task.  You can place a colored towel on the seat of the bench to distinguish it from the tub floor to further increase safety. Patients should always have assistance when moving in and out of the tub when they suffer from poor mobility but the transfer bench can make moving in and out of the tub much simpler. The bench extends out past the edge of the tub all the way inside the shower for easy movement over the edge of the bath.

The tub transfer bench also has adjustable legs to ensure the outside is level with the inside of the tub. For instance, you may find that the outside legs need to be a couple of inches taller to adjust for the height of the tub, where the inside legs rest. If your tub has more height than about three inches you may need to purchase additional extensions to ensure the transfer bench is level. The transfer bench will also have a removable back to allow you to put the back on either side of the bench for optimum space and comfort when assisting with bathing.

Use

You may find that a tub transfer bench that has a sliding seat is a much simpler way to assist with bathing when you patient has little or no use of their leg muscles. Recuperating from a surgery or a bone break can be quite challenging when you have health issues. Items such as tub transfer benches make it simpler to regain your independence and can be used without help you are mobile enough to move in and out of the tub on your own using the bench as additional support.

You may not be able to use your tub transfer bench if you have sliding shower doors unless you remove the doors until the bench is no longer being used. You can simply replace the sliding doors with a regular shower curtain while the bench is in use or forgo the curtains and doors altogether if you are running a bath instead of using the shower. For those with more mobility the transfer bench that slides is the perfect bath assistant when you are showering on your own. You reduce the chances of falling when you are alone and can use the seat throughout your shower.

A tub transfer bench is an affordable way to maintain your independence and increase bathroom safety. These benches can easily be used when you have a caregiver, as well.

A bath transfer bench fits over the edge of the tub, with one side on the floor and the other side in the tub. For those suffering from limited mobility this simple device can be a lifesaver by assisting them as they climb in and out of the shower. There are many other benefits of using a transfer bench, as well.

How it Works

Your bath transfer bench may have a bench all the way across or you may have a sliding transfer bench that slides from one side to the other. For most, a regular transfer bench works well for moving over the side of the tub. You can also cover the bench with a towel as needed to help distinguish the bench from the bottom of the tub but you do need to use a colored towel to ensure the patient can see it. To use the bench you simply need to sit down and move over, or allow your caregiver to assist you in scooting to the other side of the bench.

Your bath transfer bench is made from a combination of plastic and hollow metal tubes. The legs are made from rust-resistant metal so you don’t have to worry about drying or moving your transfer bench after your shower. The plastic is also mold and mildew resistant so you can clean your transfer bench occasionally as needed. The care for the bench is actually very minimal. If you have a siding transfer bench then there are a few things to note about its use.

Sliding Benches

If your bath transfer bench has a sliding seat that moves from one side to the other then you may want to note that when the patient is seated on the bench they will need to assist in moving from one side of the bench to the other. If you are trying to decide which type of transfer bench to purchase then your patient’s mobility should guide you. If you have a patient who can move their legs and has reasonable mobility then a sliding transfer bench may be a good choice.

If your patient has very limited mobility, however, then a sliding bath transfer bench may be difficult to use. When sitting on the sliding transfer bench your patient’s full weight will need to be moved to the other side of the bench to complete bathing. This can be difficult if you are working alone. Your patient should also be able to grasp your shoulder or a railing to ensure they don’t fall when moving the transfer bench from side to side.

Installation

Installing your bath transfer bench is as simple as adjusting the legs so that the inside of the bench is level with the portion that is outside the tub. If you have a higher tub you may want to opt for a bench that rests on the edges of the tub rather than one that uses legs for optimum safety.

A sliding transfer bench is used in the tub to assist those with mobility problems in moving over the edge of the tub. The transfer bench has a seat that slides from one side to the other side to assist in moving the patient. There are several advantages to choosing this type of seat.

Safety

Safety is always a consideration when assisting someone in and out of the bath. A sliding transfer bench does make the process one that is much safer but you must always keep one hand on the patient. It is also advisable to have hand railings for the patient to hold while sliding the bench from one position to another, as well. When using a transfer bench with moving parts your patient may want to use their mobility to assist you in moving the bench to the appropriate position to ensure they will not lose their balance as the bench moves.

For instance, if your patient can stand without assistance and has some use of their arms then the sliding transfer bench is a good choice. This accessory can take the strain off stepping over the high edge of the bath and can help reduce falls significantly. You can use the bench throughout the bath as a shower aid, as well. The bench is made from rust resistant metals and mold resistant plastics so you can leave the bench in the bath without worrying about damage. Simply wash the bench as needed when completing other bathroom chores and you can use the bench for many years to come.

Benefits

A sliding transfer bench is simple to use and is actually better than other types of seats when the patient has limited mobility. You do need to push the seat fairly hard to move the patient’s weight but you will find this method is much easier than trying to scoot their weight across the bench itself. As a caregiver you may want to use a towel on the seat and install grasping bars to help move the patient across the bench. As with all benches make sure you maintain your grip on the patient at all times, even when the person isn’t being moved.

A sliding transfer bench can be used for patients of any size. You may want to choose a padded seat if your patient has recently had hip surgery or replacement. The padding will provide an extra source of comfort during the healing stage. Make sure that your sliding bench can support the patient’s weight in addition to being sturdy. Some bariatric chairs are available if your patient weighs over 300 to 350 pounds. There are many options available that allow your patient to easily complete their grooming on a daily basis.

If you are interested in a sliding transfer bench then you will want to begin looking at the selection available. There are many available in varying price ranges. It is easy to find the right bench in your price range that fits your personal needs perfectly.

If you are having a difficult trying to get in and out of your bath tub it is important that you try and find a good product that will work for you.  There are different products that are designed to reduce the amount of strain that you put on your body when you get in and out of a bathtub.  The transfer bench was designed to help people improve their mobility in the bath.

People who are getting older or even those with handicap disabilities can benefit greatly from using transfer benches.  These benches are made out of water proof or resistant material to ensure they won’t get rusty after a prolonged period of use.  These benches are excellent because half of the bench will remain on the outside of the tub, while the other half of the bench is on the inside of the tub.

You simply need to lift yourself on the outside of the bench and you can wiggle yourself to the shower.  This is perfect for people who struggle with disabilities or are simply getting older and losing power in their legs.  You can also place different hygiene products within reach when you are on the bench.  This is perfect for people who have a difficult time with mobility and movement.

A tub transfer bench is perfect because you don’t have to worry about falling down when you are getting in and out of a bath.  The benches can give you peace of mind that you don’t have to worry about dealing with any difficult situations when you are going to take a shower.

The installation of these transfer benches can be extremely easy if you purchase the right bench.  A shower transfer bench can be easily installed in your home.  All you have to do is place one foot on the inside of the shower and one foot on the outside.

Anyone who is looking to have permanent solution can install transfer benches that are affixed to the walls.  This will ensure you won’t have any movement when you are moving along the bench.  The type of bench you purchase will be determined by your own preferences.

The best way to purchase a transfer bench is to do a comprehensive search online for different products that are available.  If you look up a variety of different benches that are available you can find something that will work for your shower.

People who are suffering from a lack of mobility should look for different products and accessories that will make their life easier.  If you or someone you know has a problem getting in and out of the shower, you should consider purchasing a shower transfer bench.  These benches are perfect for people who have a broken leg, ankle, or are simply getting older.

Seniors who are getting older in life will find certain tasks very difficult.  These benches are designed for you to have half of the bench outside of the tub and the other half inside.  You can simply sit on the outside of the bench and slide across the tub to the other side.

This will ensure that you don’t have to struggle to get yourself into the bathtub.  The benches are also equipped with places that you can put different shower accessories.  You can become completely self sufficient in the shower with the help of a tub transfer bench.  The right bench will depend on your specific needs.

Another benefit that these benches offer is stability.  Taking a shower without a solid support can often be very difficult if you are older.  Falling is a serious issue that a lot of seniors face when they are aging.  A good bath transfer bench will give you the safety and security that you are looking for in a bench.

A transfer bench also work great for gifts to people who would overlook buying one for them self.  If you know someone who is struggling with a disability you can look into giving a shower transfer bench as a gift to help them reduce the amount of movement they need to make in the shower.

Always look up a variety of different products that are available to ensure you are able to find something that can give you the best results possible.  There are many different brands of bath transfer benches that are available on the market.  It is important that you look up transfer bench product reviews that are available online.  The product reviews can give you a good understand of the best products on the market.

Doing your research will help you find a good price for a shower transfer bench.  Remember it is important for you to look up the different products that are available.  This will help you choose a bench that will help improve your mobility during showers.

If you or someone you know is struggling to get in and out of the shower you should consider purchasing a tub transfer bench.  These benches are specifically designed to assist people getting in and out of the bathtub.  People who are getting older or disabled should look at the different transfer benches that are available for use.

When you are suffering from a lack of mobility it is important that you create an atmosphere in your home that is very supportive to your condition.  Having the right bench in your shower can help you reduce the amount of anxiety that you experience when you are going to take a shower.

The benches are made out of water proof material.  This means you don’t have to worry about the bench getting wet when you are in the shower.  The benches are designed to allow the water to drain through them.  This will ensure you don’t have a large of water build up on the bench.

The bench works by having off the bench sit in the tub and the other half sits on the outside of the tub.  People who are disabled or elderly can use these benches to slide from one side of the tub to the other.  There are also places to put hygiene products so you don’t have to worry about accessing them when you are showering.  This is important because it will allow you to be self sufficient when you are showering.

A shower transfer bench is very easy to install if you know what you are doing.  People who are looking to purchase a tub transfer bench should look up the different benches that are available.  Once you order the bench it will have an easy installation manual that is available.  Once you put the bench together you won’t have to worry about placing it in the tub.

It is important for you to look up different transfer bench product reviews that are available.  Product reviews are important because they will give you a good understanding of the quality benches that are available.  Most people are very honest when they give a product review so it is important that you try and look up a variety of reviews.

Looking at online retailers will help you find a low price for your tub transfer bench.  When searching for a bench it is important for you to look around.  Always make sure you compare prices to get the best deal available for the bench.