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.
