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.
