A tub transfer bench is perfect for anyone who has trouble getting over that bath tub edge. It is even better for wheelchair users because it creates a bridge for easy wheelchair to tub transfer. The wheelchair individual lifts themselves onto the edge of the bench and slowly slides across until they are in the tub. A handicapped bathroom would not be complete without one.
The transfer bench also eliminates that dangerous first step into the tub for anyone with limited mobility or recently had knee or hip surgery. The danger comes from the slippery wet floors in a bathroom. Did you know that at least 1/3 of seniors commonly fall? That number is increased in a wet bathroom floor environment. Discover some of the best shower benches for the elderly and pick one that is most comfortable for your needs.
Bathtub Safety
Stability and safety are the two things that the tub transfer benches provide for the user. If you are unable to stand for long periods during a shower, then use the bench as a tub shower chair. The bath transfer benches are height adjustable with non-slip rubber feet capable of holding up 300 pounds. Some unique shower benches offer a split in the design of the seats for you to insert the shower curtains. These benches are also helpful for someone with split shower doors as long as it fits. This prevents water splashing outside of the tub. Most have holes in the seats to allow drainage of water.
They can sit down and use a detachable shower head installed nearby for washing. Increase the safety around and in the tub by adding bathtub handicap grab bars and/or bathtub rails for transfers and stability. Make sure the tub transfer bench has at least one arm for positioning yourself and assisting with transfers in the bathtub.
Transfer Benches and Shower Curtains
Since transfer benches are placed with one leg in the bathtub and one leg out, this means there is the possibility of getting your floors wet during showers and baths. Luckily, there is a slit space usually in the seat of the shower transfer benches that allows you to close the shower curtains and tuck in the curtains to prevent water from splashing out. The space is about 1 inch. Not all shower transfer benches offer this option. Check out the recommended transfer benches to see which ones offer this option.
- Buy Shower Curtains For Transfer Benches – If water splashing out of your tub or shower stall is a concern, these shower curtains will solve that problem. They are reasonably priced in different colors. There are even some shower curtains with a sheer window on top that allows for more light to enter the showering/bathing area.
Make Your Own Shower Transfer Bench Curtains
If you want more coverage for your shower and stop the water from spraying out, get some shower curtains or shower curtain liners and cut a slit where it meets the transfer bench. This will allow the shower curtains or liners to fall down. The process is quite simple and requires only a few minutes. You don’t have to remove any fabric, simply make cuts.
- What you need: a scissor, a marker, pen or pencil, ruler or measuring tape (3 items)
- Measure the height of the seat and mark it on the shower curtain.
- Measure the width of the bench and mark this width on the shower curtain. Draw two dots on the curtain that represents the width.
- Cut vertically from the dots. This will create a flap in the center of the curtain.
- Put the flap into the transfer bench slit, slot or groove. Now water will not splash out when you use your shower curtains for transfer benches.
- Make sure to get a shower curtain that is thicker in size so it stays in place.
Tub Transfer Bench Costs
Since there are no permanent modifications to the tub or bathroom, these benches are relatively cheap compared to other options like a handicap shower. For someone who is living in an apartment and are unable to make changes to their surroundings, the cheaper shower transfer bench is the perfect solution. The installation requires nothing more than placing the transfer bench into place. Some may require initial construction, largely consisting of, snapping and screwing items together.
Handicap Benches Costs
Consider your own needs when purchasing a tub transfer bench. Prices can range from $50 to $400 for the higher model bath transfer benches that include more options. Check below for some recommended tub and best shower transfer benches.
- Weight – Most bath benches are capable of supporting 250-300lbs but there are bariatric bath benches that can support up to 850lbs. If you require these bariatric benches, they will be more expensive than the standard brands.
- Material – The most common benches are made of teak, metal and plastic material.
- Size – Measure the height of the bathtub curb and the width of the tub. Bathtub widths should be at least 17 to 22 inches to accommodate most benches. Transfer seat heights are adjustable and are usually from 17 to 21 inches high.
- Options – Custom your own shower transfer bench with a backrests or attached handrails for more safety measures.
Recommended Best Shower Benches
- Wide Extended Shower Bench – This wide and extended shower bench provides support and stability for those who need a larger sitting platform in the bathtub or shower. This bench should have a space in between the seats for shower curtains.
- Bathtub Transfer Benches – Put these bath benches on top of a standard bathtub and it becomes a bench with a seat. It mounts to the tub walls on top of the bathtub. It becomes your personal over the tub shower seat. Capable of supporting 250 lbs and has an extra support handle for stability. An added feature is the ability for 360 swivel with a locking mechanism every 90 degrees. With this swivel feature, you can sit on the seat and easily enter the bathtub while sitting just by swiveling the seat.
- Aluminum Frame Transfer Benches – Place this transfer bench with one side in the bathtub and the other side on the bathroom floor. It is a transfer bench for tubs with suction cups legs and a wide base. The suction cup legs will keep the transfer bench in place during wheelchair transfers. Has a space for shower curtains. You can make the transfer bench curtains so the water does not spill out during showering or bathing.
- Molded Seat Shower Bench with Arms and Back – This shower bench also has a larger seat and supports up to 300 lbs. In addition, there are bench arms on the side provided for your own comfort and security or for more assistance when standing or sitting on the bench. It also comes with back support. The legs on the bench are height adjustable to 20.5 inches.
- Plastic Bath Transfer Bench – This is the cheapest transfer bench without compromising quality. The legs are adjustable and have rubber suction cups on each one. Has an aluminum frame. The elderly will find that these height adjustable shower benches reduce strain on their knees.
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