Shower and Tub Transfer Bench

Filed under Handicap Bathroom, Handicap Equipment

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.

If you want more coverage for your shower and stop the water from spraying out, get some shower curtain liners and cut a slit where it meets the transfer bench. This will allow the shower liners to fall down. Check out these shower curtains for transfer benches that are designed specifically for using transfer benches in showers and bathtubs.

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 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. Simply press the transfer board legs tightly against the insides of the tub. It becomes your personal over the tub shower seat. Capable of supporting 330lbs and has an extra support handle for stability.
• 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.
• Molded Seat Shower Bench with Arms and Back – This shower bench also has a larger seat and supports up to 300lbs. In addition, there are optional bench arms on the side that can be removed for your own comfort or added 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. The elderly will find that these height adjustable shower benches reduce strain on their knees.

Tags: Best Shower Bench, Best Shower Benches, Shower Bench, Transfer Bench