Bathtub Benches & Transfer Benches

Who Uses Bath Benches?

According to a 2006 study by the University of Michigan, one-third of people age 65 and over have trouble getting into or out of a bathtub or shower. People who have difficulty standing for long periods of time such as the elderly, those with mobility issues or those who are recovering from surgery or illness could benefit from the use of a bath bench. Bath benches, used in conjunction with a hand-held shower head, allow the elderly or weak to bathe without fear of falling, thus maintaining their ability to bathe independently. The installation of grab bars in the bathtub or shower can also be a useful safety tool for those with physical limitations.

What Kind of Bath Bench is Right for Me?

Types of bath benches range from a simple three- or four-legged portable stool to more heavy-duty sliding transfer benches equipped with swivel seats. It is important to check with your doctor or therapist to make sure you are purchasing the product that best fits your situation and abilities. It is also important to measure the bathtub or shower to ensure the appropriate size of bench is used for the space. The weight capacity of the bench should also be checked to make sure it provides proper support for the user. Special bariatric bath benches with a weight capacity of up to 700 pounds are available.

For people who are able to step over the tub-surround but may have trouble standing for long periods of time, a simple bath bench or stool equipped with suction cups on the leg tips might be the best choice. They are generally made with molded, moisture-proof plastic with holes for quick draining. They are lightweight and can be easily moved out of the tub to make room for other bathers in the household. For added support and comfort, a bench with a supportive back and arm rests with water resistant padding can be used.

For those who have a lower extremity injury or disability which makes it difficult to step over the tub surround, a transfer bench might be the right choice. Transfer bath benches have seats that extend beyond the bathtub or shower door. To enter the tub using a transfer seat, the bather sits down on the bench and then lifts his leg over the tub surround while seated. A caregiver can assist in lifting the patient's leg over the tub surround as well. Once seated inside the tub, the patient slides over to the other side of the bench to begin bathing.

Sliding transfer benches with swivel seats are best for those who have limited mobility but still wish to bathe independently. Once the patient is seated on the transfer bench, the swivel and sliding seat mechanisms make it easier for the user to maneuver around in the tub. For added safety, many models include a safety belt, safety locks, and a secured locking mechanism. Some models are equipped with shower spray holders, slits to hold shower curtains in place and a soap tray for added convenience.

Why would someone need a bath bench?

Personal hygiene is very important for everyone, yet may be difficult to attend to for people who may be unsteady in the shower, or who may need assistance in getting in and out of a bathtub. For helping to alleviate the fear of falling or to assist with bathing care, Rehabmart offers a number of medical aids to accommodate safer showering and bathing. The following shower chairs, tub transfer systems and bath lifts offer safety, security, dignity and independence for many individuals who may experience weakness in their legs or hips while standing in the shower, or who may have trouble getting into and out of a bathtub.

Shower/Bath Chairs

A shower chair is a bathroom safety device or piece of equipment designed with water resistant, non-corrosive materials and non-slip feet. Able to fit most bathtubs and shower stalls, shower/bath chairs are designed to minimize the risk of falling or slipping in the shower or bathtub.

Shower chairs/bath chairs are often used by the elderly, which includes one-third of people over the age of sixty-five who experience difficulty standing for a long period of time or have balance and mobility issues. These chairs are additionally utilized by individuals who are recovering from illness or surgery and may not be able to easily take a shower or bath. When a shower chair is used in conjunction with a hand-held shower-head, full-body cleaning can be performed more efficiently and safely for those with physical limitations.

A bath bench or chair can be a three- or four-legged stool standing within the shower or bathtub. They are usually lightweight and of molded, moisture-proof, plastic construction, with holes in the seat for quick draining. Bath chairs are often equipped with highly functional suction cups on the leg tips to avoid unwanted chair movement on the wet tub or shower floor surface.

For those with a disability or a lower extremity injury which makes it difficult to step over a tub lip, a transfer bench system can help. When using a transfer system, the bather sits on a seat which is on a rail-type system. The bather then independently or with a caregiver’s assistance slides the seat across the top of the tub, and can then begin bathing or showering. Some transfer bench systems come with a swivel seat which makes it easier for those with limited mobility to use. Other added safety precautions that some models highlight include a secure locking mechanism, a safety belt to prevent slips or falls from the chair, a soap tray, slits to hold a shower curtain open, and a shower spray holder.

The weight capacity of a shower chair or transfer bench should be able to safely accommodate the intended user’s weight. Some bath benches and bariatric formats have the capability to durably and securely withstand up to seven hundred pounds or more.

Bath Tub Lift Chair

Specifically designed to lower and raise the user from the height of the bath tub rim down to the tub bottom and back again, a bath tub lift allows bathers to safely sit and recline in the bath tub. 
Bath tub lifts can often be controlled by either the user or caregiver with a simple button device, and are powered either by battery, air compressor or a hydraulically-driven system. While some bath lifts are wall-mounted, most are portable and will fit inside a standard bath tub.

Whereas the AARP endorses the use of bath lift chairs as a safer alternative for senior citizens who are unable to use a bath transfer system, physically disabled people of all ages can also benefit, allowing for a more enhanced hygienic daily living routine and increased independence. Caregivers can also benefit from letting a mechanical lift device do the patient lifting instead of engaging in the demanding and dangerous physical labor of heavy lifting and bending on a hard and possibly wet bathroom floor while assisting a patient into the bath tub.

Pregnant women and people who are temporarily incapacitated from surgery, rehab, injury or illness can also benefit from a bath tub lift chair.

Some accessories for bath tub chair lifts that can best fit the individual’s needs include:

Side wings - Devices attached to the back of the lift seat to support individuals who might have problems remaining upright, negating the necessity of leaning against the tub sides for unstable support.

Head rest - For people who require head support for comfort and positioning.

Recline feature - Allows the bath chair to recline more comfortably once in the tub, providing more comprehensive and hygienic bathing coverage.

Lap belt - To help keep a bather securely in place while bathing.

Pommel - Located on the bath seat between the bather’s thighs and utilized for those with high-tone muscle issues and leg muscle stability.

Chest Strap - Helps to prevent the bather from leaning forward or sideways while bathing.

Transfer Disc - Assists individuals who have difficulty swinging their legs up and over the bath tub edge while still staying centered on the bath seat, and allow capabilities for the bather to turn and twist safely while bathing.

Pediatric Bathing Systems

Pediatric bathing systems are waterproof and will fit most standard-sized bathtubs. They may be employed for special needs children or adolescents who may need extra support while sitting independently or under a parent’s or caregiver’s supervision within the bath tub.

Bathing systems can be of great assistance for children with neuromuscular issues or developmental disabilities who often find it difficult or challenging to sit with their legs straight out, or to be able to sit upright without support. These specialized systems afford parents and caregivers greater peace of mind, and help to reduce the risk of bath tub accidents.

For children with mild or moderate positioning needs, a bathing system can provide enhanced body trunk stability while allowing the legs and arms of the child to freely move, resulting in a more enjoyable and interactive experience. Using adjustable chest supports and harnesses engenders heightened security and reinforcement when required.

Children who need increased neck and leg support may be more suited for a fully adjustable, mesh sling bath tub bathing system or chair that allows the seat and back angles to be independently positioned. Accessories such as leg and chest straps will ensure that the child will not slip into the water or out of the chair, while foam positional blocks can help keep the child’s head more stable. Many bath tub bathing systems feature an optional base that raises the bath chair to a more comfortable height to ergonomically assist the caregiver or parent, helping to avoid the back strains and injuries often caused by bending too far over the edge of the tub.

Mike Price, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CTO