Shower Bench For Elderly - Transfer Benches for Bath Safety

A shower bench is a safety mobile device that allows users with compromised mobility or balance to more easily get in and out of bathtubs.

Shower bench requires from users to sit on the part of the bench that straddles the side of the tub, and then slowly and safely slide from the outside part of the bench to the seating area inside of the tub. Once there, they can either slide into the tub or more commonly, remain seated on the bench and shower.

Users of shower bench are usually elderly people who are faced with great physical issues while trying to enter bathtubs because of their high side walls, or they fear that they will slip on wet ground and fall. In addition to elderly, shower benches are also frequently used by people who have limited movement capabilities due to illness, permanent disability or are recovering from an injury.

While it is best known under this name, shower bench is also known under names transfer bench, showering bench or transfer chair.

Form Factor of Shower Benches

Shower/transfer benches are made from a metal framework that consists of two pairs of legs (one pair inside the bathtub, and one outside of it) and plastic sitting area. To achieve a flat level of bench area, a pair of legs that is placed inside the bathtub needs to be shorter. To achieve better versatility, many models of shower benches feature adjustable legs, which can then adapt to various heights of bathtub walls and internal ground levels.

In the majority of designs of shower benches, the metal framework is made from with medical grade stainless steel, aluminum or nickel, although models with chrome or brass can be found). All-plastic models are also very popular. As for the sitting area, it is usually made out of plastic or other strong, but waterproof material which is either completely flat or it can feature a designated seating area. To facilitate easier showering, seating place usually features drilled holes through which water can more easily drain down to the tub.

Another important part of shower bench design are integrated grab bars (almost always present near the designated seating area, and an optional one that enables easier transition inside and outside position of the tub) and backrest.

How to Use Shower Benches

Proper use of shower benches involves few simple steps. Here they are:

Position the shower bench in the bathtub, and make sure that it is stable and not wobbly.
Stand directly near the outer part of the shower bench, and turn your back to it.
Slowly sit down on the outer part of the bench. Make sure you have sat directly in the middle of the bench where there is no danger of slipping and falling.
Rotate your body, so that your legs are now touching the outer wall of the bathtub.
Carefully lift one leg over the wall of the bathtub.
You can reposition yourself on the bench by shifting if needed.
Lift the other leg inside the inside edge of the bathtub wall.
Shift yourself to the proper seating position on the bench, so that you are located either in the center of the tub, or you are sitting in the predetermined position on the bench.
If your bathtub has a shower curtain, carefully manage them without leaving your position on the bench.

Who Should Use Shower Bench?

Shower benches are a great way to prevent injuries in the part of the bathroom that is most dangerous for elderly or disabled who have issues with balance, stability, strength, and endurance during walking. They are highly recommended to persons who feel unsafe when they are transitioning in and out from bathtubs, where they have to maintain balance with one leg being lifted in the air. That moment when one leg is holding the weight of the entire body is incredibly dangerous, especially in the bathroom where many surfaces are wet, and any fall on hard and edgy surfaces could cause injuries.

Who Should Not Use Shower Bench?

Shower benches should be used only with elderly or disabled who have enough stability, endurance and flexibility to safely sift, get up, slide across the bench and can lift their legs over the wall of the bathtub. People who feel unsteady on shower bench should always have help nearby when using it.

Shower benches also require a bit of space for them to be easy for use, and therefore they should not be used in small bathrooms where the mere presence of shower bench can take up a large amount of valuable floor space. They should not be used if they interfere with normal walking across the bathroom or using the toilet.

Shower Bench Accessories

Shower benches come in many shapes and sizes, and many models can be modified with accessories, such as:

Padded seating – For increased comfort, especially for elderly who suffer from pressure sores
Handles – For increased security and fortifying stability while either sitting or moving from one place on the bench to another (in and out of the bathtub area)
Backrest – For increased comfort during the time inside the bathtub area
Suction cups – For better stability. Suction cups are most often present only in the pair of legs that is placed inside the bathtub.
Shower curtain guide – A slit that can be used to guide shower curtains in place. This is a great solution for elderly with reduced mobility.
Commode style – A rare type of shower bench, featuring an open space under the peri-area for cleaning

Recommended Features

Waterproof build materials – Since shower benches will spend a lot of time being wet, it is important to select a bench that will remain usable for a long time and will provide an elderly user material that is not to slick. Most shower bench models are made from plastic or medical-grade aluminum or other metals.

Height adjustable – Shower benches need to be comfortable, but most importantly, they have to perfectly fit the bathroom and bathtub of the elderly user. To achieve this, their legs have to have some form of adjustability. Some models even have adjustable height accessories (handles and backrest).

Versatile – If you are purchasing new shower bench, it is best sure that you make sure it can be used in all types of bathtubs, and that they don’t take up too much space in the bathroom of the elderly user. Picking a versatile shower bench will enable you to more easily transfer it to another bathroom with minimal setup time.

Cost

Shower bench can usually be purchased for around $40-50, with some models created from more premium materials and with mounting points for optional accessories demanding the price that is higher than $100.