A shower transfer bench is a specialized mobility aid designed to facilitate secure entry and exit from a bathtub or shower stall. This device works by straddling the tub wall, allowing an individual to remain seated while moving into the bathing area, eliminating the need to step over the high edge. Using this equipment significantly reduces the risk of slips and falls, which commonly occur when stepping into a wet enclosure. Understanding the correct procedure for setup and use is important for transforming a potentially hazardous daily task into a safe and independent experience.
Essential Preparation Before Use
Proper bench placement is the first step in ensuring a secure transfer, requiring two legs inside the tub and two legs resting firmly on the bathroom floor outside the tub. This creates a supported bridge over the tub wall, but the bench must be completely level to prevent shifting during the transfer. Since the tub floor is often lower than the bathroom floor, the adjustable outside legs usually need to be set slightly longer than the inside legs to achieve a horizontal plane.
Next, the seat height must be carefully calibrated to the user’s size, typically adjusted using push pins. The ideal height allows the user to sit down and stand up with minimal strain, ensuring their feet remain flat on the floor when seated on the outside portion of the bench. If the bench is too low or too high, it can compromise the user’s center of gravity and increase the effort required for sitting or standing.
Before any transfer is attempted, the environment must be cleared of tripping hazards, including loose rugs, towels, or clutter. The legs inside the tub often have suction cups, which must be actively engaged by pressing down firmly on the bench to ensure they adhere to the tub’s surface. Confirming the bench is stable and does not wobble is a check before proceeding with the transfer.
Step-by-Step Guide to Transferring
The process of entering the tub begins with the user positioning their back to the bench until the seat touches the back of their legs. They should slowly lower themselves into a seated position on the outer portion of the bench, using the armrest or an adjacent grab bar for support. Maintaining a controlled descent is important for minimizing the force applied to the bench and preserving stability.
Once seated securely, the user should slide across the bench until they approach the tub wall, keeping their weight centered over the seat. The key to this transfer is moving the legs one at a time while remaining seated, eliminating the need to stand on one leg to step over the barrier. The leg closest to the tub wall is gently lifted over the edge first and placed inside the tub, with the movement being slow and deliberate.
After the first leg is placed, the user slides further across the seat, creating space to maneuver the second leg over the tub wall. Once both feet are inside the tub, the user slides the rest of the way until they are fully seated on the portion of the bench inside the bathing area. Exiting the tub involves reversing this sequence: sliding toward the outside, lifting the legs one at a time over the edge, and pushing up from the bench or grab bar to stand.
Maintaining Stability and Preventing Falls
Stability during the shower depends on the continuous security of the bench and the user’s body positioning. The bench must be checked before each use to confirm that the legs remain locked in their adjusted positions and that the internal suction cups have not disengaged. Any shift in the bench’s position could compromise the support it offers, potentially leading to a fall if the user relies on it.
The user should stay seated for the entire duration of the shower to maintain a firm base of support. If standing is necessary, the movement should be slow, and the user must use securely mounted grab bars for support. Never rely on towel bars or the transfer bench handle alone for full body weight support. Sudden, twisting movements, particularly when reaching for soap or a shower head, should be avoided as they can destabilize the seated posture.
To mitigate slickness inside the tub, a non-slip mat should be placed on the tub floor where the user’s feet will rest, reducing the chance of a slip when shifting weight or reaching. The bench’s surface should be inspected for excessive water pooling or soap residue that could make the plastic seat slippery during the transfer or bathing process. A handheld shower sprayer can also improve stability by allowing the user to direct the water without having to shift their body.