Bath Bench

Make showering safer for your aging parent by having them use a bath bench (also called a transfer bench).

Read more below...

What do they do?

Transfer benches are designed to make showering safer and easier for seniors. Two of the legs rest inside the bathtub and the other two legs rest outside the tub. Seniors sit down, swing their legs into the shower and remain seated while showering. This prevents them from having to step into a wet slippery tub and allows them to shower in a safe comfortable position.

What are they made out of?

They are made out of plastic and metal.

Won't water get everywhere?

There is a slot in most benches that you put the shower curtain in. This allows you to use a curtain just like you would with a regular shower.

Who are they designed for?

Anyone with balance, strength and endurance issues. They are an excellent way of preventing falls!

What I need to know before purchasing?

Bench leg length - You need to make sure the legs of the transfer bench are long enough for the depth of your tub. If it's for a deep jacuzzi tub then you may need to purchase longer extension legs.

Seat height - Make sure whoever is going to use it can get on and off safely and easily. Most have adjustable leg lengths so make sure it's high enough for them to get off of yet not too high that they cannot touch the floor.

Weight limit - Most designs have a weight limit of 250lbs so just make sure this is suitable for the intended user.

Curtain rod vs glass doors - Typically you cannot use a bench with a standard bathtub with glass doors. There is not enough room for the senior to swing their legs through the opening. You will need to remove the glass doors and put up a simple curtain/rod.

How much do they cost?

They cost anywhere from $60 to $400 depending on the quality of the product. The more expensive ones have a higher weight limit.

What else do I need to make showering safer for my aging parent?

Hand held shower-head - I highly recommend installing a hand held shower-head which allows the senior to wash their entire body while seated. Some benches have a slot to hold the hand held shower-head.

Non-slip bathmat - I also highly recommend installing a non-slip bathmat to further prevent falls.