If you, your friend, or a family member has balance issues or limited mobility, you may be thinking about buying bath safety items to help prevent falls. A transfer bench is one of the most requested bath safety products for those with balance and mobility issues for good reason. However, it may be confusing to decide on the correct transfer bench for your needs. Also, when you decide on the style you want, it can be overwhelming to find the best quality you can trust.
This guide will walk you through all you need to know about transfer seats, from who best benefits from one to the various components to consider when buying the correct transfer bench for your needs.
What is a transfer bench?
Transfer benches are shower seats intended to be placed with two legs of the seat inside the tub and two outside the tub. This permits you to sit in the center of the seat and lift your legs over the tub divider to enter and exit the bath securely. Moreover, transfer benches can also provide a safe spot to sit and rest should the user tire while bathing or dressing.
Who should use a transfer bench
Transfer benches give important dependability while washing and can be safer than other choices. For example, grab bars or security rails are wonderful for those who require very little support. That said, the individual is still balancing on one leg to enter and exit the tub. Conversely, the individual sits on the transfer chair to enter or exit the tub resulting in less risk of a hard fall. This additional security can be useful for those:
- With critical equilibrium issues
- With Weakness in the legs
- Who have a high danger of slipping or falling
- Who tire quickly
If you believe you may benefit from a transfer seat, this list of advantages and disadvantages may help you decide.
Advantages
- Fully upholds the body when entering and leaving the tub
- Offers a protected spot to sit while washing
- Removable
Disadvantages
- Takes up more space than other choices
- Can be harder to set up securely
What to consider before choosing a transfer bench
If you've concluded that a transfer bench is the best choice for your safety, here are a few features to consider when finding the best one for you.
Overall Size
The main elements to keep in mind are the transfer bench's details, like the length, width, and stature. Your transfer bench will be of no utilization to you if it doesn't fit as expected in your bathroom or does not support your weight and height. Also, if you are using the chair in a medical facility or long-term care facility, it is always helpful to ask if there is a plan in place to keep the chair clean.
To find the correct size transfer bench for your home, measure your tub's width and the floor space outside of it. There should be adequate space for the length of the transfer bench and space for the user to securely stand and sit. Moreover, you will need a seat with details less than your measurements so the seat isn't being squeezed into the washroom and can be utilized securely. If you will require a wheelchair in the bathroom space with the transfer chair, you should also add the width and depth of the wheelchair and another standing person in case assistance is needed. Also, we suggest estimating your tub dividers' height as some transfer benches can't be utilized with dividers over 18 inches tall.
Weight Capacity
The transfer bench's weight limit should be factored into your decision to make sure that the bench can securely uphold your weight. Most standard transfer benches have weight limits somewhere in the range of 250 and 300 pounds, while more solidly constructed transfer benches can uphold as much as 500 pounds. Always check the weight capacity before buying to affirm that the item is safe for you.
Seat Size
You will also need to consider the bench's seat measurements with the goal that you can move on and off securely and sit serenely. To decide the best seat width for you, measure your backside's width when sitting on a flat surface. The seat should be more extensive (at least 6 inches) than this estimation for safe moving on and off the bench.
To decide the best seat profundity, measure the length from your backside to the rear of your knees. The seat profundity should be an inch or two more noteworthies than this estimation for protected and contented seating.
Materials
The item materials are particularly essential to consider when buying bath items like transfer benches. Because it will be consistently presented to water, you will need to purchase a transfer bench made of rust-proof materials like aluminum or plastic. A mix of aluminum legs and a plastic seat is commonly the most ideal choice. This is significantly more strong than a seat made entirely of plastic.
You may also think about a seat with holes, which can more readily prevent water build-up and shape and mildew.
Flexible Height
Although fixed legs might be less expensive, it's often helpful to buy a transfer bench with adjustable legs. The range of leg height flexibility permits the seat to oblige the height of the user, regardless of whether they're 4'8 or 6'5. Best of all, the height adjustment permits you to separately set the legs to the correct height inside and outside the tub so the seat is always level and secure.
Back Vs No back
The last thing to consider is the back of the chair. Transfer benches can be utilized with or without a backrest. Even though a backrest may once in a while disrupt the general flow and movement, having one on your seat is the most secure option. A transfer bench with a back isn't much more costly than one without, and backrests offer protected support to lean against. This can diminish the danger of falls while washing and for the most part be significantly more comfortable.
For more information and to find the right bench seat or other bath safety item to fit your mobility and safety needs, shop our safe and secure website today!