Transfer Benches

Transfer benches are used for several purposes, usually in conjunction with the needs of a disabled individual in getting into the shower or bathtub from a device such as a wheelchair. A transfer bench can help both patient and caretaker in easing the strain of such a transition, as well as cutting the amount of time it takes to make the move.

A tub transfer bench usually consists of a seat that stretches across the side of the tub, allowing the wheelchair to be placed directly beside it. The handicapped individual is then assisted into a seated position on the bathtub transfer bench and slid onto the actual bath seat or stool. Transfer benches are also sometimes used in showers. Shower transfer benches can be used to get a person across the threshold and around the corner into a full glass shower without need of restructuring the shower to accommodate a wheelchair.

A bathtub transfer bench is meant to provide safe accommodations for those who have lost some of their motor skills, whether due to a condition, illness, disease, accident, or injury. Sometimes, these bath transfer benches are also needed to assist the elderly as they begin to falter in their own balance and ability to climb over the side of the bathtub. Some transfer bench chairs are specially made with back rests and rails, including a transfer shower bench for quadriplegic patients who have no control of movement below the neck and cannot hold themselves upright.

There are also padded transfer bench chairs like the Lumex padded transfer bench that add comfort to the transition process rather than sticking the patient on a hard, cold surface. The Sunrise padded transfer bench is another such option that provides a little extra luxury. Another Lumex transfer bench is a bathtub transfer bench with opening that can double as a commode chair for individuals who have trouble using a regular toilet.

In the case of some, sheer weight causes a danger when getting in and out of the bathtub, making it difficult to lift legs over the side or simply causing excess strain on the heart and lungs to complete the movement. A bariatric bathtub transfer bench, heavy duty and rated to hold large amounts of weight, can be used in such circumstances. A Lumex transfer bench may be available for such purposes. Whatever, the reason, a bath transfer bench is an excellent safety device to utilize and may even come in handy for many people without a disability.