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Best Bathtub Transfer Benches For Shower Safety

Bathing is a necessary and enjoyable part of everyone’s life, but for people with mobility issues and seniors, it can be one of the most dangerous and hectic activities. Having a good bathtub transfer bench makes getting into a tub for a bath or shower as seamless and easy as possible.

transfer shower bench for elderly

Here we have researched and reviewed some of the top-rated transfer benches for elderly and also provided vital information to help you choose the right product for you or your loved ones.

Our Picks for Best Tub Transfer Benches

If you have more budget, the Carousel Sliding Transfer Bench is always a good product to go. But the Bench from Drive Medical is good enough for most users.

Best Overall
Drive Medical 12011KD-1 Tub Transfer Bench For Bathtub,...
Advanced Model
Carousel Sliding Shower Chair Tub Transfer Bench with...
Stylish & Sturdy
Moen Home Care Glacier White 33-Inch W x 18-Inch D...
Drive Medical 12011KD-1 Tub Transfer Bench For Bathtub,...
Carousel Sliding Shower Chair Tub Transfer Bench with...
Moen Home Care Glacier White 33-Inch W x 18-Inch D...
Best Overall
Drive Medical 12011KD-1 Tub Transfer Bench For Bathtub,...
Drive Medical 12011KD-1 Tub Transfer Bench For Bathtub,...
Advanced Model
Carousel Sliding Shower Chair Tub Transfer Bench with...
Carousel Sliding Shower Chair Tub Transfer Bench with...
Stylish & Sturdy
Moen Home Care Glacier White 33-Inch W x 18-Inch D...
Moen Home Care Glacier White 33-Inch W x 18-Inch D...

#Affiliate links.Last update on 2024-03-18 at 10:24

What Is a Bathtub Transfer Bench for Elderly?

A bathtub transfer bench is necessary bathroom safety equipment that helps individuals with limited mobility such as the elderly and people with injuries to get into a tub for a bath or shower easily.

Therefore, a transfer bench helps minimize the risk of falling and slipping while getting in the bathtub.

The transfer bench is positioned on the outside of the tub to allow an individual with limited mobility to sit at the end. Then, the individual centers himself or herself on the bench by swinging their legs over the tub’s lip.

Therefore, they are not required to climb over the edge to get in the tub for a shower, which increases the risk of a bathroom accident.

People with disabilities or mobility issues can then access the interior of the bathtub by gently scooting over and they can open the handheld showerhead to enjoy the bathing time.

You may also want to know more about handicap shower chair if you don’t have a bathtub. However, if you have more budget, you can look for a walk-in tub for seniors.

Best Bathtub Transfer Bench for Elderly Reviews

As mentioned above, owning a shower transfer bench is one of the necessities for people with limited mobility. Remember, taking a shower can be a daunting task for the disabled and the elderly as it requires complex movements.

The best bathtub transfer bench makes life more comfortable and allows the elderly to live a more independent life. The following are the best 6 ones we found in the market.

1. Drive Medical’s Plastic Tub Transfer Bench with Adjustable Backrest – Best Overall

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Plastic Tub Transfer Bench by Drive Medical is our top pick product for the best bathtub transfer seat. The tub transfer bench is made from blow-molded plastic, which ensures maximum durability and support.

It comes with chair legs with extra-large suction cups and a handle that allows individuals with limited mobility to enjoy additional peace of mind.

This transfer bench has an adjustable seat height and offers the option to reverse the chair, which makes it ideal for a wide variety of bathtubs and users of different heights.

With the sturdy frame construction, the transfer bench provides the much-needed durability and stability in any transfer aid product. Besides, it features a unique design that allows for hassle-free assembly of legs, back and arm.

Finally, the Drive Medical Transfer Bench includes a pinch-free level that enables you to depress pushpins without pinching fingers.

Pros

  • Comes with sturdy construction for extra stability and durability
  • Allows for hassle-free assembly of legs, arm, and back
  • Includes a pinch-free lever for safe pushpins depressing
  • Reversible and adjustable seat
  • Slip-resistant legs
  • Offers extra versatility and safety

Cons

  • Most users do not like the color
  • Tends to leak a lot of water, which increases the risk of bathroom accident

#Affiliate links.Last update on 2024-03-18 at 12:33

Carousel Sliding Tub Transfer Bench is our alternative pick product and one of the most suitable products for those who want to upgrade from standard bathroom items.

The bathtub transfer bench provides extra safety, convenience, and the highest quality level, which makes it the best product in its category.

With a rust-proof aluminum frame, the transfer bench has a weight capacity to support up to 330 pounds.

The transfer bench for shower safety includes a padded backrest, seat, and armrests, which offers more comfort than most of the products in the market. Moreover, the pads are water-resistant, thus easy to disinfect and clean.

It also comes with unique design, which includes a seat that slides and swivels on its axes. Therefore, you do not need to adjust your position before sitting on the chair as the design allows you to rotate and face the shower for a comfortable bath.

Finally, the seat features a well-built and robust construction and includes safety belts that prevent you from falling or sliding forward while in the bathtub.

Pros

  • Safety belts to prevent individuals from sliding forward or falling
  • Adjustable height
  • Excellent design
  • Padded seat, backrests, and armrests for extra comfort
  • Swiveling and sliding seat
  • High-quality materials

Cons

  • Relatively more expensive than most products

3. Moen Non-Slip Adjustable Transfer Bench

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If you are looking for the best tub transfer bench, then Moen Non-Slip Adjustable seat is a great option. The transfer bench comes with an excellent style, elegance, and beauty that include unusual and attractive finish with a glacial white glow.

Moreover, the seat is a wide non-slip bench that enables it to provide enough sitting space and comfort making it ideal for individuals of all sizes.

This is unlike most of the products in its category that has a small sitting area, which may not offer the much-needed balance when showering.

Besides, the tub transfer seat features a sturdy construction, which allows it to support up to 400 pounds of weight.

It also comes with amazing features that make it safe and comfortable bathroom equipment for people in need of the support of transfer aids.

The features include a well-designed and easy to grip handle, which comes handy when you want to get into the seat or leave the bathtub after a shower.

Furthermore, the bathtub transfer bench has a single stable and sturdy outside leg, unlike other chairs that come with two outer legs.

Pros  

  • Supports up to 400 pounds of weight
  • Comes with a cup holder and showerhead
  • Unique design
  • Stable and sturdy construction
  • Stylish and beautiful
  • Wide non-slip seat

Cons

  • The seat is not padded
  • Not ideal for a bathroom with limited space

4. MedMobile Bathtub Transfer Bench with Adjustable Height and Wide Seat

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MedMobile’s Transfer Seat is another top quality product that is specially designed to enable you to transfer from a wheelchair to shower with ease.

The transfer shower bench for the elderly offers a large area, which extends outward far enough to allow for a comfortable transfer.

Moreover, the bathtub transfer item provides five-height adjustment levels that change in 1-inch increments. The height adjustments make it possible for you or your loved ones to have a seamless transition from chair or wheelchair onto the bathtub.

It also comes with a backrest that is adjustable from 16.5 inches to 20.5 inches making it one of the most comfortable seats on the list.

Besides, the backrest is fully optional as it allows you to choose whether to have it on the left or right side of the bench.

Pros

  • Comfortable seat
  • Comes with stable and sturdy legs
  • Flexible design that allows for both seat and height adjustments
  • Removable backrest

Cons

  • Considerably difficult to assemble

5. Drive Medical Folding Universal Sliding Transfer Seat

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If you are one of the many individuals that find taking a shower a concern due to mobility issues, you should consider this folding universal bathtub transfer bench by Drive Medical.

The transfer bench for shower safety comes with impressive features that make it easy for people with poor balance, injury issues, arthritis and limited mobility to get into and out of a bathtub.

The folding transfer bench allows you to sit down forward far enough and simply slide into the bathtub and lock the bench into the right place throughout the shower.

With these features, you will find this transfer bench safer and more comfortable as it also offers a stable place to sit. Additionally, the seat helps eliminate the need for assistance during showering, thus increasing your independence.

Pros

  • Easy to assemble and without the use of tools
  • Safer and extremely comfortable
  • Comes with a seatbelt for added safety
  • Level locks the seat in place during bathing
  • Includes a removable soap dish

Cons

  • Not ideal for a bathroom with limited space
  • Setting the legs level could be a challenge for some users

6. Platinum’s HydroGlyde Premium Sliding Shower Chair and Bathtub Transfer Bench

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Most nurses, doctors, and physiotherapists recommend HydroGlyde Premium Bathtub Bench as the most reliable and safe transfer bench. It is specially designed by healthcare works with decades of experience in transfers and safe bathing.

The tub transfer bench comes with professional grade sliding system that allows you it to slide effortlessly for comfortable and safe transfers into and out of the bathtub.

Furthermore, it includes a cutout seat for effective and easy cleaning as it allows for access to all parts of the body. The unique chair is also easy to insert and can be fixed into place or removed easily when necessary.

Moreover, the transfer bench features strong construction and design that includes robust but yet lightweight aluminum components. The sturdy frame prevents shaking, wobbling or tipping and is also resistant to rust.

Finally, the transfer bench includes a padded assist handle that makes it easy for users to glide in and out of the tub or shower.

The handle can be located on the left or right side of the frame, which makes the bench perfect for all shower and tub entry configurations.

Pros

  • Easy to assemble
  • Provides comfortable and safe transfer
  • Offers great value for money
  • Durable and sturdy construction
  • Made by a reputable company

Cons

  • Not ideal for tubs with wide edges
  • It is not a swivel seat

The Advantages of Using a Tub Transfer Bench

As mentioned earlier, a bathtub transfer bench is one of the most essential equipments that you need in your bathroom, especially when you or have a person with mobility issues.

The best tub transfer bench should have holes in the seat or slope slightly to allow water to flow from the seat. The following are the significant advantages of using a bathtub transfer bench:

  1. Enhances Safety and Comfort

If you have concerns about falling or slipping in the bathroom due to mobility issues, it is advisable to consider owning a bathtub transfer bench. The best tub transfer improves your safety by making it easy for you to get in and out of the tub.

If you want to improve bathroom safety for elderly integrally, you may also want to consider a high toilet, bathtub safety rails, or a non-slip shower mat.

  1. Makes you feel more empowered and independent

Bathtub transfer benches are designed to help you get to the shower effortlessly regardless of your needs. This makes you lead a more independent life that does not require the services of caregivers.

  1. Hygienic

Buying your tub transfer chair or seat is so essential and clean, especially for individuals who like traveling but have mobility issues.

Taking a shower can be a nightmare for people with limited mobility, and thus using a personal bath transfer chair prevents you from putting your hygiene and health at risk.

  1. Reliable and convenient

The right bathtub transfer bench is a handy piece of equipment to own, as it is safe in ensuring that you quickly get in and out of the tub.  Most of the top-rated shower transfer benches are easy to clean, assemble and use.

  1. Enhances the quality of your life

Using a bathtub transfer bench helps improve the quality of your life by reducing the sense of becoming too dependent on others. The ability to do even simple activities on your own can add a little bit of independence and thus enhances the quality of your life.

How to Choose A Transfer Bench

Finding the right transfer bathtub can be a daunting task, but it offers an easy way to get in and out of the shower.

Therefore, whether you are using transfer aid devices or have poor balance, buying a transfer shower bench for the elderly enables you to maintain your independence while bathing.

Here are the key things to consider when choosing the right tub transfer bench:

  • Safety

This is the most important feature to look out for when it comes to picking the proper transfer seat. The best tub transfer bench should have suction cups or non-slip tips on its legs to hold it firmly into position.

It is also important to find one that has seat belts and handrails, as these features can make the bench safer.

  • Adjustability

Usually, you will need a seat with adjustable height to allow it to accommodate different users and tubs. Purchasing a bathtub transfer bench with reversible backrests and armrests are a definite bonus.

  • Weight Capacity

It is advisable to check the product description to ensure that the transfer bench for the elderly can support your weight.

  • Durability

Picking transfer chairs made from durable materials such as aluminum and hard blown plastic ensures that you get value for your money. These materials allow the bench to last longer and prevent it from posing a safety risk.

  • Size

Size is another essential feature to consider when buying a bathtub transfer chair as it determines whether the product will fit well into your tub.

Therefore, it is important to check the dimensions of the seat and compare them with measurements of your bathtub.

You can learn how to use a bathtub transfer bench by watching the video below:

Bottom Line

Overall, finding the best bathtub transfer bench is not a walk in the park due to the number of products available on the market. It is advisable to consult with your doctor before buying any bathroom aids.

Cherry is the editor-in-chief of Mobility With Love. She obtained a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology and a master's degree in Adapted Physical Activity. Her expertise includes biomechanics, biochemistry, nutrition, disability studies, and so on.

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