We have had many questions about devices that aid in getting in and out of the bath tub. In this issue, we will discuss two types of seating that would help the bather safely make this 'transfer'.

• Transfer Bench Seats
• Bath Lifts
• Bath Boards and Transferring

The Transfer Bench Seat:

This is a chair that spans from inside the tub, over the rim to the outside of the tub. The bather sits on the chair outside the tub and then shifts their body, on the bench, into the tub. The bather still must lift their legs over the edge of the tub, but they can do this one leg at a time from the seated position. When fully in the tub, the bather's body remains above the water (at the same height as the edge of the tub).

There are several styles of benches and seats. Most come in a contoured plastic surface or a vinyl covered surface. We recommend a bench seat with a back because it provides more support and comfort. For people who are transferring from a wheelchair, a transfer bench with a seat that pivots and locks might prove very convenient.

Tip: Shopping for a Transfer Bench Seat

Some questions to answer before you begin to shop:

• What is the distance from the bathroom floor to the tub's top edge? (Many chairs cannot accommodate very deep tubs.)

• What is the distance from inside the tub to the tub's top edge?

• Are the two distances above dramatically different? If so you will want to look for a chair that can adjust to that difference to provide a level surface.

• Is there enough space for the seat without disturbing the space needed for other bathroom activities? Or is it light enough to move and store easily?

• Do you need a right handed or left handed entry and can the chair accommodate that?

The Bath Lift:

For some people, being in the warm water is a priority. There is an alternative bath seat that literally lowers the bather into the tub. These bath lifts do not extend past the edge of the tub the way the transfer bench seats do. (Not all models are appropriate for easing entry into the tub, but some do have surfaces that extend over the edge of the tub.) The bather would sit on the edge of the bath seat and then turn their body, lifting their legs one at a time over the tub edge. (There is an optional transfer board that is specifically designed to aid with this turning process.) With the press of a button, the seat then slowly begins to lower the bather into the tub, so that they can actually be in the warm water.

There are two types of power for these bath lifts. One is hydraulic, run by water pressure from your bathtub tap and the other is powered by a rechargeable battery. Based on our research, we recommend battery powered models.

Tip: Shopping for a Bath Lift

Some questions to answer before you begin to shop:

• What are all the inner dimensions of your tub? (Too wide and the seat may not come to the edge, too narrow and the seat may not fit at all.)

• Will you be needing to remove the seat so others may use the tub? (Think about weight and the ability to fold or separate for storage)

Bath Boards and Transferring

We do not recommend bath boards if your bather is really using the board to transfer his/her weight. If you do chose to use one, the board should be secured with a clamp on at least one edge of the tub, so that it is secure while the weight transfer takes place.

© Copyright 1999 Dynamic Living, Inc.
Dynamic Living Newsletter may only be redistributed in its unedited form. Written permission from the editor must be obtained to reprint or cite the information contained within this newsletter.

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