Tub Transfer Bench vs. Shower Chair: Which Is Right For Your Loved One?

According to the CDC, one of the most common places for slips and falls among the aging population is in the bathroom¹. Making modifications and adding equipment to your bathroom can be an easy way to prevent these accidents and keep the person you care for safe. Using a tub transfer bench or shower chair is an easy way to minimize fall risk and maintain bath safety for the care recipient.

In this article, we’ll review tub transfer benches and shower chairs and outline the reasons why you might choose one over the other for your loved one. 

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What Is A Tub Transfer Bench?

A tub transfer bench (or bath transfer bench) is a piece of medical equipment that helps you get in and out of the shower safely. It’s a wide bench with four legs, with part of the bench outside of the tub on the bathroom floor and the other part positioned in the tub. This provides a stable surface to sit on before you slide your body and swing your legs into the tub to avoid any falls when trying to step over the tub threshold. You can stay sitting safely on the tub transfer bench while bathing and use the tub transfer bench to safely exit the shower when you’re done.

Considerations For A Tub Transfer Bench

There are some key differences and features to consider if you think a tub transfer bench may be right for you: 

• A tub transfer bench is designed to be used in a bathtub.
• Be sure you have enough space outside of the tub so that the bench will fit.
• Often, tub transfer benches come with non-slip material on the bottom (like locking suction cups) to ensure it doesn’t move when you’re using them.
• Take measurements from the floor to the top of your tub. Ensure the tub transfer bench is taller than this measurement to be sure it’ll fit.
• A tub transfer bench is wider and more stable than a shower chair.
• A bath bench is ideal for those who have difficulty getting in and out of the bath tub, like someone who is non-weight bearing to a leg after a hip fracture or someone who has a weak side due to a stroke.

What Is A Shower Chair? 

A shower chair is a compact chair that sits inside of your shower. It’s used for individuals who are able to enter and exit their shower but may need to sit down during the process due to pain, weakness or fatigue. 

Considerations For A Shower Chair

Things to consider if you are thinking about getting a shower chair: 

• It’s designed for those who are unsteady when standing in the shower or for those who might get fatigued, painful, or short of breath and need a sitting rest.
• A shower chair is smaller and more lightweight than a tub transfer bench.
• Shower chairs can come with an adjustable backrest, an armrest on each side, and height adjustable legs to best fit your space.
• Non-slip caps are on the feet of the chair to avoid any unwanted movement.
• Pay attention to the seat dimensions of the chair and measure the width of your shower space to make sure it’ll fit.

Choosing What’s Best For You

Choosing between a shower chair and tub transfer bench depends on the user’s mobility level, the type of shower or tub setup they have, and the space available. By choosing to use one of these pieces of equipment, you’re making a safe choice to help the person you care for avoid falls and maintain bathroom safety when completing one of their essential daily tasks. 

References: 

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Fatalities among older adults from injuries in the home—United States, 2008-2009. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2011;60(22). Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6022a1.htm
2. Drive Medical. Shower chair with back. Available from: https://shop.drivemedical.com/medias/232776?context=bWFzdGVyfGltYWdlc3wzOTg1MTV8YXBwbGljYXRpb24vcGRmfGgyYS9oMDYvODkxMTg5NTM5NjM4Mi8yMzI3NzZ8YzRkM2UwZTYzM2UzZWVlMmFhMDQxMWFkOTYxYWM4OWEyMjg2NzBjYWFjYTg5ZjM4ZGU1ZDBmN2RhNzJmZWI2Yw
3. EquipmeOT. How to Select a Shower Seat | Tub Transfer Bench vs. Shower Chair. . Published May 5, 2020. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piM6OUzfK0c