Folding Universal Sliding Transfer Bench

At my work, which is a Center for Independent Living, we have a small equipment loan and rental program where tub transfer benches are one of the items we carry. I also design bathroom modifications for people with disabilities. So I’m pretty familiar with transfer benches and how they function. However in all my time there I’ve never come across a tub transfer bench like the one pictured above. The Folding Universal Sliding Transfer Bench by Drive Medical is a transfer bench where the seat slides back and forth.

Just a quick overview of how your standard tub transfer bench works. The purpose of a tub transfer bench is to make bathtubs accessible for people that normally have difficulty entering and exiting one. The parts, well its a bench, four legs, and a seat back. Most of the bench sits in the bathtub while a smaller section is outside the bathtub. The user sits on the outside section then scoots over to the part inside the bathtub. Then they are able shower (I would recommend a hand held shower for added convenience). Tub transfer benches are great for people who cannot afford to remodel their bathtub into a roll in shower or want to keep the bathtub so other family members can soak. Especially if young children are in the household.

The Drive Medical transfer bench solves one drawback of the standard tub transfer bench, the scooting. If a person has weak upper body strength or is of heavier weight, scooting over can be a difficult task. Even if there is a care giver, scooting someone over is not always easy. The Drive Medical transfer bench turns scooting into sliding, making the transfer a smoother transition. A mesh net between the gliding bars keeps items from falling through to the bottom of the tub or floor. Additionally there’s an optional soap dish that attaches to the seat. A very well designed piece of equipment.

Remember though that tub transfer benches are not for everyone. When scooting (or sliding) over, you still need to lift your legs over the side of the bathtub. I’ve worked with people with severe arthritis and they were not able to lift their legs over a bathtub even in a seated position. Also there are those who still like the feeling of soaking in a bathtub. In those cases I would recommend using a battery operated bath lift. Here is a link to the Drive Medical transfer bench product page, Drive Medical Folding Universal Sliding Transfer Bench. You can make a purchase there but many other dealers and outlets sell it also.