How to use a bathtub transfer bench? Mobility challenges are significant challenges. People who suffer from these challenges face difficulty even getting in and out of a bathtub. A bathtub transfer bench is specifically designed for these people. It allows these people to enter the tub. It also ensures a safe exit from the tub. It means it ensures accessibility with safety. Here are some necessary steps for using a bathtub transfer bench effectively.
What is a Bathtub Transfer Bench?
Bathtub transfer benches are bathing aids. This bench can reduce the risk of slips or falls during bathtub in/out movements. If we talk about design, it is one bench, but one part is inside the tub and the other is outside. This bench has one pair of legs that straddle the tub. Bench moves over the edge of the tub. In this way, it transfers an individual from outside the tub into the tub, and vice versa.
Steps to Use a Bathtub Transfer Bench
1. Choose the Right Bench
A Transfer Bench helps to get in and out of the bathtub. When choosing a bench, consider the following points:
Dimensions of your bathtub
Your Personal Needs
Types of Benches
As per height consideration, bathtub benches come with the following categories:
Adjustable Benches
These benches have a mechanism to adjust their height. You can adjust the height according to your requirement and the bathtub height.
Non-Adjustable Benches
These benches lack an adjustable height mechanism. They have a standard height that fits most of the bathtubs.
Some bathtub benches come with extra safety features. These safety features prevent slipping or falls.
2. Prepare the Bathtub
Proper cleaning of the bathtub is required before entering it. Therefore, before using this bench, clean the bathtub thoroughly. Some items sometimes lie haphazardly. These hinder access to the bathtub. The bathtub should also be dry to prevent slipping.
3. Adjust the Height
Adjust the height of your bench. The height should be at a level convenient for the user.
4. Position the Bench
Careful Positioning of the bench is fundamental. Straddle the bench so its outside and inside bathtub legs are firmly positioned. Stable, balanced positioning can prevent tipping.
5. Sit on the Bench
Comfortably sitting on the bench makes it easy to use. For comfortable sitting, the User should sit facing the bathtub. Make sure that the feet are flat. If the user is having difficulty sitting comfortably, assistance may be provided. A caregiver can easily address the situation.
6. Transfer into the Tub
After a comfortable sitting position, the user should slowly drift their body towards the bathtub side of the bench. During this sliding towards the tub, feet must be firmly settled on the floor. Importantly, the user can use his arms to support his body while sliding. A user should move at their own comfort level. Don't impress or force a user for sudden movement.
7. Positioning in the Tub
When the upper part of the body is shifted, the legs should be carried over the edge.
8. Exiting the Tub
The exact process for getting out of the bathtub should be followed. The only care is stable positioning and comfortable movements.
9. Caregiver Assistance
A caregiver's assistance is not required if the user is comfortable performing all placement movements. A caregiver should encourage the person to stand nearby for their own movement during shifting in and out of the tub.
10. Maintaining the Bench
Check the bench after every use. Take care of the bench. Any sign of wear and tear should be addressed immediately. Keep it clean.
Conclusion
How to use a bathtub transfer bench? A bathtub transfer bench is a great help for users. With this bench, they can go into the tub and come out on their own. Proper placement of the bench and comfortable movements while going in and out are some steps to using this bench. Arthritis Aid is the hub for products that help people with movement issues.
