A shower bench can be used anytime you need assistance in moving in and out of the shower or when you have trouble standing in the slippery tub. A shower bench typically spans the width of the tub and comes out into the room to allow you to sit on the bench outside the tub and scoot in. Since you don’t have to step over the steep edge of the tub you can more easily avoid falls and injury. There are some safety basics to remember when using a bench and several different styles to choose from.
Who Can Use a Bench?
A shower bench can be used by anyone who is need of assistance in the shower. If you find that standing in the slippery tub has become a challenge and you live alone then getting a bench or shower chair can actually benefit you by increasing your safety. Many injuries result from slips in the bath every year, including broken bones, concussions and other injuries. You can easily avoid these same injuries by using caution in the shower and by relying on a device such as a transfer bench to sit on while bathing.
You may also find that surgery or injuries have left you unable to stand in the shower or climb over the side of the bathtub safely. A shower bench can help you with these problems. You sit on the bench and scoot into the shower instead of climbing over the side, which can be very helpful when you have limited mobility. If your knees, legs, hips or spine have been affected then you may find your bench is more than a simple accessory but that it is instead a necessity that you need to use each time you shower.
Having mobility issues, osteoporosis, or other illnesses and living alone is one of the most dangerous situations when you fall in the shower. It is best to practice safety before a fall happens by using a device such as a shower bench before something happens. If you are a caregiver, then you may want to use a bench for your patients. A sliding transfer bench can be used even with patients who have no mobility in their legs. To use the sliding bench you simply sit your patient on the seat and slide it over to the bathing position.
Safety
Safety is always an issue in the bath but becomes even more important when working with patients who have limited mobility. You may want to install grab bars and other safety items in addition to using a shower bench when working with patients. Grab bars and bariatric grab bars can assist patients in moving in and out of the shower while the bench works to give patients assistance in moving in and out of the tub. You can opt for a cutaway bench when working with patients who have no mobility to ensure bathing is as simple as possible.
You will also want to install non-slip bath mats when using a shower bench. Most benches look similar to a chair but are slightly wider to span the width of the bath tub. The legs of the chair may slip when the tub becomes wet. It only takes a few moments to install some non-slip mats or decals to ensure the bath is a much safer place for your patients and loved ones. Everyone can benefit from a mat in the bath, not just those with mobility issues.
When using a shower bench you should also be prepared to stay in the bathroom with the patient until they leave the tub. Some patients may not be able to maintain their balance and may fall off the bench or slip through the cutaway portion of the bench easily. Make sure you have all your needed supplies ready before beginning the bath and grab towels to use before running the way to ensure your patients are as safe as possible.
Styles
There is a shower bench for all types of patients. You can find the following benches widely available at any mobility shop:
- Swivel bath benches are used to move patients in and out of the bathtub easily. The bench works on a pivot that moves at a 90 degree angle to quickly slip in and out of the bath. Make sure your bench won’t move before putting your patient into the seat.
- Sliding benches are very simple to use when patients have limited or no mobility in their legs. The patient sits on the seat that is outside the edge of the tub, and the caregiver pushes the seat to the inside of the tub. This method does take a little muscle but is often the easiest choice when working with a disabled patient.
- Regular bath benches expand the width of the tub and come out enough for the patient to sit on the bench to scoot inside the tub. This is a good solution when you can’t lift your legs high enough to get into the tub, or when working with a patient who is disabled but still has some limited mobility.
No matter which shower bench you choose there is one that can fit your personal needs whether you are the caregiver or the patient. You don’t have to live with fear of falling in the bath when you have a bench properly installed. You can sit on the bench and use a detachable shower head for your bathing needs without the fear of being injured and unable to reach help when you live alone.
Installation
To install your shower bench all you have to do is simply level the legs out using an extender and you are ready to begin using the bench. Most models require no tools for installation and come to you ready to use. If you do need some installation help then you will want to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
