As we age, using a standard bathtub can become increasingly difficult due to physical limitations and the risk of falls. However, with the right accessibility aids, such as a bathtub transfer stool, seniors can regain confidence and security in their daily lives.

Let’s explore the challenges of using a bathtub for seniors, what accessibility aids are available, and provide tips on how to choose and safely use a transfer stool.

What Are the Main Challenges Seniors Face with Bathtubs?

Using a bathtub poses several unique challenges for seniors, often due to physical limitations and the inherent dangers of wet surfaces. Here are a few of the main issues:

• Risk of Slips and Falls: Bathroom floors and tubs can become very slippery when wet, increasing the risk of falls for seniors. The CDC states that falls are a leading cause of injury for seniors, especially in bathrooms, which have slippery surfaces and offer limited support.

• Decreased Mobility and Balance: As we age, decreased muscle strength, flexibility, and balance can make stepping over the edge of a tub difficult and dangerous. Physical changes increase the risk of slips for seniors, especially in wet bathroom environments.

• Joint and Muscle Pain: Seniors often face joint and muscle pain, such as that caused by arthritis, which makes bending over or getting into a tub painful. This discomfort requires support aids to help them get in and out of the tub safely.

• Fear of Falling: Many seniors also have a fear of falling, which leads to anxiety about bathing. This fear can prevent them from maintaining daily hygiene, affecting their overall health and well-being.

What Are the Barrier-Free Facilities That Help the Elderly Use the Bathtub?

There are a variety of accessibility features designed to help older adults use the bathtub safely, increasing their independence and reducing the risk of accidents. The following are common features:

1. Walk-in Tubs: Walk-in tubs with side doors eliminate the need to climb over the edge, making entry and exit safer and easier. They feature built-in seats and deep wells for a comfortable soak, enhanced with integrated grab bars and non-slip floors for added safety and stability.

2. Grab Bars: Installing grab bars around the tub and toilet can boost your confidence and safety. You can mount these bars on the wall or tub edge to help stabilize yourself as you enter, exit, or stand.

3. Non-slip Mats or Coatings: Place non-slip mats in your tub and on the bathroom floor to prevent slips. For a more permanent solution, apply a non-slip coating to the tub’s surface, ensuring a stable environment for standing or sitting.

4. Handheld Showerheads: A handheld showerhead allows you to bathe while seated, reducing the risk of falls. These showerheads come with easy-to-operate controls, letting you adjust water flow and temperature conveniently.

5. Bath Lift: Consider an electric chair lift like the AX07 Electric Bathtub Lift Chair if you have limited mobility. It safely raises you to the tub’s edge and lowers you into the water, minimizing fall risks.

6. Swivel Transfer Stool: A swivel transfer stool extends into the tub, allowing you to sit safely outside and then smoothly slide into the tub. This is ideal if you have limited leg mobility, enabling easy and safe tub access.

Can a Rotating Bathtub Transfer Bench Help Seniors?

Yes, if you want to increase safety in the bathroom and maintain independence, a swivel tub transfer bench can help. The swivel bathtub transfer bench is designed to swivel, allowing you to easily get in and out of the bathtub without stepping on high sides, which are a common cause of slips and falls.

The swivel feature of the bathtub transfer bench reduces the need for complex movements and reduces body stress, making it a great choice for seniors with limited mobility or balance issues. It locks securely into place, providing a stable and safe environment for you to manage your personal hygiene with dignity and comfort.

How to Use a Tub Transfer Bench?

Using a tub lift safely and effectively can enhance your bathing experience, especially if you have limited mobility. Let's take a look at how to use a swivel tub lift for bathing.

Setting Up the Bench

Make sure the bathtub transfer bench is positioned correctly, with one end inside the bathtub and the other outside. It should be placed on non-skid mats and slightly above the edge of the bathtub for easy transfer. Before use, always double-check that the bench is stable and securely locked. To ensure safety, gently press on the bench to make sure it does not move.

Preparing for Entry

Before entering the bathtub, make sure the bathroom floor is equipped with non-skid mat handrails for added safety. It is recommended to have a family member assist you during entry and exit. This reduces the risk of slips and falls and makes your bathing experience safer and more comfortable.

Transferring Onto the Bench

To use the bench, sit on it facing outward and lift each leg one at a time to the edge of the bathtub. Once seated and with your legs in the bathtub, you can swivel the seat to face the shower, making sure the swivel mechanism is stable and securely locked.

Using the Bench

When showering, it is recommended to have all the essentials within easy reach. Using a handheld showerhead for ease of use and wearing a bathrobe to keep you warm can also reduce the need to reach or stand, which can reduce fatigue and the risk of losing balance.

Exiting the Tub

Leaving the tub requires reversing the process of entering the tub: swivel the seat to face outward, lift your legs to the edge of the tub, and then safely stand up from the bench using the bench handrails or a caregiver's assistance. Always make sure you feel stable before fully standing up to avoid accidents.

Post-Use Care

Clean your bench after each use to prevent soap scum and bacteria from accumulating. Regular inspection and cleaning can extend the life of your bench and maintain its reliability as an integral part of your daily life.

Safety Bathtub Transfer Bench Tips for the Elderly

When using a bathtub transfer bench, safety is the priority. Here are some essential tips:

• Make Your Bench Safe: Before each use, check that the bench legs are evenly adjusted to ensure that the bench sits securely in and out of the tub. A stable bench prevents tipping and reduces your risk of falling during transfers.

• Test the Anti-Slip Feature: Regularly check the anti-slip material on the seat and legs to ensure it is effective and prevents slips, especially in wet conditions.

• Use Handrails with Your Bench: Consider installing handrails near the tub and on adjacent walls to provide additional support when moving to and from the bench. They provide additional stability to ensure balance when moving.

• Avoid Sudden Movements: When rotating or sliding on the bench, move slowly and carefully. Quick movements can disrupt your balance and increase the risk of slipping off the bench.

• Keep Your Bench Clean and Dry: For hygiene and safety, wipe your bench regularly to prevent mold buildup. Make sure the bench is dry before each use to enhance grip and prevent slips.

How to Buy a Bathtub Transfer Bench for the Elderly?

When purchasing a bathtub transfer bench, consider the following factors:

• Mobility Needs: Choose a bench that suits the user’s specific mobility needs. Rotating benches work well for those who find twisting or turning difficult.

• Weight Capacity: Make sure the bench can support the user’s weight comfortably. Most benches have a weight limit, so check the specifications to ensure it’s appropriate.

• Material and Durability: Look for a bench made from rust-resistant materials, like aluminum or plastic, for durability in a moist environment.

• Comfort Features: Padded seats, backrests, and adjustable heights make the bench more comfortable to use. Comfort features are especially valuable for those with joint pain or sensitive skin.

• Ease of Assembly and Cleaning: Choose a model that’s easy to set up, clean, and maintain. Removable parts and smooth surfaces make upkeep simpler.

Conclusion

Giving seniors access to a bathtub can improve their safety and independence in daily life. From swivel bathtub transfer stools to non-slip mats, there are ways to reduce the risk of falls and improve comfort in the bathroom. And the right tools, like transfer stools, can give seniors the confidence and independence to bathe, helping them stay safe and dignified at home.

Are you looking for a suitable bathtub transfer stool for your family? VOCIC's bathtub transfer stool is a good choice. During the Black Friday event, VOCIC also offers a series of discounts for this purpose, allowing you to purchase mobility aids for the elderly at the best price. Such as roller walkers, electric scooters, etc. Come and consult and buy.

Related Reading: How Do I Make My Bathtub Accessible for the Elderly?