A bath bench is a simple tool that can make moving into and out of the bath much easier. There are several styles to choose from and many ways that you can install the bench of your choice. These tips will help you find the right bench for your needs and help you install it properly.
Benefits of Bath Benches
A bath bench is usually a simple piece of plastic that fits over either edge of the tub. The bench is most often used by those with impaired mobility to allow them to enter and exit the tub easily. Since the bench is off the bottom of the tub you may find it much simpler to shower than if you didn’t have a mobility device. The bench also helps by raising those who need assistance in the bath so that caregivers can reach the body more easily for assisting with grooming. The patient also reduces the risks of slipping in the bath significantly when using a bench.
Your bath bench options are all very affordable to purchase. You can buy a simple bench for well under $100 online. It is often more difficult to purchase mobility items for disabled and elderly patients locally since the items in a retail shop are often limited because of space issues. You may want to check online to find the different prices and styles of benches available before making your choice. There are some types of benches that are more beneficial for some because of the design of the device.
Designs and Styles
You will find that a bath bench in the style that meets your needs is a must have necessity when you need assistance in the shower. There are several main types of benches to choose from, including the following styles:
- A sliding bath bench is an option that reaches outside the outer edge of the tub. This is a chair like device with a sliding seat. You will sit on the seat and allow a caregiver to slide the seat over into the tub for you. This device is a good choice when you have extremely limited or no lower body mobility.
- A bath bench without a sliding seat is a chair like bench that also extended past the outer edge of the tub. You need to sit on the seat and scoot over into the tub on your own or with the assistance of a caregiver. Since you don’t have to step over the outer edge of the tub this device can reduce the chance of falling in the bath significantly.
- A portable bath bench is simply a plastic bench that fits over either side of the tub. This bench does require stepping over the outer edge of the tub so you may need the help of a caregiver if you have difficulty doing so. You can use this seat to shower or bathe when you have trouble standing for extended periods of time or have difficulty with bathing or getting up from the floor of the tub.
- A folding bench may be the best option in homes with limited space and when you share the bathroom with others. The bench serves the same function as a traditional tub bench but can be put away in a closet or other small space as needed.
You can use any of these bath benches to make bathing a simpler task that is much safer than bathing without a mobility device. You may want to use one of these options anytime you have mobility issues, or when you have conditions like osteoporosis that can lead to a bone breaking should you fall in the tub.
Using Your Bench
In most cases you will want to leave your bath bench permanently installed. If you have chosen a chair option for your needs then you will first need to ensure the bench is completely level by adjusting the outside legs of the chair. Most chairs also come with leg extenders that are a necessity when working with a higher than average tub. You may want to check the bench by shaking it slightly to ensure it is sturdy. You also need to make sure you have the inner legs of the chair on a non-slip mat. Most bath benches that have chair legs are made with non-slip feet but the bath mat can provide an extra surface to ensure the chair doesn’t slip when you enter the tub.
You will also want to follow some basic safety when using your bath bench. If you have very low mobility, for example, it is always advised that you have a caregiver close by in case you slip off the bench. A towel on the seat of the bench can be very helpful when bathing alone to ensure you don’t slip even when using soapy water to bathe. There are many ways to increase the safety of bathing when using a bench but perhaps the most important is to be able to get help in the case of an accident.
You may also want to have the bath bench checked frequently for signs of wear. If you are using a bath bench with legs then you will want to check the frame, seat and non-slip leg attachments to ensure they are all in good working order. Since bath benches are very affordable you should always replace your bench anytime you see damage to the seat or frame. Some leg covers can be replaced by purchasing the non-slip leg attachments separately.
Bariatric Benches
You may need to invest in a bariatric bath bench if you are over a specific weight. Most traditional benches are made to hold three to five hundred pounds. If you are over or near this weight then you should opt for a bariatric bench that is right for your weight to increase the safety of the bench. There are many affordable bariatric versions of benches available.
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