Shower chair vs transfer bench: what to get for a bathroom at home
A lot of people come in asking for “the chair that goes in the tub.” That’s usually one of two things: a shower chair, or a transfer bench. They look similar. They are not the same job.
Shower chair
This one sits all the way inside the tub or shower. You step in, then sit. It’s the right pick if you can still get your legs over the tub wall, but standing to wash is the hard part. Smaller footprint. Good for a walk-in shower or a tub you can still step into.
Transfer bench
This one sits half in and half out. You sit down outside the tub, then slide across. Nobody has to step over the wall. That’s the one we reach for when balance is shaky, after a hip or knee, or when a family member is helping. It takes more space. You need a clear spot beside the tub.
A few things we check in the store
- Can they step over the tub, or is that the whole problem?
- Is someone helping, or are they bathing alone?
- How wide is the tub and how much floor is beside it?
- Weight rating and seat height. Cheap chairs flex. We keep ones meant for daily wet use.
This is not a doctor’s order. If a therapist already wrote “transfer bench,” get the bench. If you’re not sure, come by Adaptive at 8703 Broadway, Ste 131 in Pearland. We’ll set both next to a tub wall and you can see the difference in a minute.
Phone (281) 485-8881.
