I've never used a bench for bath transfers. The first option we use is a bath board
and seat, with the board
across the shallow end of the bath, and the same width as the bath. We use the
transfer method described by
Jody, and the client then transfers onto the lower bath seat, which requires them to
be able to use upper
limb strength to a pretty high degree. If this is inappropriate, we use an electric
bath lift (on permanent
loan from social services), but this requires the same initial transfer method as the
bath/shower board. If
clients are unable to swing their legs over the bath side when seated on a shower
board or bath lift, we
usually go for a level access shower (funded by a means tested grant). Those three
options cover about 90%
of the bathing problems we encounter in the community. Having said that, I think bath
board and seat combos
are a bit rubbish, as it leaves the client high in the water with a board behind them
in the bath.
Most of our bathrooms in London are too small to allow for a bench with two legs
outside the bath. Do you
find it has a significant advantage over a bath/shower board in assisting transfers?
We stopped using shower diverters some time ago because there was concern that they
had no thermostatic anti
scald facility. I think this was something of an over reaction, except in cases where
there is sensory
disturbance or the client could not reasonably be expected to be able to get the flow
of water away from
them. The other problem is that with a shower board at the shallow end of the bath, it
is difficult to reach
the taps at the other end. With the shower board at the deep (tap) end of the bath,
the taps are unreachable
behind the client. I often wonder if we shouldn't have more baths with the taps in the
middle.
How are equipment and adaptations funded in the USA? In the UK, equipment is provided
on free permanent loan
from social services (though there some local authorities levy a nominal charge), and
adaptations are grant
funded (anyone on a means tested benefit usually gets the full cost of the adaptation
funded).
Cheers
Mike Griffin
http://www.otdirect.co.uk
Ron Carson wrote:
> Your recommendation below is very interesting. While working in rehab,
> I often encountered situations where clients could afford a bench or it
> wouldn't fit their bathroom.
>
> I generally cautioned people to not perform the type of tub transfer you
> mention because I didn't feel it was safe. My experience is the the
> width of the tub rim makes it impossible to get the edge of the chair
> close enough and there is a high risk that the chair will tip.
>
> Have you experienced this problem??
>
> Ron
>
> ----------
> On 3/28/2001, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Said:
> Sac> Sarah-Jane
> Sac> I am just curious to know, where are you?
> Sac> Here is a little of what I have learned over the years.
> Sac> 1. Most people don't need the official "transfer tub bench" with two
> Sac> legs out of the tub and two in. I love the seats made by rubbermaid and the
> Sac> basic shower seat without a back is very versatile. I have a very kind
> Sac> equipment supplier who sells me these for $30. If their tub is too narrow, I
> Sac> just put it in sideways, and that works fine. Even though I don't use the
> Sac> transfer bench, I teach them to back up to the tub, sit down on the bench,
> Sac> and then get their feet in after they are seated, wash up, and then get their
> Sac> feet out before they attempt to stand.
>
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