Bathtub transfers with side bar

great for some. impossible for others.

Bathtub transfers with side bar? This type of tub transfer may look like a breeze but you is almost impossible for some. The concept is great. A simple horseshoe shaped bar clamps to the edge of your tub allowing you to grab onto it for stability while stepping in and out of the bathtub.

The build of this bar is usually very safe as long as it is installed correctly (and installation requires not much more than tightening a couple clamps to the side of the tub). Once secured, the bar is not likely to move. It is important to remember that transfer aid devices such as these are not designed to keep your from falling or even break you fall. These are designed to assist you with balance while transferring in and out. Doing bathtub transfers with side bar can make or break a safe and effective transfer... proceed with caution.

This type of bathtub transfer bar comes in various shapes, material strength and colors. Four options are shown below.

1	2	3	4

Option 1

I've never seen this transfer bar in person but it does provide two height levels of assistance. It appears to clamp onto the tub with a sort of "lock down" mechanism. This particular model seems to be made of durable plastic. You will want to keep that in mind when considering your needs. Some transfers bars will have a weight limit written on them or the box they came in.

Option 2

I have worked quite a bit with option 2 and like it very much. This transfer bar is usually made of some metal (usually steel) but I'm sure there are some made of durable plastic. This bar is secured to the bathtub wall by tightening a clamp down knob (sometimes two). It is very sturdy and has been the number one choice in my years of home care since 1995.

Option 3

This transfer bar option is steel, has a roughed up handling point on the bar for ease of grip and is very sturdy. However, as you can see, you lose height for more stability. This can become a huge disadvantage as you will see below. It is obviously longer than it is tall and takes up more bathtub wall space. It is secured with two knobs that clamp it to the bathtub wall. I don't know if this tub transfer side bar is made anymore.

Option 4

This durable plastic option has worked out satisfactorily in my experience. It is plastic, but designed well. This pictures shows it a bit shorter than it actually is. It lends well to the objective of providing support for transfers in and out of the tub.

Option 5 - Walk In Bathtub

A Walk in bathtub eliminates the need for bathtub transfers with side bar, are a wise investment and can increase the resale value of your home for those looking for aging in place accessories in their next home.

what you need to be safe. strength.

The most important thing to remember while doing bathtub transfers with side bar (vs. a grab bar mounted on the wall) is that you likely will be bending over somewhat to grab the bar. This may disadvantage you in four ways...

This bending posture forces your glutes (butt muscles) and your back to work much harder at keeping you upright. Most of us get weaker on our backsides as we age due to inactivity, less walking and sitting most of the day.

This posture also requires your hip flexor (lifting knee toward ceiling) muscles to work much harder at all levels. Again, due to inactivity, we typically do not get stronger in our hip flexors as we age, but weaker and therefore stiffer. A bathtub transfers with sidebar demands this posture.

This posture assumes the strength of the arms to carry extra weight. Patients with shoulder or arm weakness (and loss of range of motion - see below) will need to use caution with the increased demands of motion and strength required to do bathtub transfers with side bar.

You will need adequate hip strength to sustain single leg weight bearing as you put all your weight on one leg to lift the other leg up and over the bathtub wall.

flexibility.

The largest flexibility barrier to doing bathtub transfers with side bar is the ability (or lack of) the hip to be able to flex high enough to clear the foot over the tub wall. While it may be able to flex that high, the muscle strength may be inadequate in that part of the range of motion to carry out the needed task of not only lifting the knee up towards the ceiling but also maintain that position while moving the leg over the tub wall to plant the foot in the tub.

Total hip replacement surgery patients need to use special caution while performing bathtub transfers with side bar. The postures needed to assume this transfer safely can easily require greater than 90 degrees of hip flexion to accomplish the task. One of the most important precautions for you while your hip sets is NOT to flex or bend beyond a 90 degree hip angle.

Shoulder and wrist range of motion are key elements in the safe completion of this task as well. As mentioned about, the shoulders and arms will need to carry increased weight through varying degrees of flexibility. Be sure that you have good range of motion before attempting this transfer.

balance.

Balance is the third and perhaps most critical aspect to any transfer requiring momentary single leg stance. Many transfers require momentary balance on one leg. This often requires upper body support in order to carry this out safely.

Although doing bathtub transfers with side bar aid allows for you to hold on to something while stepping over the tub wall, it still requires one leg support for a few seconds. The amount of time you must carry your weight and balance on one leg depends on your strength and ability to move relatively quickly but safely from the bathroom floor to the bathtub. This may be tough with a weak or stiff hip or for those with Parkinson's Disease who are not able to move quickly.

Bathtub transfers with side bar can be possible yet require adequate amounts of strength, flexibility and balance. Choosing a walk in bathtub is a wise and safe investment and increases the resale value of your home to a generation looking for homes already equipped with aging in place accessories.

Simple, effective strengthening for bathtub transfers with side bar

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