Best Shower Chairs and Transfer Benches for Seniors (Top Picks for Safety)
As seniors age their balance starts to falter and fatigue can set in more quickly. Shower chairs and transfer benches can help reduce fatigue and increase safety in an often a risky environment.
When my mother came to live with me the shower chair and transfer bench were the most effective bathroom safety items we used. They’re one of the easiest bathroom safety enhancements to make.
Top Picks for Shower Chairs and Transfer Benches:
- Best Overall Shower Chair → Drive Medical Shower Chair with Back and Arms
- Best Budget Option → Medline Shower Chair with Back and Arms
- Best Comfort Option → Padded Shower Chair
- Best Transfer Bench → Drive Medical Tub Transfer Bench
👉 Compare shower chairs and transfer benches on Amazon
Shower Chair vs Transfer Bench
A shower chair is ideal for seniors who can step into the tub but need support while sitting.
A transfer bench is better for seniors who have difficulty stepping over the edge of the tub, allowing them to sit and slide safely into place.
I thought my mother was showering fine when she was living on her own, but when she came to live with me I noticed her hesitation during bath time. We purchased a shower chair and it made a big difference. I could instantly tell she felt more secure.
When she became less steady on her feet, we switched to a transfer bench. This was a big help when she had balance issues, she no longer had to stand on one foot to get into the tub, instead she could slide across the bench.
In this guide, we’ll look at the different option available for shower chairs and transfer benches, and cover what to look for when choosing one.
What to Look for in a Shower Chair or Transfer Bench
- Sturdy non-slip seat
- Study legs
- Cross support bars (for supporting heftier weights)
- Weight capacity (look for up to 400 lbs support)
- Non-slip feet
- Rust-resistant material
Best Shower Chairs for Bathroom Safety
Drive Medical Shower Chair with Back and Arms (Best Overall)
This shower chair is a great option for senior bath safety due to its sturdy design. The legs are plastic, so there is no chance for rust or hard water buildup. It is rated for up to 350 lbs.
Pros
- High weight capacity
- Strong and durable
- Seat height is adjustable
- Simple assembly
- Arms are optional
- Rust proof
Cons
- Measure base of tub to ensure level fit
- No padding
This shower seat is a great option to start with if the senior has relatively good mobility and they can step into and out of the tub without balance issues.
Some reviewers said the base didn’t sit flat in their tub, so measure you tub base carefully to ensure it will sit level.
If you’re looking for a solid shower chair, this is a strong option.
👉 View this shower chair on Amazon
Medline Shower Chair with Back and Arms (Best Budget Option)
This shower chair is a well reviewed affordable option, but even with the budget price it doesn’t sacrifice safety. It’s lightweight but study. The padded arms provide extra safety when entering and exiting the tub.
Pros
- Rated for up to 350 lbs
- Six level adjustable seat (no tools)
- Padded arm grips and back
- Drain holes
- Tool free assembly
Cons
- May not fit a small curved tub
- No padding on the seat
If you’re looking for a stable affordable shower chair, this is a good option to consider.
👉 View this budge friendly shower chair option on Amazon
Platinum Health Padded Shower Chair (Comfort Option)
This shower chair is a great option for seniors who have injuries, arthritis or aches and pains for which a plastic seat might be uncomfortable. It is also a great option for those who have had hip replacement surgery.
Although my mother didn’t have arthritis or skeletal issues, she was always on the thin side and the padding this seat provides would have been a good option for comfort.
Pros
- Maximum comfort
- Soft padding on seat, back and arms
- Padding provides grip and prevents sliding
- Height adjustable
- 400 lb max weight
Cons
- No seat drain holes
- Care required when cleaning with harsh chemicals
- Padding may not last as long as plastic seat options
If you’re looking for a comfortable shower chair with a soft seat this is a strong option.
👉 View this comfortable shower chair option on Amazon
Vive Shower Chair – Folding Seat with Arms and Back (Travel Option)
This shower chair is a good on the go option for seniors who occasionally travel. I wouldn’t recommend it as an every day option in the senior’s own home, but for hotel stays or when visiting friends and relatives it is better than not using one at all.
This is also a good option for a relative or caregiver to keep on hand for when the senior visits. It can be folded for compact storage.
Pros
- Compact for storage
- Good in a pinch
Cons
- Not as stable as other options
- Temporary solution
If you’re looking for a temporary solution for travel, this may fit the bill.
👉 View this travel shower chair option on Amazon
If you’re comparing options, it’s worth checking current prices and reviews on shower chairs to find the right fit.
👉 Compare shower chairs on Amazon
Drive Medical Tub Transfer Bench (Best Overall Option)
This transfer bench has a well rounded feature list. It supports up to 350 lbs and has suction feet for added stability.
The back support and grip bar can be installed on either side of the seat so it’s easily modifiable to fit the tub configuration.
Pros
- Suction feet
- Good value
- Easy assembly
- Handle on one side
- Height is adjustable
- Seat holes for drainage
Cons
- Seat is not cushioned
- May be a tight fit for very small bathrooms
This transfer bench is very similar to the one that I used with my mother and we were very happy with the safety it provided. Her model didn’t have suction feet like this one does. The review videos demonstrate that the suction feature works very well and keeps the bench from moving around when the senior slides in or out of the tub.
If you’re looking for a well rounded solid transfer bench consider this option.
👉 View this transfer bench on Amazon
If you’re comparing options for transfer benches, it’s worth checking current prices and reviews to find the right fit.
👉 Compare transfer benches on Amazon
Platinum Health Sliding Transfer Bench with Swivel Seat (Premium Option)
This transfer bench is packed with features, it’s an especially good option for those with hip or shoulder issues or those with limited mobility.
The seat swivels and slides with the push of a button. The senior can sit facing outwards and then swivel and slide the seat to safely enter the tub with minimum effort,
The downside is the cost, but for some it may be the best option.
Pros
- Swivel seat
- Sliding seat
- Soft padded seat
- Arm rests on both sides that pivot
- Supports up to 330 lbs
- Adjustable height
- Easy assembly
- Stainless steel bearings
Cons
- Pricier option
For senior with upcoming surgeries, this option would enable caregivers to provide comfort and safety during the recover period.
If you’re looking for a feature rich transfer bench for those with limited mobility this is a strong option.
👉 View this sliding transfer bench on Amazon
Tips for Using a Shower Chair or Transfer Bench Safely
- Ensure that the feet are level and don’t sit on the curved part of the tub
- Regularly check for stability
- For transfer benches, ensure that the shower curtain is either pulled onto the bench seat, or cut to accommodate the seat in order to avoid water splashing onto the floor.
- Wipe with a dry cloth after use for easy cleaning
Adding a shower chair or transfer bench is one of the single most effective ways to improve bathroom safety for seniors.
The shower chair was a great option for my mother to start with, but the transfer bench was a game-changer when her balance started to worsen and stepping over the tub became unsafe.
If you’re looking for more ways to improve bathroom safety, you can also read my guide on preventing falls in the bathroom.
