How to Safely Get Out of a Tub?

Falls are the most common bathroom injury, with over 43,000 children receiving emergency treatment for injuries in the bathroom annually, and elderly adults being at increased risk. Learning how to safely get out of a tub is crucial for reducing this risk, no matter your age or mobility level. This guide will detail practical methods and safety equipment to ensure a secure and steady exit every time.

Quick Summary

Use a systematic approach to exit the bathtub, employing proper body mechanics and leveraging stable surfaces. Implement safety aids like grab bars, non-slip mats, and bath benches to provide stability and support. Adapt techniques based on your mobility, whether you require moderate assistance or caregiver support.

Key Points

• Drain water first: Drain the tub completely before attempting to stand to prevent unsteadiness.

• Use grab bars: Always use securely mounted grab bars for stable support when transitioning from sitting to standing.

• Add non-slip surfaces: Use a non-slip mat inside the tub and a non-slip rug outside to maximize traction on wet surfaces.

• Consider mobility aids: For limited mobility, use a transfer bench or bath lift to eliminate the risk of stepping over the high tub wall.

• Move slowly and deliberately: Avoid quick or jerky movements when getting in and out, especially when wet.

• Keep essentials close: Place towels, soap, and other items within reach to avoid stretching or leaning precariously.

• Know your exit technique: Practice the appropriate exit method—push-up and pivot for moderate mobility, or seated transfer for limited mobility—so it becomes second nature.

Essential Safety Preparations Before You Exit

Before you even begin to rise, proper preparation is key to preventing slips and falls. Many bathroom accidents occur because of a lack of foresight. Taking a moment to prepare your environment will make a significant difference in your safety.

• Secure Non-Slip Surfaces: Place a non-slip mat inside the tub to provide better traction for your feet. Just outside the tub, have a non-slip rug or mat ready for when you step out. Avoid using towels, as these can easily slip when wet.
• Install Sturdy Grab Bars: Unlike flimsy towel racks, securely installed grab bars are designed to support a person's full weight. Place them on the wall inside and around the tub where you can easily reach them. Make sure they are screwed into wall studs for maximum reliability.
• Keep Necessities Within Reach: Arrange your towels, toiletries, and other items within arm's length. This prevents you from needing to stand or lean awkwardly to reach something, which can cause you to lose your balance.
• Drain the Water: Before attempting to stand, drain the water completely from the tub. This eliminates the distraction and force of moving water, which can affect your stability.

Step-by-Step Techniques for Exiting a Tub

How you exit the tub will depend on your strength and mobility. Choose the method that best suits your physical condition.

The Push-Up and Pivot Method (For Moderate Mobility)

This method is suitable for those with moderate strength who can manage a kneeling position.

1. Move to the edge. While still sitting, scoot your body towards the side of the tub where you plan to exit.
2. Turn and brace. Turn your body so you are facing the faucet end and position your knees on the dry portion of the tub floor, using a towel for a cushion if needed. Place your hands flat on the edges of the tub for support.
3. Push to kneel. Using your arms and core strength, push up from your hands to a kneeling position.
4. Rise to stand. Bring one foot forward into a half-kneeling or lunging position. With both hands still firmly gripping the tub's edge or a grab bar, push up to a standing position.
5. Step out. Carefully lift the first leg over the tub wall and place your foot firmly on the non-slip mat outside the tub. Maintain your grip until both feet are securely on the floor outside.

The Seated Transfer Method (For Limited Mobility)

For those with less strength or with conditions like knee or hip problems, a seated transfer is the safest approach.

1. Use a transfer bench. A transfer bench extends over the side of the tub, with one end in the water and the other outside. You can slide onto this bench from a seated position.
2. Pivot and enter legs first. While seated on the outer edge of the bench, pivot your body and slowly lift your legs, one at a time, over the tub wall. You will then slide further into the tub to bathe.
3. Reverse the process to exit. To get out, slide back to the outer edge of the bench. Lift your legs, one at a time, back over the side of the tub. Push yourself up from the bench once your feet are securely on the floor.

The Assisted Exit Method (For Full Assistance)

If a person requires assistance, a caregiver can provide vital support. A gait belt is recommended for a secure grip.

1. Caregiver support. The caregiver should stand outside the tub, positioned to support the bather's arms or back.
2. Bather uses grab bar. The individual should hold onto a secure grab bar or bath chair to help stand.
3. Slow and steady movement. The caregiver should offer gentle guidance, allowing the bather to perform as much of the movement as possible on their own.
4. Transfer out. Use a transfer belt for additional stability and carefully guide the person's movements while they step or pivot out of the tub.

Comparison Table of Safety Equipment

Feature	Grab Bars	Transfer Benches	Bath Lifts	Walk-In Tubs
Cost	Low	Moderate	Moderate to High	High
Installation	Permanent (screwed into studs) or temporary (clamp-on)	Tool-free assembly for most models	Quick and easy, no tools needed	Professional installation required
Mobility Level	Moderate to High	Limited to Moderate	Very Limited to Limited	Very Limited
Key Benefit	Provides stable handhold for balance while standing	Allows seated transfer, eliminating the need to step over the tub wall	Lowers and raises the user with minimal effort	Features a low step-in threshold and watertight door for easy access
Disadvantage	Requires permanent mounting for maximum safety	May require a shower curtain to prevent splashing	User still needs to get legs over the tub wall	Higher cost, requires waiting for drainage before exiting

Conclusion

Safely exiting a bathtub is a matter of proactive preparation and careful technique. By incorporating safety aids like non-slip mats, grab bars, and bath benches, you can significantly mitigate the risk of falls and injuries. Remember to move slowly and deliberately, especially if you have mobility challenges, and never rely on unstable objects like towel racks or shower curtains for support. Prioritizing bathroom safety allows for greater independence and peace of mind for everyone.

What if you fall?

If you do fall in the tub, remain calm. Assess yourself for injuries before attempting to move. Use any nearby grab bars or bath seats to help reposition yourself. If you can't get up, call for help immediately if you have access to a phone or medical alert device.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the safest way for a senior to get out of a tub?

The safest way for a senior to get out of a tub is by using a combination of safety aids, such as securely installed grab bars, a non-slip mat, and a transfer bench or bath lift. A transfer bench allows the senior to sit and slide over the tub wall, eliminating the need to step over it entirely.

What is a transfer bench and how does it help?

A transfer bench is a seat that extends over the tub's side. One end is placed inside the tub and the other outside, allowing a person to sit on the bench and slide over the tub wall without having to step over it. This is ideal for those with limited mobility, balance issues, or knee pain.

Are suction-cup grab bars safe for getting out of a tub?

No, suction-cup grab bars are not recommended for supporting a person's full body weight when getting out of a tub. They can detach suddenly and should not be relied upon to prevent a fall. Always use grab bars that are securely mounted into wall studs.

What should I do if I fall in the tub?

If you fall, stay calm and check for injuries. If you are not seriously hurt, use a sturdy object like a grab bar or toilet to help you move slowly to a sitting or kneeling position. If you cannot get up, call for help using a phone or personal alarm.

How can I make an existing bathtub safer without major renovations?

You can significantly improve safety without major renovations by adding grab bars, placing non-slip mats inside and outside the tub, and using a bath seat or transfer bench. Keeping the bathroom clutter-free also helps minimize tripping hazards.

What's the difference between a bath lift and a transfer bench?

A bath lift is a battery-powered chair placed inside the tub that lowers and raises the user with a remote control, allowing for a fully submerged bath experience. A transfer bench is a stationary seat that assists with getting over the tub wall and is often used with a shower, not for deep soaking.

Is it better to have a walk-in tub or a regular tub with a bath lift?

The best choice depends on your needs. A walk-in tub offers a low step-in threshold and built-in features but requires waiting for the tub to drain before exiting. A bath lift is a quicker, more affordable, and less permanent solution for staying in a traditional tub, but you still need to transfer your legs over the side.