A transfer bench with a sliding seat is helpful if the person has difficulty scooting over to the middle of the seat – the seat itself slides across. It can reduce your risk of injury while preventing skin tears for those with delicate skin.

In this video, we demonstrate how to use a transfer bench with a sliding seat; my husband plays the role of a caregiver and I play the role of a person with Alzheimer's or other types of dementia.

First, he placed a brightly colored towel on the seat for comfort. Then he locks the seat before I sit down. After I am seated, he helps me place one hand on the side handle for support and the other out of harm's way. Next he unlocks the seat and slides the seat across, gently lifting my legs over the tub wall. He lets me know each time before he moves me so I am not taken by surprise. He tells me I am safe, that I won't fall. Not every person will respond the way I respond in this video, but it's important to always tell the person what you're doing, even if you think they don't understand you.

Then, once the seat has moved into place, he locks it so I will not slide during bathing.

Then to exit, just reverse the process. Keep in mind that you still need to use proper body techniques so you do not injure your back.