ALS Tub and Shower Devices

The following devices are designed to help you bathe and shower more safely and comfortably.

Shower chair without arms

a chair that provides stability in the shower and allows you to rest as needed
Typical Cost: $30–$55

Where can I get one?

Insurance Note

Medicare does not cover this item. Medicaid and private insurance typically do not either. If it is not available from the loan closet, you will need to pay out of pocket.

Shower chair with arms

a chair that provides stability in the shower and allows you to rest as needed; the arms can help you get in and out of the chair independently
Typical Cost: $55–$100

Where can I get one?

  • Try your local ALS Association loan closet first.
  • Amazon: shower chair with arms
  • Stores like Walmart and CVS sell shower chairs.

Insurance Note

Medicare does not cover this item. Medicaid and private insurance typically do not either. If it is not available from the loan closet, you will need to pay out of pocket.

Tub transfer bench

a bench that straddles the tub and bathroom floor and allows you to sit down and scoot yourself in and out of the tub
Typical Cost: $50–$275

Where can I get one?

Helpful Tips

  • A tub transfer bench is particularly helpful if you are worried about tripping and falling over the wall of the bathtub.
  • If you struggle to scoot yourself and lift your legs over the bathtub wall while seated, you may want to try the tub slider with swivel seat.

Insurance Note

Medicare does not cover this item. Medicaid and private insurance typically do not either. If it is not available from the loan closet, you will need to pay out of pocket.

Tub slider with swivel seat

a seat that straddles the tub and bathroom floor and allows you to sit down and swivel in and out of the tub
Typical Cost:
​$220–$250

Where can I get one?

Helpful Tips

  • A tub slider with swivel seat is particularly helpful if you are worried about tripping and falling over the wall of the bathtub and cannot use a tub transfer bench.

Insurance Note

Medicare does not cover this item. Medicaid and private insurance typically do not either. If it is not available from the loan closet, you will need to pay out of pocket.

Grab bar

a permanent or temporary bar that can assist you around the house with maintaining balance, lessening fatigue while standing, and preventing slips and falls
Typical Cost: $10–$50

Insurance Note

Medicare does not cover this item. Medicaid and private insurance typically do not either. If it is not available from the loan closet, you will need to pay out of pocket.

Where can I get one?

  • Try your local ALS Association loan closet first.
  • Indemedical: Grab bars
  • Performance Health: Grab bars
  • Local stores like Walmart, Home Depot, and Lowes sell grab bars.

Helpful Tips

  • Ask your physical therapist, occupational therapist, or local chapter for a home visit to determine which type of grab bars should be installed, and where they should be installed.
  • Grab bars must be properly installed in order to be safe. Ask for help if you are unsure.
  • Lowe’s provides online installation instructions for permanent chrome grab bars. Permanent bars must be screwed into wall studs for solid anchoring. Otherwise they may pull out of your drywall, which could be dangerous.
  • If you do not want to make permanent modifications to your home, suction grab bars may a good option. When set up properly, the large suction cups provide an extremely strong hold. They must make full contact with smooth tiles in order to guarantee safe use. Color indicators show whether you have installed the bar properly or need to try again.
  • Grab bars can also be helpful for caregivers when supporting or moving a patient.​​

Back to Bathroom Equipment

Equipment Safety

​Consult your physical or occupational therapist before buying or using any medical equipment. Also ask your local ALS Association chapter to assess your equipment needs.

To avoid unnecessary injuries, you and your caregiver(s) should receive training from your physical or occupational therapist on how to safely and properly use each piece of equipment.