A little support goes a long way, and you don’t need to be disabled to know that. If you’ve ever been injured or tired and have used the arm of the chair to propel yourself up or the bedside table to clamber out of bed, you can attest to this fact. That support helps to shift your weight onto another surface, which means you’re relying less on the strength of your own muscles and joints.
Transfer poles are designed for this purpose. They provide some much-needed support for elderly persons who struggle with sitting, standing, and moving around. In this guide, we’ll highlight the best transfer poles on the market right now, all of which are aimed at elderly and disabled users.
What to Look for in a Transfer Pole
A transfer pole is a tall, strong, and sturdy pole designed to replace the support of a caregiver and/or assist them with their duties. It can feature several attachments, including curved bars that assist the user as they stand, sit, and move around.
To make sure you get a transfer pole that suits your needs, keep an eye out for the following features:
Is it Adjustable?
Can the height of the pole be adjusted, or does it remain static? Not only is this essential for ensuring optimum support for users of varying heights and weights, but an adjustable pole is also easier to store away.
Is it Easy to Install?
Transfer poles are often sold unassembled, so make sure you check how easy it is to assemble. Will any tools be needed, and is the assembly something that you can perform yourself or will you need assistance? Answer these questions before you buy.
What is the Weight Capacity?
Is the pole suited to your weight? Like all mobility products, these poles have a fixed maximum weight, and this should not be exceeded. If it is, you run the risk of damaging the pole and there is no guarantee that it will work as intended.
The Best Transfer Poles for Elderly Users
The following transfer poles are all available at Amazon.com. They are strong, sturdy, and affordable, offering many of the features outlined above.
Stander Security Pole and Curved Grab Bar
A strong pole that can be adjusted from 7 to 10 feet and features a curved grab bar in the middle. It’s easy to install, durable, and there are no additional tools required for installation. The grab bar rotates 360 degrees with lock-ins for every 45 degrees, and the pole fits most flat ceilings.
The product weighs just 20 lbs. and can support up to 300 lbs. in weight. It is tension mounted, so you don’t need to worry about drilling.
Able Life Floor to Ceiling Grab Bar
At around $130 to $150, this is a very affordable and strong grab bar. It fits ceilings between 7 and 9 feet and can withstand up to 300 lbs. The price is one of the best things about this pole as they typically cost upwards of $200 and can be closer to $300, making this a very affordable option.
Based on the reputation of the manufacturer and the many good user reviews on Amazon, it seems like you’re not sacrificing quality to get a cheaper product, which is always a concern.
Signature Life Sure Stand Pole
Depending on where and when you place your order, this transfer pole can cost up to twice the price of the Able Life product mentioned above. It’s probably a little sturdier and more durable and also has more features, but whether it’s worth the additional cost is entirely up to you.
The features include adjustable curved hand grips and strong aluminum construction. It’s one of the best-looking options on this list and may last longer than the ones outlined above. But again, it all comes down to cost, and at nearly $290 it may be too much of an investment for some.
Other Supportive Tools for the Elderly
Numerous mobility products can provide support when raising and lowering, whether you’re getting in and out of bed or up and down from a chair. Many of these are not as strong and supportive as transfer poles, but they are often much cheaper and more budget friendly.
They include:
- Grab Bars: Small bars that are attached to key points in the home, providing support for the user as they move around. Grab bars are cheap, strong, and easy to install. You can add them to bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas where a little extra support is required.
- Handrails: Does your home have a staircase, is it fitted with a supportive handrail? They are common in most homes, but they aren’t always designed with elderly and disabled users in mind. Many are decorative and weak, while what you really need is something strong, sturdy, and supportive.
- Chair and Bed Supports: A chair frame sits underneath the cushion and gives you handlebars on either side—perfect for getting up and sitting down. Similar frames can be added to your bed, allowing you to maintain your independence throughout the day.
- Canes, Walking Sticks, Walkers: From simple canes that provide some extra assistance to walkers that support most of your weight, these tools are an essential addition to any elderly person’s arsenal.