Where Should Grab Bars Be Installed
Are you looking for effective ways to improve safety in the bathroom? Grab bars offer confidence and security while conducting daily hygiene habits.
Whether you’re experiencing limited mobility, struggling with an injury, or investing in new ways to care for an elderly parent, grab bars installation makes daily life easier, safer, and more convenient.
If you want to make the most of your grab bars, you need to install them optimally. As medical equipment and home care solutions professionals, we’ve put together a basic guide on grab bar installation — let’s get started!
Benefits Offered by Grab Bars
Grab bars are safety devices that are installed in the bathroom for extra stability. As the name suggests, grab bars allow someone to “grab” onto them while experiencing a dizzy spell, when getting up and down, or struggling to move.
Usually mounted on the wall, grab bars serve as a crutch and offer various benefits such as;
- Improve stability and balance
- Increase comfort when using the bathroom
- Boost confidence
- Prevent slip-and-fall accidents
- Promote independent living for physically impaired
- Reduce the risk of injury
- Offer peace of mind
The Best Places for Grab Bar Installation
It’s important to place grab bars strategically if you want to make the most of their benefits. Their intended purpose and the specific individual will determine the best place for your grab bars.
Grab Bar Installation by the Toilet
Grab bars are very useful around the toilet, an area where people may struggle sitting down and standing up. There are two main options when installing grab bars around the toilet.
- Attaching a grab bar on the wall beside the toilet
- Installing safety rails (or a safety frame) to the toilet bowl
The best option for you will depend on your needs and how much support is required. While a grab bar on the wall helps when standing or sitting, safety rails support both arms.
Wall-based grab bars are usually mounted permanently, and the height is adjusted for a specific person. Safety rails and temporary toilet assist bars are usually lighter and more effective for occasional support after an operation or while hosting an elderly visitor.
Grab Bar Installation by the Shower and Bath
Strategy is important when installing a grab bar in the shower and bath. Again, the exact position will depend on specific needs. However, there are a few general areas where grab bars offer effective support while washing.
- A small grab bar on the wall next to the entrance of the wash stall
- A horizontal bar on the side wall inside the wash stall
- Nearby the faucet
The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) offers recommendations on the proper height for a shower grab bar, which is approximately 33 to 36 inches from the floor of the bathroom (in the shower). However, the specific person and setup should be considered.
Different Types of Grab Bars
There are different types of grab bars, each serving a specific purpose. Make sure that you choose the correct grab bar before organizing installation.
The most popular grab bars are.
- The Wave mimics a wave design for easy holding
- The Flip is a U-shaped bar that can be moved out of the way when not used
- Tension rods involve a tension-mounted rod with a large handle
- Corner bars are long bars that wrap around a corner
- Integrated bars merge with other items such as towel racks and handheld shower heads
Professional advice and expert insight will guide you on which grab bar is best for your requirements.
Top Tips for Grab Bar Installation
The primary purpose of grab bars is safety and security, so it’s important to install them correctly. Consider the following tips during grab bar installation.
- Consider the height and weight of the individual who will be using the grab bars
- Ensure that the grab bars are ADA compliant
- Confirm the maximum weight support of your chosen grab bar
- Consider whether your building allows for mounting brackets, wall studs, and bolts
- Keep the surrounding material in mind, such as Fiberglass showers
Quality and Affordable Grab Bars
At Affordable Medical, we take safety seriously. Licensed, bonded, and with more than 40 years of experience in providing quality safety devices, we are trusted with grab bar installation.
Not only do we provide grab bar installation, but we also conduct professional in-home assessments to make sure that your environment is safe and secure. Our friendly and professional team is just a call away, ready to help you every step of the way.
