Bathrooms often have hard, slippery surfaces, making them a common site for falls. Actions like getting on and off the toilet and getting in and out of the shower are ones that can get harder with age or with certain disabilities. This makes installing grab bars an excellent choice for your bathroom.
The bars can easily be installed into showers, next to toilets and in other areas around the bathroom to boost independence and increase mobility in one of the most important spaces in a house.
Types of grab bars
There are many kinds of grab bars that can be easily installed into any bathroom.
- Straight: Standard grab bar that come in a variety of different lengths
- Curved: Curved bars can have an “S” shape that looks more stylish than a basic, straight bar. The curved design can have added stability in case of a fall.
- Multi-use safety bars: These bars provide all the stability of other bars but can also have shelves for shampoo, soap and other bathroom items, making them a practical choice.
- Safety rails: Resembling stair handrails, safety rails may be a good option for larger bathrooms or areas where it may be beneficial to have a longer bar.
- Moveable: These bars may be good for people who enjoy the aesthetics of their bathroom as-is, but think that a grab bar would be beneficial to them. These grab bars fold flat against the wall until needed.
- Angled: For uneven surfaces, angled grab bars are a great option.
To learn more about different kinds of grab bars, read our previous blog about choosing the right grab bar for your shower.
Where to install grab bars:
Toilet:
Using the toilet can be a task that requires a grab bar for older people or for people with mobility issues. The act of lowering your body down to sit on the toilet and standing back up can be a recipe for dizziness, balance issues and struggle for some people.
ADA guidelines suggest that grab bars should be provided on the wall closest to the toilet. Installation here will help someone with sitting or standing, or someone transferring from a wheelchair onto a toilet seat.
It can also be beneficial to have one installed on the wall behind the toilet for some added protection and security.
Bath tub/Shower:
When installing bars in a shower, placement is key for safety and accessibility. Grab bars near the shower entrance helps when stepping in or out of the tub, while a horizontal bar along the back wall can also assist with stability while in the shower.
Depending on the person, adding an angled bar on the side wall can assist with sitting or standing if there’s a shower seat.
A comfortable height for shower grab bars is typically between 33 and 36 inches from the floor.
Stepping in and out of the bathtub can be difficult for people with balance issues. That’s why installing grab bars in the correct places is a great option for increased stability.
Near the shower controls:
It’s common to lose balance while adjusting water temperature. A vertical grab bar near the controls provides a secure grip without stretching or leaning too far.
Along the bathtub rim:
If you have a bathtub, a short vertical grab bar helps with getting in and out safely, especially for those with limited mobility.
Proper grab bar installation
It’s important that bars are anchored into wall studs or mounted with proper support brackets. Overall, you want to make sure they’re placed where they’re easy to reach when sitting and standing.
At On The Mend, we offer a wide variety of grab bars. We don’t just install them, we work with you to find the perfect fit for your space and your needs, so you can move with confidence every day. Contact us today for your consultation!
