Bathroom Grab Bars Installation: A Precaution for the Elderly
The bathroom is regarded as the most perilous space for older people. Due to wet floors, slippery surfaces, and the potential for falling, the need for safety features greatly increases. . Grab bars are one of the simplest methods to make the bathroom accessible for seniors. These Grab Bar Installation costs but they are priceless pieces of equipment can provide additional support, prevent accidents from occurring, and allow the elderly to achieve independence while living out their day-to-day lives.
Choosing the Right Grab Bars
Not all grab bars are made alike. When deciding to install grab bars for safer bathroom use among seniors, various variables should be considered in the efforts to achieve optimum use and functioning in the environment.
- Material and Strength
Grab bars are made of all sorts of materials, ranging from stainless steel, and aluminum, to plastic. The strongest and most resistant to corrosion among the three is the stainless steel, and the best to use in bathroom fixtures where water and moisture are so much in the picture.
- Length and Position
Grab bars are quite flexible in their sizing; they usually run between 12 and 36 inches long. Grab bars could vary in height and length depending on the desired positions for installation. A long grab bar may be fitted either by a bathtub or shower while a short grab bar may be fitted next to the toilet.
- Weight Capacity
Ensure to select grab bars that are designed to hold the weight of the user who is going to use them. Buy bars with a minimum weight capacity of 250 pounds because that is the smallest weight capacity that most of the products have.
Safe Installation of Grab Bars
Installation is required to maintain the grab bars in good condition.Improper installation of bathroom grab bars for seniors can increase the risk of falls, as they may not be stable or capable of supporting the user’s weight. This is how bathroom grab bars are installed:
- Location
Plan the installation of the grab bars carefully. To bathe or shower, the grab bars need to be the user’s arm’s length distance from the spot where the user will put himself so he doesn’t need to stretch to grab hold of the bar. Install the grab bars in such a manner that they can withstand the most.
- Studs and Anchors
Install the grab bars on the studs of the wall since the drywall will not hold them.Use a stud finder to locate and mark the wall studs. If the studs cannot be placed optimally, heavy-duty wall anchors must be installed. The anchors are used in a bid to place the grab bar in a position where it can locate the support that it requires so as not to pull away from the wall.
- Height and Angle
The grab bar must be a minimum of 33 to 36 inches from the floor but adjustable as per the height and need of the user.Shower or bathtub grab bars should be securely installed horizontally, while toilet grab bars can be installed vertically or at a slight angle for easy access
Conclusion: The Importance of Senior Safety
Looking for shower safety bar installation? At, Texas Senior Safety, We provide disability equipment installation services throughout Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin. For more information or to schedule a consultation with Ken Elkins, contact us today!
