Grab Bar
The bathroom is the most common places for injuries to occur in the home. Part of this is because of the risk of slipping on wet surfaces such as when in the shower. Also, it can be very difficult for elderly people to make the difficult movements to get in or out of a bathtub or to sit on a toilet. For these reasons, a grab bar is an especially useful tool in the bathroom.Of course, grab bars aren’t just for the elderly. Anyone can risk slipping and falling while in the bathroom. That is why most bathrooms already have some form of slip prevention such as anti-slip shower mats. However, grab bars have yet to become a standard feature in all bathrooms.You can find an assortment of grab bar options at hardware stores. However, it is important to note that these grab bars generally are not designed to give maximum support. Elderly and disabled people may need to apply their entire weight on a grab bar in order to get out of the tub or lift themselves off of the toilet. Injuries that occur because a grab bar broke off the wall can be much more dangerous than a simple slipping.
What to Look for in grab Bars?
One of the first things you may want to look at is whether the grab bar meets ADA guidelines. The ADA has strict guidelines about how sturdy grab bars must be as well as the amount of weight they can hold and how they are installed. Because of this, ADA approved grab bars may require professional installation.For grab bars which clamp onto areas such as the tub, you will want to make sure that they are adjustable. Because everyone is a different height, adjustable grab bars insure that the user is getting the proper support at the level needed.
It is very important to look at the weight limit of a grab bar to make sure that it will be able to support the user. Additionally, analyze carefully how the grab bar will affect the user’s movement. Some grab bars are designed only to provide help with getting up whereas others are designed for a full range of movement. The handle of a grab bar is also very important. For grab bars which are located in the shower or bathtub, safety-grip features and ergonomic handles are essential to reduce the risk of slipping. Additionally, you may want to look for grab bars which are easy to clean, especially for grab bars which are located in bathing areas.
How Many grab Bars Do You Need?
It generally takes a series of movements in order to get in and out of the tub, stand up from the toilet, or take a shower. A grab bar should be provided for every stage of movement. For example, a clamp-on tub rail may have a handle bar at a lower level as well as a high level. This way, the same grab bar can be used to help the user into upright position, standing position, and while exiting the tub.
