It is understandable that the reason for placing grab bars in the bathroom is for added assistance concerning mobility issues. As we know that most accidents happen in the bathroom, whether at home or anywhere else, sometimes the poor placement of grab bars causes accidents rather than serve their real purpose. Children and individuals with advanced age and those with limited mobility are often the victims of slips and falls in the bathroom since it is the area in the house with slippery surface. How can we avoid this? If bathroom grab bars are there for help, why do accidents still happen?
Grab bars are one of the necessities in the bathroom for safety and aesthetics. They can be installed anywhere in the bathroom, provided that the placement is strategic enough to maximize their full usability. Bathroom grab bars can be installed in the tub, shower, or near the toilet. But before you decide to put one in your bathroom, whether you think the present grab bars are not enough or if there is not even one installed there, remember these few things.
Bathroom grab bars have different lengths and styles
Bathroom grab bars vary in length; the size range from 9 to 40 inches. They come in different finishes and shapes. With modern houses, they prefer grab bars that both serve as utility devices and décor for bathroom walls.
Grab bars should be installed depending on their size and angle
The main purpose of grab bars is to prevent someone from slipping and to help the user move with ease inside the bathroom, whether standing up or sitting down. It is awkward to install a grab bar that is out of length. It is recommended that the placement of your grab bars should conform to every section of your bathroom.
In the shower or tub, you can install grab bars on the back wall and another from the base of the bathtub. If horizontally, grab bars should be useful to hold when getting in or off the tub. When vertically attached to the wall, the grab bar is useful when using controls and knobs while standing.
Grab bars should have sturdy attachment to the wall
When installing bathroom grab bars, consider the usability of the device to support a person up to a weight of 250 pounds. If the wall where the grab bar is attached to is not sturdy enough to carry the maximum weight, it is detrimental for any user’s safety. Bathroom grab bars installed in wall studs should not let loose easily. Ask your dealer for the best options.
Grab bars should comply with ADA standards
Although Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines do not compel residential homes on their standards regarding mobility devices, it is rather helpful to at least follow their recommendations. The ADA standards cover the installation requirement of bathroom grab bars in showers, toilets, or tubs.
For more useful information on bathroom grab bars, contact our team of experts at Delta Accessibility on mobility device installation. They are ready to answer all your queries anytime.
