They are plain handlebars. Who would think that these pieces of metal and plastic handles are worth the use in the bathroom and other slippery areas in your home? Nevertheless, some people ignore the importance of placing grab bars as to where they are needed. Besides, your bathroom has the worst impression when it comes to safety.
Blame the room, not the bars
When it comes to falls and slips, the bathroom is always the culprit, as it is the area in the home with the most occurrences of accidents which are sometimes fatal. These mishaps happen when a bathroom does not have any grab bar installed on the walls. Bathroom floors are paved with tiles so they are basically slippery, especially that it is always “wet” in there. With the presence of grab bars, even in non-slip surfaces, bathroom use makes a big difference.
Why are grab bars an essential safety tool in the home?
Bathroom floors that are made of tiles are hard surfaces and not desirable targets of falls and slips. The presence of grab bars can prevent these untoward incidents to happen. If you have elderly people and members of the family that are physically challenged, it is all the more crucial to install grab bars in accident-prone places, such as the bathroom. Sometimes, even if the flooring type you choose is those that are non-slip, grab bars may still be of use to these people with mobility issues when using the tub, the toilet, or taking a shower either standing or sitting. Sturdy grab bars adequately installed will help them enter or exit the bathroom with convenience.
Even with small children at home, grab bars are of great use when combined with non-slip flooring and sufficient room lighting, thereby preventing injuries and accidents at all times.
Placement
Some homeowners are complacent with their current setup, believing that bathroom grab bars are less significant tools. In fact, they could only care for their proper positioning if ever there is one installed. An excellent old grab bar, no matter how simple it may look, will provide great comfort when placed on the right spot.
A grab bar’s primary use is to hold for balance when entering, exiting, standing, sitting, and while washing in the shower. They are designed to carry a maximum weight of 500 pounds. Grab bars can be vertical or horizontal, depending on the room specification and dimension. The problems with some grab bars are not the bars themselves but the way they are anchored.
Preferred features of grab bars
- Choose a grab bar with an average diameter for a secure grip (1.5 inches)
- Pick a grab bar that is non-slip
- Choose thick studs that can tightly anchor a wall or a plywood sheet
- It could at least support a 300-pound weight
- A waist-level position is ideal for all ages
One final thought
Since grab bars are placed for safety and convenience of anyone in the family, never deceive oneself that any pole connected to the wall is a grab bar. The thing you see could be a towel bar, soap handle, or toilet paper holder. Make sure that your grab bars in the bathroom are appropriately secured. Being discreet will protect you from harm. For further information on safety and how to purchase the right grab bars, DELTA Accessibility will always be here to provide you with what you need.
