Grab Bar Placement at Entrance to the Shower

Entering and exiting the shower or bath area can pose a formidable obstacle to some of my more debilitated customers. I occasionally will offer a more effective solution to situations which warrant an increased degree of stability at the entrance point to the shower - especially when the individual must step over an elevated threshold to access the shower. I sometimes suggest vertical grab rails placed both just inside and just outside the shower at the point of entry and/or exit if this is possible. This allows the individual to securely stabilize himself or herself with both upper extremities as opposed to using one hand to grasp the the grab bar and the other to hold onto what is often an unstable assitive device such as a walker on a slippery tiled floor. This additional grab bar not only greatly enhances stability but also allows the individual to reduce weight bearing on an affected limb if neccessary. Customers are sometimes resistant to this solution but it is nonetheless extremely effective and one which I strongly recommend for situations which require a higher degree of assistance at the shower.

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Decorative Bathroom Grab Bars - Smart Alternative to Towel Bars for Seniors

I often suggest to many of my customers the replacement of a loose towel bar in the bathroom with a properly installed decorative grab bar. It is common for one to grasp whatever is available when they are weak, unstable or have actually lost their balance. Towel bars are frequently grabbed for support but can actually be an invitation to disaster. Replacing a screw mounted towel bar with a bathroom grab bar is a simple procedure and what I consider a very important bath safety modification for seniors and those at risk for falls. A wide range of decorative bathroom grab bars and grab bar installation products can be viewed on our website.

Grab Bars Make a Wonderful Gift for Seniors

I am always delighted to hear from my previous customers how the grab bars I had installed for them several years earlier have made such a difference in their lives. I still find it suprising when I hear this from customers. Properly installed grab bars provide a tremendous sense of security for seniors and make showering much less stressful. It is difficult for many of us to truly comprehend some of the psychological benefits provided by the addition of grab rails to the shower.

Grab Bars make a wonderful gift for seniors. I believe there is no better way to show your loved ones how much you care. Many of the grab bars that we ship out from our warehouse at Mr. Grab Bar are actually gifts ordered by children or grandchilden for their aging parents. Many seniors are much more receptive to grab bars when provided in the form of a gift. Presentation of grab bars in the form of a gift provide an ideal way of dealing with a senior who is resistant to the notion of having grab bars installed - a gift on the other, especially from a grandchild, is hard to refuse.

The Long Term Benefits of Grab Bars following a Total Knee or Total Hip Replacement

The benefits of having grab bars installed, particularly in the bathroom following a total hip or total or replacement are obvious and are usually appreciated primarily in the short term following surgery. What many do not always realize is that although they can now attain a much higher to a level of activity and freedom of pain, there is some dimishment in the proprioceptive abilities of that joint (ability to sense its position in space). I believe that for this reason-greater activity and reduced proprioception -that grab bars can provide an important additional degree of safety in the shower for the long term.

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Using a Grab Bar in Conjunction With Elevated Toilet or Commode

A grab bar placed strategically next to an elevated toilet(ADA toilet) or 3 in 1 commode chair can serve an important function in terms of safety and assist for those demonstrating some degree of difficulty with sitting and standing. The elevated seat is wonderful in terms of assisting the individual with the initiation of movement but it does not provide the continued assist throught the entire range of movement from sit to stand, nor does it provide a high degree of security when one has to reach backwards to assist while sitting. A strategically placed Grab Bar can provide the additional assistance neccessary to provide safe function throughout the entire movement of sitting to standing and standing to sitting. I highly recommend the usage of a grab bar to many of my clients who demonstrate difficulty with a commode or raised toilet seat.

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Grab Bar Placement - Transitional Areas and Doorways

I often place a vertical grab bar in locations where one exits or enters an area - for example at the entrance to the shower or bath, at the entrance to a home or entrance to the garage. These particular areas are often frightening to many seniors and those with limitations of strength, perception or balance. I tend to use a longer grab bar when the transition itself poses a discrepancy in height so as to accomodate effective grasp from either a position of entrance or exit. I occasionally place a vertical grab bar on either side of the transition when the individual is much more limited on one side of his or her body and requires the ability to use the same extremity to grasp the grab bar when both entering or exiting.
I have also on occasion placed grab bars on the wall in close proximity to the bed and along hallways to facilitate transfers into and out of bed and to enhance stability when navigating to the bathroom in the middle of the night.
We encourage visitors to our blog to visit our website and grab bar shop to learn more about the wide varieties of grab bar styles and finishes that we offer.

GRAB BAR INSTALLATION - How to avoid cracking tile

Grab Bar installation can be a little frightening for some, even those with much experience in the building trades. One of the main concerns can be tile damage during the grab bar installation process. This can of course occur but can be avoided by paying close attention to the task at hand and thinking things through.

It is rarely the drilling process that will directly damage the tile, but actually the process of fastening the grab bars. Here are some common factors which immediately come to mind.

1. Overtightening - I am alway careful to adjust the torque on my drill-driver to be sure I do not overtighten. I frequently finish off each screw by hand to be certain of this.

2. Assessment of hole depth available - it is essential to be aware of the clearance available behind the hole that you have drilled to be sure there is ample room for your fastener. If your fastener cannot go any further and a tile anchor is in use, the anchor will create a backward force on the tile and possibly crack the tile. Whenever I attach grab bars to outside walls or walls consisting of tile, drywall (or backer board), furring then block - I drill into the block to make sure the screws have ample room available.

3. Assessment of tile condition - It is important to inspect the tile prior to installation for any signs of pre-existing damage, loose tiles etc. by looking, listening and feeling the surface you plan to work on.