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.
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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.

BATHROOM GRAB BARS - Part II - Where to install grab bars for safety & assistance at the shower or tub

I typically try to install at least two grab bars in a shower or tub situation (non-handicap accessible) . I try to set one bathroom grab bar as an entry or exit assist and mount this vertically close to the entry point of the shower or bath. the advantage of mounting this entry grab bar vertically is that it covers a range of height which accomodates varied users and it also accomodates for a discrepancy in height between the shower floor and the bathroom floor when one exists. In my opinion, the vertical grab bar can be used very effectively when both exiting or entering the enclosure as opposed to a horizontal or diagonally placed bar which does not provide an effective functional grasp for this particular activity. I mount a second bathroom grab bar either horizontally or diagonally on the far wall of the shower usually opposite the entry point of the shower. In larger shower enclosures, I sometimes mount additional horizontal grab bars on the various walls of the shower as neccessary. My approach at least when dealing with individuals who display limitated mobility, strength, balance or other deficit, is to try and confine their bathing area so that they are not wandering about in the shower. This is extremely important since it greatly reduces their risk of falling in the shower. In terms of type of Grab Bar that I select - I prefer to use non slip shower or bathroom grab bars such as the Curl Grip Grab Bar, Peened Grab Bar or Eurogrip Grab Bar. These particular bathroom grab bars offer an enhanced grip when the grab bar surface is soapy or wet or when it is neccessary to place the grab bar at an angle due to to stud or location or desired function.

The other location that I often locate a bathroom grab bar is next to the toilet or commode to assist with elevation or descent from or to the seated position. I discussed this in detail in one of my earlier posts.

I observe existing towel bars within the bathroom area for certain tell-tale signs that indicate they are inadvertently being used for support. It is very common to see that the towel bars have worked their way loose from incorrect usage or due to poor installation. Towel bars unfortunately provide a very inviting handhold to those with diminished strength or balance and can actually be an invitation to disaster. In some cases I will replace thesese towel bars with a properly installed bathroom grab bars to provide a few more elements of enhanced safety within the bathroom environment. Every degree or element of bath safety will add up to a much safer environment for those at risk for falls.

BATHROOM GRAB BARS – Part I : BATHROOM FALLS

Grab Bars can potentially be placed in many critical locations throughout the home, but many individuals are resistant to the concept of installing grab bars throughout their home, especially in areas other than the bathroom. When grab bars are considered, it is frequently bathroom safety that is addressed – after all the bathroom is considered one of the most dangerous places in the home in terms of fall risk. Bathroom falls can occur within the shower or tub enclosure while bathing, at the entry point to the shower or bath while entering or exiting, and next to the toilet while rising or descending. Bathroom falls can sometime occur next to the vanity or in the central portion of the bathroom, especially if that portion of the floor is tiled, and slippery when wet.
In my experience I find that there is obviously a population of seniors that are at risk for bathroom falls due to limited mobility, weakness, fatigue, diminished balance, poor vision and a host of other debilitating factors. This population group is often very aware of the importance of properly placed Bathroom Grab Bars and is often but not always very cautious and deliberate in their movements, primarily out of fear of falling. I also believe there exists another sub group within the senior population that is not mentioned in most discussions. This population consists of active, healthy seniors who are so confident in there physical abilities that they scoff at the notion of bathroom grab bars. These “invincible” seniors as I refer to them, frequently do not take any caution whilst in the shower, or while stepping in or out of the tub area, and are at risk for suffering an unexpected, devastating fall which can quickly transform their lives.
The “unexpected fall” should be a big concern to our aging population and it is one of the key focal points of Mr. Grab Bar, a unique business concept created by a Physical Therapist in 1998. Bathroom Grab Bars in a large array of finishes, styles and sizes can be observed in a well organized fashion at the Mr. Grab Bar website, and your questions regarding grab bar installation or grab bar placement can be addressed and discussed on Mr. Grab Bar’s “Grab Bar Blog”.

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GRAB BARS & STROKE

Grab Bars can provide a tremendous degree of assist and a sense of security for those who have suffered a stroke. It is important to carefully assess the limitations of the individual so grab bars can be placed in suitable locations. It is common with stroke for one to demonstrate reduced mobility, strength and awareness on one side of the body though this not always the case. Visual deficits, balance difficulties, personality changes are just some of the many manifestations of stroke and these all may play some role in deciding where grab bars should be placed to provide the optimum benefit. The goals of providing safety, assistance and a sense of security should be kept in mind when conceiving a suitable arrangement for grab bar placement in this scenario. Grab Rails that are located in sensible locations can make a world of difference for an individual who has had a stroke and can help to reduce the limiting effects of fear and insecurity which may initially accompany basic activities such as standing and walking. A securely installed grab bar offers the stability that many patients seek and will help to speed the recovery process. Grab Bars in various sizes and finishes are available on our website or by visiting the Mr. Grab Bar showroom in Naples, Florida.

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GRAB BAR PLACEMENT - Assistance at the commode

Grab Bar placement for minor assistance and safety at the commode in my opinion is different than grab bar placement for handicap assist. In a handicap accessible bathroom grab bars are usually placed at 33-36 inches off the floor behind and at the side of the commode. In a residential situation where the individual has some difficulty sitting down or rising from the commode, the handicap grab bar arrangement does not always work.
I believe that it is important to control one's center of gravity on the way down or up and a tall individual cannot always reach down to 33-36" and control his descent. In addition most home owners do not often desire a 42" grab bar next to the toilet, or due to space constraints this type of grab bar placement cannot be put into effect. I often demonstrate to our customers various grab bar configurations alloted by the particular layout of their bathroom and the anchoring possibilities available for their particular situation. Sometimes a diagonally or vertically placed grab bar provides the ideal solution for their particular situation.
It is important to note that with regards to the extremity that is grasping the grab bar, the elbow should initially be in a relatively extended position when initiating one's movement upward, and in a relatively flexed position when initiating their descent from a standing position to a sitting position. This allows the flexors of the elbow to work as efficiently as possible in both a concentric fashion (elevation) and eccentrically (descent) respectively for sitting to standing or standing to sitting. Essentially this means that the placement of a grab bar should be such that the individual can sufficently extend his arm to grasp the grab bar and use the grab bar to its full mechanical advantage. For instance if a grab bar is placed diagonally in close proximity to the commode and not far enough forward, the individual may have difficulty getting the bar to provide the assistance neccessary for elevation or descent. Every situation poses its own concerns and obstacles but an effective solution for must individuals can usually be obtained with common sense and experience.

For more opinions or questions related to grab bar placement, grab bar selection or anchoring methods, please do not hesitate to post your comments to this blog or email us at customerservice@mrgrabbar.com. We encourage you to also visit our website at http://www.mrgrabbar.com/.

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BRUSHED NICKEL GRAB BARS – The Moen Kingsley Grab Bar in brushed nickel is one of my personal favorites

`One of my favorite grab bars to install is the Kingsley Grab Bar in Brushed Nickel by Moen – Creative Specialties International. It just looks so impressive when it is mounted on the wall. It of course cannot coordinate with the décor in every situation but when it does, it oozes style. I personally find that the Kingsley Brushed Nickel Grab Bar works best when the existing faucets and bath accessories are in a brushed nickel finish as well. Most of the bathrooms I work with use standard chrome finishes on the fixtures so I am quite excited when I come across a customer with brushed nickel décor since I know the Kingsley Grab Bar in Brushed Nickel will present the ideal solution for providing bath safety with distinctive style. The Moen Kingsley Brushed Nickel Grab Bar is available in 12” YG5412BN, 18” YG5418BN, 24” YG5424BN, 30” YG5430BN and 36” YG5436BN.
Installation of the Kingsley Grab bar is simple with the added flexibility provide by Moen’s SecureMount flange. One suggestion I have with respect to installation is to use a thin rigid plastic or metallic shield to protect the tapered portion of the flange when tightening the fasteners. The fastener may shift slightly while it is tightened and scratch or gouge the flange. One more point to note is that the circular flange covers fit on loosely and could benefit from the application of caulking to improve their adherence to the flange.
The Kingsley Brushed Nickel Grab Bar is considerably heavier than most of the other brushed nickel grab bars that I work with and one should take added caution in handling the product since it may cause significant damage if it is accidentally dropped. The same rule would of course apply for the Kingsley Grab Bar in the Oil Rubbed Bronze or Chrome finishes as well since construction is basically the same.
My customers are always pleased to know that Moen Kingsley Grab Bars are ADA compliant, come with Moen’s Lifetime Limited Warranty and coordinate extremely well with Moen Kingsley faucets and bathroom accessories.

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