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/.

Mr. Grab Bar