Bathroom Grab Bars - An Important Home Modification At Any Age

Bathroom Grab Bars - Not Just For Seniors
One does not have to be a senior or disabled to benefit from the addition of bathroom grab bars to your home. A devastating fall in the shower, and the sequence of events which often follow can affect people of all ages. The addition of bathroom grab bars to your shower or tub enclosure can make a world of difference in terms of security and independence. An unexpected fall can happen when it is least expected, especially in an environment such as the bathroom, where a wet tiled floor surface is typical. Every precaution that one can take to prevent a sudden slip or fall is of the utmost importance .

Bathroom Grab Bars Should Be Installed Strategically
Bathroom grab bars are most commonly located in the shower and next to the toilet or commode for both safety and assistance. It is becoming increasingly common to find grab bars (sometimes in very decorative or multifunctional styles) used in place of towel bars positioned in strategic locations throughout the washroom. In the past I have often removed existing towel bars and replaced them with decorative bathroom grab bars in finishes which would coordinate with the existing bathroom accessories. This would providing a non-obtrusive look but at the same time greatly increase the level of security within the bathroom. A conventional towel bar which is typically weak and inadequately anchored is in my opinion an invitation to disaster. It is the most likely place for one to grab for support or assistance when it is suddenly required, and it is also very likely to fail with the application of only a minimal level of force applied.

I have frequently installed bathroom grab bars just outside the shower or tub threshold to assist with entrance into or exit out of the bathing area. There are many different types of bathroom, bath and shower configurations. Each configuration should be carefully assessed to determine the most suitable locations for bathroom grab bars with consideration made to factors such as anchoring possibilities, wall space available, functionality of the bathroom grab bar in terms of their purpose and most likely mode of usage.

I personally advocate installing as many bathroom grab rails as necessary to make the bathroom safe, especially when the washroom floor is tiled and likely to get wet and even more so when the situation is such that factors such as limited balance, strength and visual acuity come into play. It is all too common for one to try and get by with as little as possible only to soon realize that too little can soon equate to too late when it comes to the elements of bathroom safety and fall prevention. My philospophy has always been that if you are going to do it, do it right.

Howard Cohen PT

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.

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”.

Mr. Grab Bar

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.

Mr. Grab Bar

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

MOEN GRAB BARS ARE BOTH SAFE & STYLISH

Grab Bars that are pleasant in appearance make it much easier for many to accept. A large percentage of those who could truly benefit from the addition of bathroom grab bars are very hesitant due to the pre-conceived notion that these "handicap bars" are institutional looking and will detract from the overall appearance of the home. Moen - Creative Specialties International has developed an extensive line of bath safety products, most notably grab bars, which they offer in a wide range of attractive finishes. These decorative grab bars coordinate beautifully with Moen' range of bath accessories and faucet collections. The entire collection of Moen Grab Bars can be seen in a very organized fashion by visiting the Mr. Grab Bar website at http://www.mrgrabbar.com/.
Some of the most interesting finishes that are available are Oil Rubbed Bronze, Old World Bronze, Brushed Nickel, Chrome and Polished Brass. It may take some time before we see a general acceptance of these essential home safety devices. Bathroom grab bars are an essential, empowering but often overlooked device that can make a world of difference to most seniors. The fact that Moen's collection of grab bars is so attractive may help to overcome the resistance that many still have with respect to the addition of these devices to their home.

The second major objection to the addition of grab bars to various locations within the home is the mind set of many Americans that these important devices are only for the use of those with tremendous physical limitations of both mobility and strength and serve no purpose for an active senior. This can not be further from the truth. It is all too often that a very active senior or healthy individual of any age for that matter suffers a devastating fall which could have easily been prevented by the simple addition of grab bars. Many wait until they need grab bars before deciding to have them installed. Unfortunately these individuals have waited too long and only after an unexpected fall do they realize the mistake they have made. What often goes unrecognized is in situatuations where a caregiver must assist in the bathing of an individual with some degree of disability, the caregiver will also be at the risk of falling without the presence of grab bars in sensible. This wonderful, non-institutional collection of Grab Bars offered by Moen, now makes it easier for all of us to not allow our pride to preceed a fall.

- Mr. Grab Bar