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