25 January 2024
Written by Hannah Ownsworth,
Clinically reviewed by Sharon Coyle
If you or someone you love/care for has mobility challenges then it is crucial to create an accessible and safe bathroom environment. Here at Complete Care Shop, we specialise in providing solutions that make everyday life safer and more manageable, including a range of bathroom safety equipment.
One of the most effective ways that you can enhance bathroom safety is through the installation of grab bars. This helps to improve accessibility as well as confidence when navigating a bathroom at an older age or when suffering from mobility issues.
In this article, we will guide you through the process, from providing tips for selecting the right grab bars for different locations to where to install grab bars in the bathroom for maximum safety and convenience. Keep reading to find out more from our experts here at Complete Care Shop.
Looking to improve the safety of your bathroom? The first step we would recommend is to conduct a thorough assessment. This is a process that involves examining the current setup in the bathroom and identifying any potential hazards or areas of additional support that are required.
While some needs may be more obvious, you must consider the specific needs and mobility limitations of the user, whether that’s yourself or a loved one. Remember that each person’s requirements will differ significantly depending on age, physical condition and symptoms of disabilities or chronic health issues. Once you’ve considered the needs of the individual you’ll have a better idea of where to install grab bars in the bathroom.
It’s important to know the specific needs of the person who’ll be using it so that you can select the right type of grab bar. Grab bars come in various types and each has its benefits and drawbacks.
Let’s take a look at the grab bars available at Complete Care Shop and the pros and cons of each.
If you’re looking for a non-permanent solution, suction grab rails are the perfect quick fix to make your bathroom more accessible. It is easy to install and remove, making it perfect for temporary needs or renters. It doesn’t require any drilling or permanent fittings and can be moved and repositioned with ease. Even though it is easy to install, it has a very powerful suction cup at each end of the handgrip to provide a safe and comfortable grab rail.
The downside is that suction grab rails are not as reliable as permanently wall-mounted bars and if they aren’t attached correctly to a smooth surface such as a tiled wall then they could dislodge.
Wall-mounted grab rails are the most commonly used type of rails as they offer a permanent solution and are well-known for their sturdiness. This stainless steel grab rail is highly practical and offers a modern and polished look with covers supplied to conceal the unsightly screw fixes that go into the wall.
A negative of wall-mounted grab rails is that if you’re renting you may need permission from your landlord before installing them. Additionally, as their installation requires drilling into the wall this may not be feasible for all bathrooms.
Once you’ve assessed the individual needs of the user and the most suitable types of grab rail for your environment, you need to decide where to install bathroom grab bars. Here are some of the most common places they’re installed.
We’d recommend installing grab bars near the toilet and any toilet aids to help with standing up and sitting down. A combination of vertical and horizontal bars is a great way to provide support from different angles and to support the user’s weight in different places. Additionally, to help those with mobility issues, a grab bar on the side of the toilet can be particularly helpful.
It’s fair to say that bathtubs and showers are high-risk areas for falls and slips. So installing bathroom grab rails in these areas is crucial. You should consider putting vertical bars near the shower entrance to ensure safe exit and entry as well as horizontal bars inside the bath or shower to offer support while bathing. Depending on individual needs a diagonal bar could also offer more stability.
Another place to install bath aids in the bathroom is near the sink. This is especially beneficial for those who struggle to stand for extended periods, such as when washing hands or teeth brushing.
Grab bars aren’t just about making it easier to move around the bathroom. They’re also a great way to help enter or exit the bathroom safely, especially if there are any steps involved.
A huge part of an effective grab bar is ensuring that it is properly installed. So here are some of our expert installation tips:
Once your grab bars are all correctly installed you must regularly maintain them to make sure they remain safe and effective in the long term. You should regularly check the bars to ensure they are secure and haven’t loosened over time. Similarly, keep on top of cleaning and repairing grab bars. You should clean often to prevent any buildup of mould and mildew which could start to compromise grip. If there are any signs of wear or damage, the grab rail should be replaced immediately.
Enhancing bathroom safety is a crucial part of fostering independence and reducing the risks of accidents at home. Explore the wide range of grab bars available at Complete Care Shop to find the perfect fit for your needs. For assistance or product recommendations, don't hesitate to contact us.
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