Grab bars are a simple solution to preventing falls and increase mobility but know that the type and location make all the difference when installing these aids. Talk to mobility vendors and retailers to learn more about the top spots to install grab bars, as well as the types and styles of grab bars that make the most sense for you and your home environment.
A grab bar is an inexpensive way to make the home a safer, more accessible place. The most common areas for these aids tend to be bathrooms, as well as other often wet or slippery spaces, such as kitchens and exteriors. When visiting your Southern California mobility dealer, discuss where you want to install the grab bars to determine the best type of grab bar for the situation and environment. This is a case where one size does not fit all.
Wall and Floor Bars
Wall and floor grab bars are the kinds that can go where you go; they are portable and can be secured to the floor or along a wall in a snap. Usually, you will find wall grab bars installed in the bathroom, near the toilet. This offers needed support getting up and down from the toilet, which is a common scenario that can cause nasty falls. Furthermore, the location of these bars reduces wrist strain that can occur when a senior uses a typical low-standing toilet without such support.
The Superpole
For support wherever it is needed, a Superpole may be the answer. A Superpole can be installed just about anywhere in a home where support may be needed. It extends from the floor to the ceiling, offering vertical support for individuals that need assistance getting up and down from beds, toilets, or tubs. These grab bars are inventive and contemporary with comfortable grips that help assure your hands won’t slide. These are easy to install but know that reputable mobility vendors offer installation for these devices- and all the products that they sell. There is a weight limit for safe use of the Superpole, and typically it is 300 pounds, though there may be heavy-weight options available that can support up to 400 pounds. Talk to your mobility dealer to find out more.
Straight Wall Mount Grab Bars
A common grab bar solution is usually found with straight wall mount bars. These are the grab bars that you often see utilized in public places, like restrooms. One of the advantages to this type of grab bar is that they are easy to install and mount, while also found in a wide range of sizes including 18”- 36” most frequently. You could choose complementary colored grab bars to be cohesive with your décor, though the most common styles have stainless steel surfaces.
In residential settings, a straight wall mount grab bar is ideal to be positioned near the toilet, as well as inside the shower stall or tub area. Some homes find these bars useful near steps or risers, where a railing may not be present. You have a lot of installation options with these grab bars, as they can be installed horizontally, vertically, and diagonally. Depending on where you put them and what you need, the position of the grab bar will vary. Rely on your mobility vendor to guide you in terms of which ones make the most sense and which direction they should be installed for optimal safety.
Soap Dish Grab Bar Combo
Why not let your grab bar multi-task as a soap dish? The Soap Dish Grab Bar brings two distinct purposes to the home: a useful bar to lend support during bathing or showering and to hold your soap and shampoo! Any device or grab bar that makes this typically slick and dangerous area a bit safer is well worth pursuing. These are usually crafted from stainless steel to be mounted along the wall of your shower.
Grab Bar with Shelves
Again, if you want your grab bar to do a little bit more, consider investing in the Grab Bar with Shelf type. This bar allows you a place to store the items that you use in the shower nearby, which makes bathing inherently safer. These are installed differently, however, usually in the left or right corners near the showerhead or faucet.
Sometimes the simplest solutions are right under your nose: make common-sense strategies to decrease fall risk around the home. For instance, make sure that you use a non-slip mat near the tub and shower, as well as some sort of tread or mat inside the bath as well. These are found widely to accommodate various size fixtures.
Ready to make your home a safer, more secure place to be? Talk to the mobility professionals at Pacific Mobility today; they can point you in the right direction for the best grab bars to suit your needs. Since the location you plan to install the grab bar is critical, they will also tease-out the best type of bar for these installations. This can save you a lot of inconvenience as you adjust to utilizing your grab bars- while also preventing potential falls and injuries. Call our mobility experts today!
President, Husband, Father, Grandfather Graduate of UC Davis- Bio Sci Major- Go Aggies! Jeff has extensive experience in all of Pacific Mobility’s products and services, and specializes in accessibility products as well as stairlifts, ceiling lifts and custom wheel chairs. His hobbies include spending time with family, gardening, mountain biking, exercising and off road motorcycle riding.
24 years as Owner/President of Pacific Mobility Center – selling, installing, and servicing stairlifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts, pool lifts, handicap ramping, specialty wheelchairs, scooters, power wheel chairs, and other power mobility devices
Certified Environmental Access Consultant since 2008
Licensed General Contractor since 1998
Certified Aging in Place Specialist since 2016
Board Member for Home Access Professionals
Member of Association of Members of the Accessibility Equipment Industry (AEMA)