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Selecting Grab Bars for Bathroom Safety
Fall Prevention TipsSafety & Fall Prevention

Selecting Grab Bars for Bathroom Safety

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Instructional video on selecting a grab bar for your bathroom safety. Grab bars are particularly important in preventing dangerous bathroom falls. For Seniors, 85% of falls in the home occur in the bathroom and may have been prevented if the proper support was available. Add grab bars to your shower and tub BEFORE you think you need them. Selecting Grab Bars for Bathroom Safety
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QPkdTV3HZ0

Know Before You Shop for Grab Bars

  • Tile might seem fragile, but it’ll seem like an impenetrable barrier to standard twist drill bits, which will crack your tile. Instead, use a 1/4-in glass / tile drill bit for mounting bars over studs or a 1/2-in glass/tile drill bit for installations using special wall anchors. (Odds are you’ll need both.)
  • Avoid mounting grab bars on acrylic tub and shower surrounds that stand out from the drywall underneath. These walls bend and flex.
  • If someone in the family lacks grip strength, choose smaller-diameter bars. Then decide whether the bar finish can be a glossy piece of bathroom bling or if it needs to be textured for better grip by wet hands.
  • Some grab bars are specifically made to mount vertically, horizontally, or in either position. (There’s no “right” mounting, so choose what works for you.) Check the package to be sure the model you want works in the position you want.

Where to Install Grab Bars

Grab Bar Mounting Location Diagram

Try climbing in and out of your tub or shower—minus the water—to get an idea where grab bars should be placed, and mount them where they work best for everyone using that bathroom. Always mount grab bars into a stud that sits behind the wall. Or, if the stud can’t be located, use an anchoring device. Be sure there is adequate room within the hollow area behind the wall so an anchoring device will work. Grab bars can be placed vertically, horizontally or diagonally depending on your needs.
At the entry to the shower or tub.

  • To help facilitate entry and exit, install a grab bar vertically in front of the shower or tub. A smaller grab bar (12-in, 16-in, or 18-in) works well for this purpose, although longer ones can accommodate users of various heights. Having a grab bar here helps prevent the tendency to reach for towel bars, sliding glass doors or other unstable fixtures.
  • Vertical grab bars are also good for both shorter and taller people to grip at a comfortable height.

In the shower or tub.

  • Horizontal grab bars mounted inside the tub or shower provide added stability, whereas diagonal grab bars provide added stability when lowering to sit on a shower seat.
  • Generally a 16-in grab bar or a grab bar that is a multiple of 16 (16-in, 32-in, or 48-in) works best. In most cases studs are located 16 inches apart on center. Always attach grab bars to studs or use secure mounting anchors the manufacturer recommends.

Near the toilet.

  • Installing a grab bar near the toilet can provide great assistance in both sitting or standing. Used in conjunction with a chair height toilet or raised toilet seat and this can further improve comfort and ease of use.
  • Generally, a grab bar is installed either horizontally or diagonally near the toilet.
  • A diagonal grab bar is more in tune with the natural movement of the hand and wrist and puts less strain on the wrist. They also offer the ability to grip at varied heights, making them comfortable for both shorter and taller people.
  • When installed diagonally, a grab bar may not reach between studs. If this is the case, it can be mounted with secure mounting anchors used at one or both ends of the grab bar.

For a full line of bathroom safety items from Senior.com click here.

Selecting Grab Bars for Bathroom Safety

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7 Simple Steps to Senior Bathroom Safety
Fall Prevention TipsSafety & Fall Prevention

Seven Simple Steps to Senior Bathroom Safety

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

One in three seniors over the age of 65 will experience at least one fall annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The bathroom is one of the most dangerous rooms in the home for the elderly. Slick floors, small spaces, sharp edges and few things to grasp make mobility difficult and increase chances for dangerous falls. Seven Simple Steps to Senior Bathroom Safety
Unable to complete everyday tasks with the same mobility they once had, many senior homeowners are left with unsafe measures to prevent falling in the bathroom. These may include insufficiently secured towel racks that could fall when gripped for support, shower chairs that are not slip resistant and sliding shower doors that could move unexpectedly when entering and exiting the tub. Seven Simple Steps to Senior Bathroom Safety
“We want seniors to live safely and comfortably in every part of their homes. It’s important that senior homeowners are aware of the challenges independent living can present and take the appropriate precautions,” says Larry Rothman, Roto-Rooter’s director of plumbing services. Seven Simple Steps to Senior Bathroom Safety
Roto-Rooter, America’s largest provider of plumbing and drain-cleaning services is offering tips on what to install in the bathroom to keep it safe for loved ones so they can maintain an independent lifestyle with easier mobility.

  • Equip showers and surrounding walls with sturdy grab bars anchored to wall studs so they can support the full weight of an adult. Some portable safety handles use super strong suction cups and are easy to apply and remove.
  • Consider installing nonskid tape or mats on the floor of a shower or bathtub.
  • A shower chair is also a safe solution that can be easily placed where balance is a challenge.
  • Flexible handheld shower wands with an on/off button might be easier to use than a traditional shower head. These are especially useful in combination with shower chairs.
  • Toilets can be replaced with ADA-approved raised-height models to lessen the chance of a harsh fall. Alternatively, raised-height seats can be installed on existing toilets.
  • Check temperature settings on water heaters, as water hotter than 120 F can scald skin. Special no-scald faucets or a no-scald regulator can be installed as a secondary layer of protection.
  • Some faucet handles are difficult for arthritic hands to grip and turn. These should be replaced with models that are easier for seniors to use.

A study by the Home Safety Council found that falls are the leading cause of home injury-related deaths among older adults. Making simple home installations can make day-to-day living for seniors easier, reduce their risk of falling and give peace of mind to those close to them. Most of the devices Roto-Rooter suggests can be installed by most anyone and are recommended for overall safety and optimal mobility for seniors.

7 Simple Steps to Senior Bathroom Safety

Provided by: ARA
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Home Improvements

Clear the Bathroom Clutter

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Due to their small size and heavy usage, bathrooms can become a messy, cluttered area for many families. They are also are important spaces to keep clear for safety reasons. For seniors, most falls occur that occur in a home, happen in a bathroom. Clear the Bathroom Clutter Fo
For those with smaller bathrooms, storage solutions can be even harder to find. Here are some organization tips to make your bathroom a clean and functional space for every member of the family: Clear the Bathroom Clutter

  • Assess the mess: Go through all the cabinets and drawers to clear out unused makeup, health care products and medications. Make sure the items you keep are only those used on a regular basis. Items used sparingly should be placed in an alternate location.
  • Go vertical: Medicine cabinets can quickly get stuffed when combs, toothpaste and other toiletries are stored horizontally. Use organizer cups with suction adhesives to contain items vertically and save on space.
  • Hang up in style: Old coat racks and ladders make perfect solutions for larger families to hang multiple towels. Snag an old one from a thrift store and paint it a bright hue, like red or turquoise, for a stylish bathroom accent piece.
  • Avoid spills and squirts: Hair products, such as gels, mousses or hairsprays, can create sticky, tough-to-clean messes if thrown into a drawer or cabinet. Avoid such mishaps by placing these types of items in a plastic tub instead of directly in the drawer.
  • Divide and conquer: Bathroom drawers can become unruly if not organized. To keep items separate and tidy, insert a divider, such as those used for kitchen utensils. These often come in fun materials, such as bamboo or stainless steel, to add a fresh look.
  • Assign cabinets: Try to use a large enough cabinet so each member of the family has a drawer. This will limit the amount of items high maintenance members can bring into the small area. Plus, it makes it easier for everyone to find their stuff.

With these easy tips, you’ll be able to transform your bathroom into a clean, organized environment, regardless of its size.

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