As people age, their risk of falling increases. In fact, it’s one of the greatest in-home dangers that older adults face. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 36,000 adults aged 65 and older died from falls in 2020, and in that same year, more than 3 million senior citizens visited the emergency room due to an injury caused by a fall.
Thankfully, there are some simple steps you can take to help the older adults in your life avoid falls in the home. Installing bathroom grab bars for seniors is one of the best ways to ensure their safety in the most slippery room in the house.
Grab bars provide stability and balance while older adults bathe or shower and they provide a secure place to grab onto while navigating the bathroom.
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at bathroom grab bars for seniors, including different types of grab bars, installation tips, and maintenance advice.
What Is a Bathroom Grab Bar for Seniors?
Bathroom grab bars are solid tubes of stainless steel or heavy-duty plastic that are attached and secured to a wall. They provide a reliable and stable surface for seniors to hold onto while getting in and out of a tub or shower or moving around the bathroom. Grab bars are designed to help older adults maintain their balance, especially in places with slippery or uneven surfaces.
The primary benefit to installing bathroom grab bars for seniors is safety. By providing a sturdy way to keep their balance, grab bars create peace of mind to both the residents in the home as well as the people who love them.
Types of Bathroom Grab Bars for Seniors
There are many different types of bathroom grab bars available on the market today. The most popular materials used to make grab bars are stainless steel, plastic, and aluminum. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you should consider your needs and budget before making a decision.
You can choose from many different designs and sizes of bathroom grab bars, ranging from purely functional models to modern designs that match a home’s décor. You can find grab bars with smooth finishes or textured surfaces that provide better grip and stability.
You can find a wide variety of grab bars that will fit just about any budget. Keep in mind, however, that the least expensive type of grab bar — the suction cup variety — can be far less reliable than traditional grab bars attached securely to a wall. We do not recommend using suction cup grab bars, especially in the bathroom. There are also models that double as a towel rack. These are specialized grab bars. A typical towel rack is not designed to be used as a grab bar so make sure you are choosing the correct designs.
Installing Bathroom Grab Bars for Seniors
It’s important to install grab bars in the right locations in the bathroom. The most common places to install grab bars are near the shower, toilet, and bathtub — anywhere an older adult may need to steady themselves while moving through the bathroom.
Installing bathroom grab bars is not a particularly difficult task, but it does require some preparation and the right tools. You will need a level, stud finder, drill, screws, and washers to get started. It’s best to attach grab bars directly to wall studs — solid planks of wood inside the wall that make the frame of the house.
Even if you have experience with tools and handiwork around the house, we recommend hiring a professional contractor to install them for you. Bathroom grab bars must be as sturdy and stable as possible, so correct installation is essential.
Maintenance Tips for Bathroom Grab Bars for Seniors
Once your bathroom grab bar is installed, be sure to inspect it regularly for any signs of wear or damage. It’s also important to clean your grab bar with a damp cloth or mild detergent to remove any dirt or grime buildup.
If your grab bar becomes worn or damaged over time, please replace it as soon as possible. This will ensure that your older family members have access to a safe and secure grip in the bathroom at all times.
Learn More About Bathroom Grab Bars from Omicelo Health
Bathroom grab bars are an essential part of any senior-friendly home. They provide stability and balance while seniors bathe or shower and allow them to move around safely in their bathrooms. For more on bathroom safety click here.
If you have any questions about bathroom grab bars for seniors, or would like assistance with finding, choosing, or paying for them, contact the team at Omicelo Health. It’s our mission to help older adults age in place in their homes by helping them modify their homes with the right accessibility tools.
