How to Choose the right Grab Bar

Shower or bath grab bars are medical devices specifically designed to allow a person with limited mobility to bathe safely with confidence. More than 79 percent of Americans 65 or older suffer from dangerous bathroom injuries, from slips and falls on wet slippery surfaces. Many factors can effect this growing problem. Some variables that can cause these dangerous falls are blurred vision, medications, limited mobility, chronic pain and difficultly with daily activities that many of us take for granted.

Suction grab bars: Usually consist of two suction cups that securely fasten to any flat shower wall. Suction grab bars  that are easy to install, maintain, and are completely portable. If you are not happy with the position of the suction grab bar, simply flip to tabs and you can quickly reposition the bar to your desired location. Suction cup grab bars are considered pretty secure when in place, but a wall mounted grab bar that is screwed into the wall is recommended.

Bathtub Grab Bars: This type of safety handle are horizontal and clamp-on to the side of a tub and provide extra assistance when entering and exiting the bathtub. Most tub safety bars can be simply adjusted with the turn on a wheel. This bathtub grab bar are easy to maintain and are not permanently attached to you tub. This style bar is ideal for elderly seniors, handicapped individuals with disabilities or post-surgery patients who have trouble getting in and out of the bathtub.

Grab Bar installation:  Before choosing the correct grab bar for you, take a moment and reading the description of the type of grab bar you are interested in. Some my require a few household tools for installation like a screwdriver, level and a drill, depending on the type of surface you would like to mount the grab bar on.

Height:  When choosing the desired safety grab bar. Pick the best type that will suit your needs. The higher the grab bar is on the shower wall, the harder it is to reach and maneuver yourself.  If the grab bar is to low, you also may have a hard time reaching the bar when standing. The best option is to choose to the spot (depending on your height) in the middle of the wall where you can reach it from multiple angles.

Stability: For the best stability and safety we would recommend you choose a grab bar that mounts with screws to the wall for best results. Other grab bars like the suction cup grab bars offer moderate stability, but do have the chance of sliding down or unfastening. Ultimately the decision is yours.

Weight: Almost every grab bar manufacture under United Sated regulations are rated to support a standard weight capacity of at least 250 pounds. The specific weight of the user will determine the best grab bar option; the heavier the user is, the higher the weight capacity will need to be for your chosen device.  Bariatric bathroom weight supports are also available that can support up to 500 pounds.