Grab bars in 38” x 45” water closet. They prevented a disastrous fall when sheCharlene stepped onto the tile floor she did not know was wet! Right one was installed 35” from floor which suited Wheels height.afety First
What is the best grab bar and where should I put it?
This is by far the most common question that I am asked. And as any woman will testify, there really is no such thing as one size fits all. Including grab bars. I can tell you there are some to avoid at all costs. The grab bars that use suction cups to fasten the bar onto the wall will inevitably fail. And on some surfaces they won’t adhere at all. If, for whatever reason, that is the only type that can be used in your situation, they need to be checked and pulled on every time before you use them. Try to avoid them if at all possible, because of the high likelihood that they will fail.
Another thing to avoid is a cross hatch pattern engraved into the grab bar, these actually become very slippery when wet. My guess is that the engraved areas fill with water and just create a very smooth slippery surface. The very simple brushed stainless steel is all around best.
Be certain that ends of the grab bar are aligned with the wall studs when installing grab bar.
If you are a do-it yourselfer, you most likely know how to find a stud. If you do not, call your handy relative or the local handy person for help. Repeat: To ensure that the grab bar is anchored with as much stability as possible, putting the screws into a stud is absolutely essential. You would be amazed at how much force will actually end up going through that grab bar when it is being used to break a fall, or hold on to stand up.
If the person needing this grab bar has low vision, you should definitely consider making the grab bar a contrasting color to the wall. 99% of the time that grab bar will be easily found when it is not an emergency. But if someone is losing their balance, you need to have done everything you can to ensure that it is easy to find. Often as we age our eyes lose the ability to distinguish color, so putting a white bar on a tan wall is not enough of a color differentiation. It is best to contrast the two colors. So with a light background color on the wall, dark grab bars would be best.Placement
Grab bars by the toilet should be placed somewhere between the users elbow and shoulder while seated on the toilet. If you can use it as an armrest without your arm going to sleep, it’s probably in a good spot. If it is someone will be standing to urinate at that toilet, and this is only bar installed, it would be better placed closer to seated shoulder height so that it can be used while the person is standing.
Ideally L shaped grab bars can be installed toilet area that will have someone or multiple users standing and/or seated to use the toilet. As far as placement of the vertical aspect of that grab bar, it is best to get the person that will be using it into the bathroom in the position that they would be when using the toilet. Estimate the height of their elbow on the wall for the bend height, then move that vertical piece about 4 to 6 inches forward, or towards the tank of the toilet. For most people this will keep the horizontal line in approximately the right height area as well.
In tight spaces, look for toilet safety rails.
They are freestanding units that can be adjusted to fit the toilet. Height and width can be adjusted to fit the person so that the handrails are at the right height to make it easier to set down and to get up. To make sure they are sturdy and meet safety standards, look for HFA/HSA approved type. Aluminum for light weight placement and strong enough to hold up to 350 pounds.
There are several versions of armrest type grab bars available that will attach to the actual toilet. You can find some that are very extravagant and even have a magazine rack!. With these, it is always very important to make sure that the arms do not wobble, but every piece is as secure as possible, and that the seat either attaches firmly to the toilet or can sit right on top of the bowl of the toilet. If you need a riser, please note that there are very few brands of toilet risers with the armrest available that will actually be sturdy on the toilet bowl. The kind that you tighten up a bolt action compression type of securing device are very wobbly, and will worsen with use.
—–by Gina Bowden, COTA/L—–
This information is based on standard guidance and is intended to help you
think about the most effective way to modify your home for safety.
If you have questions about your specific situation, ask your doctor /medical care team.
see also: Bathroom Safety in Small Places
GRAB BARS and OTHER HELPS IN THE TUB OR SHOWER
Grab Bars and Other Helps in the Shower Part 2
Great article! These articles are sorely needed with an aging population. As a retired OTR/L, I was delighted to see your article! Although I spent the bulk of my career in psych OT, when they closed my clinic, I had to do physical disablity OT, not my fave! Fortunately at the VA where I worked, I could freely order grab bars, shower seats, transfer benches, hand held shower heads for my vets who needed theml I worked with a lot of vets before and after hip and knee replacement. I, too, always warned against the suction grab bars; back then they were good for 120#. Fine for holding onto if you got shampoo in your eye, but a broken hip waiting to happen if you were going down. Ditto for the toilet paper holder and towel bars! A fellow COTA/L used the tell the story of one of her vets who grabbed onto the built in grab bar in the side of his fiberglass tub. Don’t know how badly he got hurt when the entire side of the tub ripped out as he fell! In Maine, some churches, even food banks loan out durable equipment to those in need. I have even seen great stuff at our transfer station (the dump!).
Thanks for your comment! We have a soft spot in our hearts for VA personnel. Every single person that worked with Wheels was so helpful and kind, truly concerned for his welfare. I can’t sing their praises high enough!! Thank you for caring for those who served. We did find good places for the equipment he was provided. It is hard to come by for the average person – especially if you live in a less populated area. Funny you should mention the fiberglass tub — I’ve always wondered about that! We had a tub with a built in grab bar and when we took the tub out, I was surprised at how little material was behind that bar. Good warning!