Registered NDIS Provider
Bathrooms have become spaces full of hazards and for those who have restricted mobility, especially seniors, disabled individuals and also those who may be slightly unsteady on their feet, using the bathroom could be difficult and risky.
To avoid the risk of falls, there are now reasonably priced products available that can help mobility-impaired users to move around more safely. A grab bar is one of these handy assistive bathroom equipment!
Bathroom floors whether they are wooden, covered with vinyl, linoleum or tiled, all tend to become slippery when water is splashed on them causing our vulnerable loved ones to lose their footing and possibly injure themselves in the process.
What is a Grab Bar?
Grab bars are independent living aids that are typically mounted to most smooth bathroom surfaces. They can be found around showers, toilets, sinks, changing tables or any other facility that could present a challenge to people with limited mobility, strength or balance.
They offer the user a platform to hold themselves steady when getting in and out of the tub, showering, lowering themselves onto or standing up from the toilet.
Who benefits from a grab bar?
Almost everyone can benefit from the safety of a grab bar, especially in environments with hard surfaces and water present. For many people, grab bars make the crucial difference between being able to move around safely and independently and putting themselves at risk of a fall injury.
Grab bars can allow people with limited mobility to perform everyday tasks that might otherwise require assistance. This device is a handy tool for arthritis sufferers or Parkinson's patients when accessing toilet and bathroom facilities. They are also extremely useful for seniors that have some difficulty keeping their balance.
Family members, friends or professional carers who care for individuals can also benefit from grab bars. Carers use grab rails around changing tables and showers to help them maintain balance and leverage while assisting their patients, reducing their risk of injury.
The purpose of this safety bathroom device is to help the individual balance their weight when using the bathroom either with or without a carer. These supportive bars have been specifically designed to be fitted in showers, bathtubs, and toilets. Grab bars are manufactured to handle heavy weights compared to towel bars or other light bars. A good grab bar can bear up to 113 kg.
What are the types of grab bars?
Grab bars come in a variety of styles and shapes, with a range of functions. Individuals, carers, and facilities with different needs will find certain types of grab bar arrangements will suit them better than others.
Grab bars exist in two styles:
the fixed ones and those who use suction cups.
The fixed grab rails are a permanent fixture. The grab bar screws into the wall making it sturdy and reliable. It is affordable to fit into most budgets.
Grab bars that use suction cups to attach to the wall are a popular option in the bathroom where peple need a little help keeping their balance in the shower or climbing into a bath tub. They are portable yet sturdy safety rails that can easily mounted and removed from different locations without damaging the wall or requiring professional installation. For it to work properly, you will need a non-porous surface in the area you’re planning to install it. Shower tiles need to be at least four inches large as it won’t stick to seams or grout.
Once you have selected the right grab bar for your needs, you will have to install it accordingly. This is an important step, as improperly installed grab bars can lead to injury. For most grab bars, installation is a simple task, but if you're not comfortable with the process, we recommend having it installed by a professional.
Why would you need a suction grab bar in your bathroom?
That greatest feature of suction grab bars is that you don't need to drill holes in your bathroom wall. Just attach them to the wall without any tool!
- It prevents you from slipping:- Provides support and safety. They will help seniors and anyone with stability issues to stay on their feet without slipping.
- Easy to install:- By following the instructions on the manual, installing one should be an easy task as the methods are simple and straightforward. You don’t have to bother hiring a professional installer. As long as you can follow the instructions, you should be able to do it yourself. Maybe ask your loved one to do the task for you!
- Customisable to the bathroom user:- Because the suction grab bar is adjustable, you can choose any height and angle you might want to set it to. The rails are available in a range of styles: standard, telescoping and with a pivoting grip. You may want to consider the height of the user to make a convenient and comfortable tool around the bathroom.
- They come in various colours and finishes:- You don’t need to be confined to buy one type in particular. There are grab bars designed to your likening so you can choose any that suits your needs best.
- It equips you to move freely and easily:- You can decide to remove them when you know you won’t be needing them anymore. This makes them also ideal to take them with you when visiting family or friends or when travelling.
Although suction grab bars can be ideal for many situations, they are not appropriate for all surfaces. Check if the wall you want to attach it to is suitable. Keep in mind, they can not hold as much weight as a fixed grab rail.
Conclusion
Grab bars can go a long way toward increasing the independence, dignity, and safety of frail or disabled individuals. From simply helping an elderly person with getting around their bathroom, to meeting the needs patients in a large care facility, they can make essential and routine tasks easier and safer for patients and their carers. Moreover, they come in a variety of models, shapes and sizes that can accommodate just about any of your need.
Bettercaremarket has a range of fixed and flexible grab bars for you to choose from. Take a look at our website!
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