Grab Bars In Handicapped Shower
Handicap Bathroom, Handicap Equipment
Grab Bars For The Handicapped
Grab bars are probably the most useful items in a handicapped shower for anyone would might have trouble standing or positioning their bodies. These grab bars help the person situate themselves to the spot they want. For anyone in a wheelchair, a grab bar allows them to shower and bathe independently. For the elderly, a grab bar will prevent many accidents that might occur in any wet environment. They will also reduce the strain on the hips and knees, two bodily locations that tend to experience fatigue for older individuals.
Types of Grab Bars
For elderly individuals, the possibility of slip and fall is a huge problem. A solution is to install grab bars where they are needed in the showers and restrooms. There are two different types of grab-bars, a traditional one, that is permanently screwed into the wall and suction handicap grab bars that can be easily removed and placed where needed.
Hand Railings
Railings can make it easier for you to get around the exterior and the interior of your home. Angled, horizontal and vertical railings are used in all sorts of environments. You can place one to get up the porch, in the shower, near the toilet or even in a hallway.
Similar to a wheelchair transfer to a toilet, a transfer from a wheelchair to a handicapped shower is aided with a grab bar. You pull your weight towards the grab bar with one hand as you use the other to push off on the wheelchair. This requires a decent amount of upper body strength and may be harder for weaker individuals.
Handicap Shower Grab Bars
You want at least one grab bar in your handicap shower. I would recommend at least 2 grab bars locations, one near the entrance of the handicapped shower for wheelchair transfer and another inside the shower, to keep oneself stabilized. Where you position the shower grab bars is crucial to the utility of this equipment. Everything should be accessible within range of your reach and installed correctly so it can properly support one’s weight. If you are a tall person and require the grab bar higher, then I suggest an angled grab bar that starts off horizontally but breaks off at an angle vertically. Right angles and 120 degree angles are perfect for most needs. Just by having one grab bar, your bathroom and shower life will change dramatically.
Shower handrails that are parallel to the walls are also useful as transfer devices but I find grab bars with a fold out option, to be the best. Fold out grab bars can do what their name says, fold out. Once you are done with the grab bars, simply put it back into the upward position. They are capable of supporting 100 to 150 lbs of force. Bariatric grab bars which are heavy duty can support upwards of 250 to 300lbs+.
Costs of Shower Grab Bars
Grab bars can range in price from $20 to $60. The more features and weight a grab bar can support, the more it will cost. If you prefer long angled grab bar designs or grab bars made out of nickel or brass, expect to pay more. However, all are capable of doing their intended jobs, that is, to provide a safety support in a wet shower environment.
