Friday, October 12, 2012

Top 3 Places to Install Bathroom Grab Bars to Help Prevent Falls

Making a home safe for aging seniors is a key to enhancing mobility and ensuring independent living. For seniors, typically, the bathroom is the area posing the most risks for falls. Everyday tasks can become difficult, especially when combined with slippery floors, poor balance, decreased vision, and lack of strength. Fortunately, installing safety grab bars in strategic areas can make it easier to safely maneuver around the bathroom.

Grab bars provide extra support for seniors through unique anchoring systems that can support up to 500 pounds of pressure, depending on the manufacturer. Rest assured, however, decor does not have to be sacrificed for safety. Many grab bars available today, like Grabcessories™ by Lifetime Products, are designed to seamlessly integrate as actual bathroom decor while providing the convenience of safety accessories.

When installing safety grab bars, look for places where they are most likely to lose balance by raising, lowering, or standing on one foot. 

Tub/Shower - Install grab bars at a lower level to help bathers with raising and lowering. A grab bar at waist level or slightly higher is ideal to help with stepping in and out of the tub, as well as to hold for extra balance while washing and shampooing when showering. To eliminate clutter, install a bar up higher and a Grabcessories Tub/Shower Valve Ring at the lower level. 

Toilet - Install a grab bar on the wall near the toilet for support when raising and lowering. For a more decorative look, consider designated toilet paper holders specifically designed to double as safety bars. 

Towel racks - A common habit for seniors is to hold a towel rack while drying off or bending to pick up clothes. Regular towel racks aren't designed to support the weight of someone leaning on them and will loosen over time and eventually detach from the wall which could lead to serious injury. Install safety towel bars and/or towel shelves which are available in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors to fit your bathroom space to provide necessary support.

Safety grab bars can be both functional and beautiful. Most importantly, they will help prevent and greatly reduce falls in the bathroom giving caregivers, family members, and users peace of mind.

PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1n8y1)

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