Selecting the Right Shower Bars for Seniors
The right shower bars for seniors provide stability for the elderly in the bathroom. While often referred to as simply grab bars a shower bar is a similar piece of equipment. Transitioning in and out of the bathing area is one of the most dangerous locations in the home. The bathroom is where falls occur so having additional assistance through a shower bar helps reduce the chance of injury.
Here is a great place to look for shower bars that meet your needs.
What is a Shower Bar?
A shower bar is a grab bar located in the bathtub or shower to provide assistance to seniors transitioning in and out. Fixed to the wall a senior can use a shower grab bar to stay stable in the shower. Holding the shower bar tightly while stepping in and out provides an additional contact point to prevent the senior from falling in the bathroom.
Why Do Seniors Need Grab Bars?
Individuals over the age of 65 are at significant risk of a fall that causes injury in the bathroom. As a result, the data regarding senior bathroom safety supports adding safety modifications such as grab bars to reduce the chance of injury or worse. Seniors need grab bars to provide immediate support and stability when transitioning in and out of the shower or tub. The floor is slippery in these settings and the individual will not have shoes or slippers.
Grab bars should also be positioned adjacent to the toilet. They assist the senior with sitting down and standing back up. In addition, a grab bar installed next to the sink or vanity gives an extra place to hold onto.
Types of Shower Bars for Seniors
The most common types of shower bars include:
Wall Mounted
Wall-mounted grab bars get installed directly to the wall. Using mounting screws and heavy anchors into the wall. A wall-mounted shower bar is the most secure option. However, it may require professional support to install into an existing bathroom it is the preferred method for the safest solution.
Suction
Suction grab bars are a temporary solution to deliver some balance assistance. These are not appropriate solutions for supporting the full weight of an elderly individual. The suction cups are pressed onto the wall and work best on surfaces like tile and are not recommended for use on drywall. While they work in a pinch for some basic support they are not ideal for long-term use.
Bathtub Mounted
A bathtub-mounted grab bar is a device that is fixed onto the rin of the bathtub. This is best for individuals that will be using a full bath and need assistance getting up and down.
Folding
These models fold down and save space in tight areas when not in use. However, the purpose of a shower bar is to have access to it when you are moving around in the area so seniors should consider something that is fixed and ready for use at all times. Showers and bathtubs with tight spaces may benefit from a folding grab bar.
Freestanding
Freestanding shower bars are an excellent option for seniors that need a fixed bar from floor to ceiling. These offer a strong rigid bar that is attached to the ceiling and floor and designed to both help assist exiting and entering the shower or getting up and down from the toilet.
Styles of Shower Bars
There are many styles of grab bars to consider.
Textured grab bars
These are made with slip-resistant grips. The shower and tub are wet. Therefore, nonslip materials help seniors keep contact with the bar while putting their full weight on it for support.
Straight Shower Bar
Straight grab bars are installed commonly both vertically and horizontally directly on the wall. There may even be a use case for a grab bar on a diagonal. A straight bar is strong and sturdy. Seniors can rely on a straight bar mounted to the wall to hold their weight.
Wave Grab Bars
A wave grab bar has a curvature style with a more appealing aesthetic design. Ultimately, they serve the same function as a straight grab bar.
Where to Install Grab
Grab bars serve multiple purposes when installed in the bathroom. First, install a grab bar that is easy to hold when transitioning in and out of the shower. Second, it is recommended to install a grab bar on the inside of the shower. Third, a grab bar next to the toilet for assisting sitting and standing. Lastly, some seniors find it helpful to have a grab bar near the sink. Installing in each of these locations improves overall bathroom safety.
When installing a grab bar in the shower place it within reach of a shower bench. A shower bench or shower chair for seniors is an excellent piece of equipment to assist in bathing. Install the bar near the wall to the location of the chair will ensure its maximum benefit.