Bathtub Safety Bars and Handrails

Do not wait for an injury to install bathtub safety bars or handrails in your shower and bathtub. Even if you do not have an immediate use for these, handrails may be of benefit to a toddler, child, or older house guest. Handrails and bathtub grab bars can help you safely enter and exit the bathtub, and have been found to reduce accidents in the bathroom. Install the bars yourself, or have someone install them for you to make sure they are securely placed for optimum safety.

Bathtub grab bars are seen in many places such as nursing homes, hospitals and public rest rooms. People today have installed them at home for elderly people. This is so helpful when you need extra assistance for getting up and down from the tub or the toilet. These grab bars will provide the support you need everyday. It is convenient and safe for the children to use as well. We all know how energetic children can be. They are beneficial for the whole family. This will help you hold on while in the tub and keep you from falling.

Bathtub grab bars are necessary items to have if you routinely have trouble supporting yourself in and around the tub. If you are sore and hurting, this will also help you immensely. People who have has mild strokes will benefit from this as well. An elderly parent that lives with you will benefit by using this item. Elderly people are just not as stable as they once were. Having safety grab bars in the bathroom is great for them and will provide you with a peace of mind.

There are portable grab bars called suction grab bars that can be used all over the house. Using the grab bars will improve one’s quality of life so they can feel like they can do what they were previously able to. Shower grab bars are another good item for your bathroom.

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 handicap shower bar, your bathroom and shower life will change dramatically.

• Flip Out Horizontal Grab Bars – Place this horizontal grab bar next to your walls. Flip out the safety rail or grab bar when you need it and lock it against the wall when your done. This is a very sturdy grab bar that can support heavier weights.

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 or wall 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+.

• Grab Bars That Folds Out From Wall – Whether you are exiting from the shower or standing up from the toilet, these fold out grab bars can be a sturdy support and be easily tucked away when done.
• Plastic Grab Bars with Grip Handles – These plastic grab bars can provide a grip even when wet because of the grooved surfaces.

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.

Where To Buy Bathtub Grab Bars?

There are many places to buy these items such as Walmart, Walgreens, Target, Lowes and medical supply stores. It is good to compare prices first. There are also online stores that sell these products and you can order right from your home. Some of these places give free shipping and good deals like buy one and get one free. These are not expensive either. Suction bars can start at $14.95. Some that are larger are $39.95 and up. It really depends on what you choose. Some of the permanent ones can start at $39.95 on up to $263.64. Here is a list of affordable and recommended grab bars.