Bathroom: The most dangerous room in the house especially for seniors
For seniors with limited mobility, most accidents happen in the bathroom. Wet and slippery bathroom floors can cause serious injury considering when one has impaired balance or is frail and weak. Maintaining independence and dignity is important as we all get older, especially when it comes to using the bathroom. Toilet safety aids like grab bars greatly reduce the risk of accidents. Grab bars are not only inexpensive but also easy to install. Grab bars gives elders something sturdy to hold onto while they sit or stand.
Shop for Grab Bars
Who should use grab bars, is it only for seniors?
Not only elderly persons benefit but it helps all as a tool to prevent falls in this high risk area, whether you have any issues with mobility and balance or not.
Types and Sizes
Bathroom grab bars generally come in metal and plastic. The most common metal types are stainless steel or nickel. Often the bathroom grab bar purchased at a hardware store is powder-coated or stainless steel. Bathroom grab bars can also be at an angle or L-shape.
The most typical sizes for straight grab bars are 12″, 16″, 18″, 24″ and 32″.
How to Fit
Handyman or a family member can easily install the grab bars but make sure that there no water or electric lines running at the points you want to install grab bar. Proper bathroom assessment is advisable before installation.