Grab bars are one basic piece of safety equipment. Though basic, these bars are really useful. It’s because, whatever your age or ability level, they provide balance and support, lowering the risk of sliding or falling.
However, where should grab bars be installed in a shower? In this article, we’ll discuss the critical areas in your shower where grab bars are needed to be placed. If you are looking after someone else or just want to be safer overall, learning thoroughly about the best placement for shower grab bars will help you achieve your goal. Let’s continue!
Understanding the ADA Guidelines for Grab Bar Placement
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines provide specific directions for installing grab bars in showers to assist people with disabilities. These guidelines propose accurate placements, measurements, and quality of grab bars that are standard for utmost safety. Maintaining these propositions will help you achieve a bathroom space that is safe and easy to use.
As we proceed with this article, we keep in mind the ADA regulations. We will inform you everything about grab bar placement according to those guidelines.
Discover the Best Placement for Shower Grab Bars
The installation of grab bars requires two factors to be considered: 1. The needs and wants of shower users and 2. The locations where these bars should be installed. Yes, there are no hard and fast guidelines for where grab bars should be placed in homes. Still, it’s better to follow professional guidelines such as the one provided by the ADA. Let’s analyze some of the best grab bar placement options.
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Vertical Grab Bar Placement
It is particularly critical to install grab bars in the correct places when you have a walk-in shower. A bar should be installed in the space next to the shower door in such a case. This will be a vertical bar that offers support and stability. When you enter or exit, it helps keep you from slipping and falling.
When positioning the vertical grab bar, consider placing it close to the shower door’s frame. This gives people a solid grip as they cross the gap between the bathroom and shower floors. The best practice is to position the grab bar about 4-6 inches inside the door frame or entrance for easy access and a secure grasp.
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Horizontal Grab Bar Placement
In showers, horizontal grab bars are very useful. These are the bars that extend sideways. They provide additional support to people who might move when standing or often move around in the shower. Placing them on the side wall is a wise choice as it helps with balance for people facing either way. With the bars present there, it’s also simpler to reach the shower knobs.
To ensure everyone can use these grab bars, adjust their height from the shower floor to 33 and 36 inches. Longer grab bars are preferable because they provide extra stability and grip.
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Diagonal Grab Bar Placement
An alternative placement method for grab bars in showers is diagonal placement. The diagonal grip bars are 45 degrees inclined toward the wall where the tap is situated. They bring the advantages of both vertical and horizontal bars.
These bars provide stability and support while sitting or standing in the shower. They can be helpful for those who prefer to face one way or who want assistance getting from sitting to standing. Diagonal grab bars provide a comfortable handhold, reducing wrist pain. They also fit people of different heights.
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Grab Bar Placement Based on Individual Needs
Although the ADA provides general guidelines on grab bar installation, it is crucial to consider each person’s needs. Some people may require additional bars depending on their strength, balance, and range of motion. For example, someone with good mobility might only require one bar close to the shower entrance.
However, bars at different levels surrounding the shower may be necessary for someone with trouble moving. Additionally, consider if they are left- or right-handed, as this can affect the placement of the bars.
The 5 Best Places to Install Grab Bars
Grab bars come in a lot of handy places throughout the house. Because they can help prevent falls, placing them in the bathroom surely makes bathing or showering safer. Having grab bars next to a home’s doors might help people maintain their balance. Having so many applications, you can place them anywhere you need them. Check out these 5 important places to install grab bars.
1. In a Shower
Grab bars should be installed in showers to prevent falls in wet places. The Americans with Disabilities Act advises that they be installed between 33″ and 36″ high. When appropriately placed, shower users are guaranteed safety and support.
To make it simple for anyone to reach the grab bars from anywhere, they should be positioned horizontally around the shower. In this manner, there’s always a bar nearby to grab onto while taking a shower, wherever you may be.
2. In a Bathtub
The ease of sitting in the tub securely is the most crucial factor when deciding where to place grab bars in a bathtub. If the bar is set too high, it could be challenging for them to lower themselves. If it’s too low, they may have to bend to get to it, and it won’t support them when they get out of the bath. So, think critically about the height when planning such a design.
3. Entrances and Exits Through a Doorway
It is recommended to have a vertical grab bar both inside and outside the home, especially where there are steps. It makes getting in and out of the house safer. These wood-wrapped grab bars look good and can be attached to brick or sheetrock walls. They function brilliantly in a variety of settings.
4. Near an Exterior Door
It’s a terrific idea to put a grab bar outside a door. It helps with maintaining balance, providing support when entering or exiting the house, and reducing stress.
5. At the Top of the Stairs
A stairway can be made safer and more attractive by installing a grab bar next to a handrail. If there is a lift chair on one side of the staircase, there is no need for a handrail on that side because the lift chair makes it safer for people to get up and down. However, it’s safer to step off the lift chair onto the upper level when there is a grab bar at the end of the stairs. This clever idea shows the various applications for grab bars that keep people steady and safe when needed.
The Importance of Grab Bars in Shower Safety
Showers are among the riskiest places in the house because of their wet and slippery surfaces. So, it becomes crucial to install grab bars for additional safety. Grab bars are handy for the elderly, disabled, and recovering individuals. They help people maintain their balance and avoid falls. The solid hold provided by grab bars makes moving around in the shower easier, too. By following the ADA guidelines, position the grab bars in the safest areas and increase the safety and usability of your bathroom.
Summing Up
Creating a safer bathroom is not optional, and that’s why grab bars have become an unavoidable tool. It is essential to balance comfort and safety when choosing the best placement for shower grab bars. Grab bars can be installed at the best heights and angles to lower the danger of falls.
We at Call Before You Fall aim to provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead a more secure and self-sufficient life. But our main job is to provide you with the best mobility devices available at fair prices. Not just our grab bars, all our products are designed with safety in mind so they can assist you or your loved one during mobility difficulties. Create a secure and comfortable home environment with our support- call today!
