Red Deer Handyman: What Are the Benefits of Grab Bars?

According to the CDC, one out of every five falls results in a serious injury, such as broken bones or a brain injury. Seniors suffer a major proportion of these falls. It’s estimated that over 3 million seniors experience a fall that results in being treated in the emergency room. Many of these falls occur at home. As more people are considering aging in place, making updates to your home to prevent falls is important. Grab bars are one renovation to your home to increase safety levels. Learn more about home repairs for seniors from Handyman Connection to prevent falls.

What Are Grab Bars?

Grab bars are safety rails that help someone maintain balance. Although they’re usually installed in bathrooms near the toilet or the shower, grab bars can be installed anywhere in a home where there may be a risk of falling or slipping. Individuals can use grab bars in the bathtub or while standing and sitting at the toilet, but caregivers can also use grab bars for additional support when helping someone.

What Are the Benefits of Grab Bars?

Grab bars offer many advantages, not only for seniors who are living alone. Grab bars prevent slip-and-fall accidents, especially in the bathroom. Even people with no mobility problems can fall in the bathroom. This gives everyone, regardless of age, more peace of mind. Seniors especially can feel more confident when they live alone because a grab bar is sturdier than a towel rack. Grab bars add stability and make older adults feel more comfortable.

What Are the Different Types of Grab Bars?

Grab bars are also known as safety rails, handrails, assist rails, and secure rails. They are not towel bars. Ideally, grab bars should be installed in the frame of the home for the most security. We recommend having a professional install grab bars to ensure that they are positioned correctly to hold the most weight. Handyman Connection offers repair services in Red Deer for aging-in-place renovations. 

Grab bars come in a wide variety of styles and sizes. You can find grab bars in many different finishes to fit your home’s aesthetic. Here are the types of grab bars:

• Suction: suction grab bars are designed for temporary installation, such as when you’re travelling or recovering from an injury. These types of grab bars are attached to the wall with a suction cup, so they are mostly designed to assist with balance. They must be installed on a non-porous surface. You cannot use them on drywall.

• Wall-mounted: this type of grab bar is installed to the wall with screws and anchors. They should be attached to a stud. The surface of the wall is not important.

• Bathtub mounted: the grab bar base fits over the rim of the bathtub with attachable clamps. This type of grab bar helps you keep your balance getting in and out of the shower.

• Folding: when space is limited, these types of grab bars fold down when not in use. These types of grab bars should also be installed on the studs.

• Free-standing: free-standing grab bars are usually attached to the floor and ceiling beside the tub to assist with entering or exiting. There are also versions that stand alone next to the toilet for assistance when standing or sitting. Professional installation is recommended.

Handyman Connection has a variety of senior home repair services to keep your home safe and secure. Although most grab bars are installed in the bathroom, you can also add them to hallways, kitchens, doorways and other rooms to feel more confident living alone. Contact Handyman Connection to discuss options for senior renovations.