Which room will come to your mind if you are asked which is the most risk-prone room in the house? To many, the kitchen would come to their minds when asked this question. It is the most natural place where potential fire hazards can happen; likewise, the room is filled with sharp knives and utensils that might cause injuries if not handled properly. This is not the correct answer.
In reality, the bathroom can be dangerous too—with the risks of unpredictable incidents due to wet and slippery surfaces and hard objects one might get hit with. Research conducted by CDC suggests that bathroom injuries contribute to thousands of ER visits annually in the U.S. It is most common in the older age group who find it challenging to maintain stability and balance for one reason or the other. However, this doesn't mean others stay safe incidents can happen to anyone at any time! This is where the grab bar installation comes into the picture! It is a life-saving tool for any house inhabited by older people or people with disabilities.
Installing grab bars in the washroom can limit the likelihood of injuries; however, there are many ways it is beneficial that you must know before you can opt for the grab bar installation in Oceanside. Read along.
Strategic places to install grab bars
- It can be installed near the toilet.
Grab bars are a life-saver for individuals who suffer from weak knees, which make it challenging for them to get on and off the toilet. The bars allow individuals to put pressure off their knees on bathroom visits, making it convenient and comfortable.
- It can be mounted in the shower area.
Bathroom floors can often get slippery due to faulty drainage systems or simply when things get stuck in the drainage hole! A grab bar installed at waist height can offer support to prevent accidental slips in the shower and help individuals to get out of the wet area swiftly.
- It can be installed inside the tub.
Usually, people opt for a warm relaxing tub bath for sore bones and joints; however, getting out of this place can be difficult for people who experience sore muscles or tendons. A grab bar just above the tub allows injured individuals to step out of the tub safely and swiftly.
- It can be installed anywhere at home.
There is no fixed rule that only washrooms can have grab bars. In fact, they can be mounted in any indoor area. For example, they can be placed near doorways and patio steps to help people climb up and down the stairs. These entryways grab bars are typically built from high-quality plastic that can mix well with the interior and is rust-resistant, weather-proof, and lasts long.
Now that we know the optimal place to mount a grab bar, it is time you should know about the different types of grab bars available in the market. There are varied types of grab bars available in various shapes and sizes. There are some with east-to-grab features, some with the feasibility to allow individuals to lower or raise them, and some with anti-skid handles for maximum support.
Let's discuss primary grab bars that you find suitable for grab bar installation at your home.
Essential Types of Grab Bars
- Alternative Grab Bars
It is ideal for washrooms as it supports aged individuals or persons with disabilities to sit down and get up. Moreover, it is easier to move the bar out of the way when they have to use the room. It is most efficient for people with disabilities or who have met with accidents.
- Traditional Grab Bars
It is suitable for individuals with stability issues as they can require sudden support while in the shower. The bars should be strategically placed to offer support and add safety for individuals in need.
- Tension Mounted Grab Bars
It is easier to stand up from a toilet seat or tub with tension-mounted grab bars. It is very efficient for people with weak knees or any other knee problem, as these bars offer additional support.
Here are other types of grab bars according to their shapes.
- Straight Grab Bars
As implied in the name, straight grab bars are linear in shape that can be installed at any orientation from vertical, horizontal, or diagonal so that they can offer optimal support to individuals. Typically, they are installed anywhere in the bathroom for safety.
- Flip Up or Down Grab Bars
They are also commonly installed in the restroom for aid while sitting down or standing up during the loo visit. The structure allows individuals to flip it up and down quickly; however, it is required to gain additional support.
- Floor-to-ceiling poles
As the name implies, this support is connected from floor to ceiling and offers extra help to steady individuals. They can be installed in a number of locations, like bedrooms, next to sitting areas, and bathrooms, for additional support while moving indoors. The bar ends are generally guarded with pads to prevent scratching surfaces, and it requires a skilled technician to install them.
So, these were some critical types of grab bars available in the market. You can go with the ones that fit best with your or your family member's requirements. In the next section, we will share some advantages of installing grab bars at your home.
Benefits of installing grab bars
- It can divert fall prevention and deliver safety.
- A home is a place where people feel most safe and relaxed at. And accidents in bathrooms are widespread, with aged and disabled individuals staying prone to slips and falls. Grab bars offer affordable solutions to such accidents.
- It offers independence to people.
Grab bars offer support and confidence to people who need them. Therefore, installing these handy fixtures at home can be a blessing in disguise to many.
- It doesn't interfere with your home aesthetics.
If you are concerned about your home aesthetics, you shouldn't be much concerned as patio or driveway grab bars can mix well with your interiors while offering much-needed support.
Bottom line
Grab bar installations are life savers and should be considered seriously, especially when you have seniors or disabled individuals at home. Likewise, grab bars are a must with houses with children to help them prevent skids during bath time or when they chase one another in risky areas like staircases.
We hope this post offers you important highlights about grab bars to help you find the best grab bar installation in Oceanside. Use this guide to think 360 degrees before opting for a service to improve your home's indoor quality and make it a safe place to live in.
