Bathtub Grab Bars: What They Are and Why You Want One

Bathroom grab bars are one of the most effective ways to make your bathroom a safer place.

In this article, we’ll explain what bathtub grab bars are, how they make your home safer, and even what’s required to install them.

What Are Bathtub Grab Bars?

Grab bars are poles installed onto a bathroom wall, typically by the toilet or in your bathtub/shower. They’re strategically placed to offer users stability as they move from one position to another.

Bathtub grab bars aren’t meant to support a person’s full weight. However, they do make it much easier to stand up from the toilet and exit bathtubs and stall showers.

Though they’re popular among seniors, everyone can benefit from having bathroom grab bars in their home. Anyone can struggle with balance, especially in a slippery bathroom.

A grab bar is a simple and affordable way to reduce the risks of an accidental fall.

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How Bathtub Grab Bars Make Your Home Safer

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one out of every five falls results in an injury. That includes unpleasant things like concussions and broken bones.

It’s important to prevent falls in any way you can. Bathtub grab bars are a reliable solution, as they promote safety in various ways.

Stability

Bathtub grab bars help people stabilize themselves, preventing accidental falls. This is incredibly important.

The National Institute on Aging reports more than one in three people age 65 years or older falls every year.

Hygiene

Bathing can be an exhausting task for those with mobility issues. Some people are unable to wash properly, which can lead to rashes, infections, and other complications.

Providing leverage and balance, grab bars make it easier for people to fully clean themselves.

Comfort

Grab bars add a level of comfort to any bathing experience. They allow users to redistribute their weight to ease the stress of weaker parts of their body, preventing muscle strain.

Convenience

Many bathtub bars can double as a convenient towel rack. This saves older adults from having to step out of the shower/bathtub to grab their towel while they’re still wet.

Independence

Though this doesn’t relate directly to safety, there is another major benefit of grab bars. By making it easier to bathe and move through bathrooms safely, bathtub grab bars help seniors keep their independence.

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How to Install a Grab Bar in Your Bathroom

Installing a bathtub grab bar typically takes about two hours.

First, you’ll have to decide on the proper location for your grab bar. You’ll then need to use a stud finder tool to find the studs that are already inside your wall. These are what you’ll use to securely mount your bar.

Once you’ve located the studs, you must remove the escutcheon surrounding the bar, which looks like a flat piece of metal. Next, position the bar so that the mounting holes are on the studs. After you’ve marked the mounting holes, drill into the stud and use a screwdriver to tightly secure the bar to the wall.

Finally, slide the escutcheons onto the grab bar’s mounting plates.

Consider Contacting a Professional for Help

If the idea of installing a bathtub grab bar is a bit intimidating, don’t worry. There are professionals in your area that would be happy to help you. They can identify the perfect place to install the grab bar and improve the safety of your bathroom.

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