Grab bars keep it safe

For a moment pause and imagine what it would be like caring for you, another adult or child with a serious physical limitation. In past decades it was unusual to find homes built with wheelchair access, but since the 1940’s as the baby boomers aged design trends transcended significantly especially in the bathroom.  It was uncommon to find grab bars installed in showers, baths or surrounding a toilet. Nor was it common place to find a whirlpool bath, steam shower in a typical bathroom, they were once considered luxury items only found at spas. Whirlpool spas and baths provide the ultimate in therapeutic healing and relaxation for those who suffer from muscular or joint pain. 

For anyone in the home with a physical impairment, surrounding yourself in a spa like environment is made possible with the aide of grab bars to gain access in and out of the shower or bath.  In previous years, grab bars were big and bulky not to mention added nothing to the bathroom décor. Now you can get decorative bars for the bathroom and choose from various models and finishes. Grab bars are uniquely designed so they match all other bathroom accessories and basin taps for a beautifully coordinated look. Regardless of the type of bath or shower you have in the home, grab bars are a must for those with any physical disability making daily bathroom activities less cumbersome.

The larger type steel bars with rounded corners with a brushed finish are far easier to grasp onto compared to a polished finish. It is recommended prior to purchasing the bars to test it for the appropriate grip and comfort level and ensure it can withstand up to 300 pounds of pressure. For shower baths which have a shower enclosure attached to the bath, it is best to mount three bars. The bars should be installed on the back and front walls as well as one bar on the side wall so that no matter where the individual is positioned, they have support from all sides.

Installing grab bars in the bathroom

Depending on the type of shower you have in your bathroom whether it is a single walk in shower unit or steam shower, two-three bars are into the solid surface. Steam showers are an ideal alternative for those who prefer showers over baths because they are equipped with a seating area inside the shower, providing soothing relief. The bars should be a height of 4 feet or 1.2192 metres from the bottom of the shower pan. For baths the grab bars should be 3 feet above the floor or 0.9144 metres. To ensure proper safety, mount the bars horizontally rather than vertically or on a slight angle.  This will give the person ample space to latch onto the bar should someone start to slip or loose balance.
 
The mounting screws that come with the grab bars should be used for proper safe installation; they are specially designed and recommended by the manufacture.  Substituting the mounting screws could result in the bars detaching from the surface. Grab bar mounting screws must be securely attached to solid wood so it is important to refer to the manufacture’s installation guide before attempting to mount the bars.
For steam showers, if the unit was ordered with additional reinforcement with the intent of grab bars placement, then install the grab bars according to the manufacturer's instructions. If the unit was not ordered with additional reinforcement, you must have access to the back side of the unit. A 3/8 inch or 0.98 centimetre piece of plywood backing must be installed on the fiberglass laminate with resin or construction adhesive in the area you wish to install the bars. The plywood should extend 6inces or 15.24 centimetres past the length and width of the bar. Make sure all holes are filled with a silicone caulking prior to mounting the bars for a water tight seal.