Grab bars and other products for bathroom safety

Every year, one in four adults suffers from a fall.¹ This can lead to head injuries, hip fractures and other serious outcomes. The most common place to fall is the bathroom.² With the proper safety bars and other modifications, your bathroom can be made less hazardous. Here's what you need to know and bathroom safety products that can help.

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Types of bathroom safety bars

Installing grab bars in your bathroom can help with balance and mobility - for example, sitting down on a toilet (and getting up) or standing in a shower. Depending on your needs, there are various types of safety bars to consider. Whatever you choose, be sure to read the product label for directions, installation and safety information.

Wall-mounted grab bars

It’s not a great idea to grab onto the towel racks in the bathroom, as these aren’t designed to support a person’s body weight.³ Instead, wall-mounted grab bars — bars that are attached to the wall securely — can provide something sturdy to hold onto while someone maneuvers around the bathroom.

Bathtub grab bars

Grab bars for the bathtub can either be installed on the wall (see wall-mounted grab bars above) or they can be attached to the bathtub itself. For example, some grab bars latch over the side of the tub. This type of bar will help someone get in and out of the bath and can help protect from falling on slippery surfaces.

Shower grab bars

Horizontal or vertical grab bars can be put in a shower to help the user stand while they bathe or to help them get up from a shower seat.

Toilet grab bars

There are several types of toilet grab bars that assist with sitting down, standing up and overall stability while using a toilet. Options include wall-mounted grab bars next to the toilet or grab bars that attach to and surround the toilet. (These look a little like walkers.)

Floor-to-ceiling grab bars

Floor-to-ceiling grab bars run the entire vertical length of the bathroom. For small bathrooms, a carefully placed floor-to-ceiling grab bar may be within reach of the shower and toilet, reducing the need for multiple safety bars. Some full-length grab bars are designed as tension rods, meaning you won't have to drill to install them (and if you move to another home, you can take them with you).

Suction cup grab bars

Suction cup grab bars are a less permanent option that attach to smooth surfaces without drilling. Following the installation instructions and being mindful of any weight limits is essential to ensuring that the suction cups will hold. This type of grab bar also isn't suitable for certain surfaces, like grouted titles or textured walls.

Considerations for bathroom grab bars

Always look for products that are ADA compliant. This means they meet the specifications required by the Americans with Disabilities Act, including placement, length, diameter and more.⁴

The type of grab bar or bars you choose to install should also take into account the specific needs of the individual using them and the features of the bathroom itself. Some things to consider include:

• The height of the person. This will help you determine how low or high to place the grab bars.
• Weight capacity. Make sure the grab bars can support the full weight of the person using them.
• Location. Where will grab bars be most useful for balance and stability?
• Bathroom design and material. Make sure whatever grab bars you choose will work with the bathroom size, layout and material.

Maintenance of bathroom grab bars

After your bathroom grab bars are in place, you should check them periodically to ensure they are stable, clean and undamaged.

Raised toilet seat

In addition to grab bars, an elevated toilet seat may be an option to consider in the bathroom for preventing falls and making the sit-to-stand transition easier when you are using the toilet.⁵

To avoid installing a raised toilet seat, consider a temporary commode chair instead. Commode chairs fit on top of the existing toilet or can be placed next to the toilet. Just remember that commode seats that aren't attached to the toilet will need to be emptied and cleaned after each use.

Shower seat and shower bench seat

It's no secret that the floor of the shower can get slippery-from the water being used but also from soaps, shampoos and conditioners. A rubber mat can help, but sometimes simply sitting down is the best way to stay steady.⁶ Consider a foldable seat that attaches to the shower wall or purchase a standalone shower seat or bench for bathroom safety.

Seat for bath

Bathtub seats can be used for anyone who prefers baths over showers. They narrow the distance from the tub floor to standing position and can make it easier to reach a grab bar. Look for a multi-level seat that can gradually lower someone in and use it for showers or baths.

For a more comprehensive overview of what it takes to safely age in place, read more about home safety tips or learn about bedroom support.

Este contenido es solo para fines informativos y no constituye un asesoramiento médico. Consult your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.