Grab Bars – One of the Best Assistive Living Technologies!

A feature article by CathyCaroline, Mar 25, 2008         

Grab Bars are safety devices fixed in bathrooms for patients, elderly and physically challenged people. They are supportive bars which are specially designed to be fitted in bathtubs and restrooms. Unlike towel bars and other light bars, grab bars are specially manufactured to handle heavy weights. They can bear up to 250 lb. Designed based on the guidelines of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), grab bars come in both straight and combo types.

Generally, there are three types of grab bars available:

• Wall-mounted

• Tub-mounted

• Suction cup grab bars

Wall Mounted Grab Bars:

Wall mounted grab bars are installed on the walls near bathtubs or toilets. They are safety devices which help the elderly or the physically challenged to use toilets easily. Professionals are required to fix wall mounted grab bars. They are inexpensive and permanently fixed.

Tub Mounted Grab Bars:

Tub mounted grab bars fixed on bath tubs are extremely helpful for getting in and out of bathtubs. Clamped to the bathtub, they prevent old people and patients from slipping or hurting themselves while using bathtubs.

Suction Cup Grab Bars:

Suction Cups are portable grab bars. These portable grab bars are highly dependable and safe to use. Fixing a Portable is simple and easy. They are fixed easily by pushing the grab bar against any smooth and clean surface and then fastening the safety levers on both sides. There is no need of any holes to be drilled in the wall or the tubs. Since they are portable, they can be carried around easily.

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Grab Bars come in different sizes, shapes, rail diameters and styles to fit your requirements. They are made of stainless steel, aluminum or plastic. Grab bars have to be mounted such that they help to rise from seated positions.

Benefits of Grab Bars:

• They prevent you from slipping.

• They equip you to move freely and easily.

• They are simple to install and safe to use.

• They make you independent.

In short, Grab Bars are a boon to elderly and physically challenged people. They help prevent the risk of falling and assist in moving without depending on anyone.