How to Buy A Grab Bar
By: Cindi Pichler
Based on an article by Karen Murphy, OT, Functional Therapy Solutions, LLC
Selecting and installing the right grab bar can have a significant impact on your safety and independence in the bathroom, and other areas such as entry doors that have a step on the outside. Medicaid will pay for one grab bar per recipient, Medicare and most private insurance plans do not pay for grab bars. They are available through medical equipment suppliers, hardware stores, and wherever plumbing fixtures are sold.
Portable or Bathtub Wall-Mounted: These types of grab bars are usually mounted on the side of the bathtub wall and clamp or screw on. You should not use these types of bars on plastic bathtubs because they may crack the material. They come in a variety of shapes and heights. You want them to be at a comfortable height to hold onto when entering and exiting your bathtub. The benefit of these types of bars is that they are removable and you can take them with you when you travel or move.
Wall-Mounted: Straight wall-mounted grab bars come in a variety of lengths and can be installed horizontally or vertically to assist you when transferring in or out of the bathtub or shower. If a bar is horizontally mounted, it should have wall clearance of only approximately 1.5 inches-for safety. If you slip and grab the bar, you won’t catch your arm in the gap between the wall and the bar.
Some grab bars are L-shaped with either a right or left angle. They are often mounted on the front wall of the bathtub, to assist you when entering or exiting the bathtub area and also to assist you when lowering yourself onto or standing up from a bath seat.
Wall-mounted grab bars come in different surfaces. If used in a wet area, you may want to purchase bar(s) that have a textured non-slip surface, or you may want to add safety treads to the part of the bar you grip. Wall-mounted grab bars come in a variety of colors so you can match your décor-but make sure it is a contrasting color so you can find it easily in an emergency.
Two-Point Floor-Wall Mounted: Floor-wall mounted grab bars provide two points of attachment (wall and floor). This type of bar is most frequently used on one side of the toilet to assist you with a lateral (side) transfer.
Seat (commode)Mounted: These style grab bars are solely designed for use on a commode, to assist you when lowering yourself or standing up from your commode. Some of these bars are height and/or width adjustable.
Fold or Flip Down: These types of bars are mounted to a wall and can be pulled down for use, then folded back up against the wall when not in use. This feature may be needed if you have limited transfer space in your bathroom. These types of bars demand good reinforcement because they are mounted only on one end.
Advantage Rail
The Advantage Rail is a floor mounted support bar designed for those requiring a little assistance for standing, sitting and transferring. The Advantage Rail is installed using a floor plate that is secured to the floor with appropriate fasteners (not included). It can be installed in wood and concrete flooring, and over linoleum and carpet. The Advantage Rail can also be attached to tile/ceramic floors but professional installation is recommended. Available on the internet or from durable medical equipment dealers.
SuperPole
A professional grade, expansion fit, floor to ceiling pole. Features stainless steel construction designed to withstand frequent and rigorous use. A great choice for home or care facilities. Available on the internet or from durable medical equipment dealers.
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