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The floors of a walk-in shower can become slick with soap and water and cause risks of slipping. When this happens, balance can be easily compromised, especially for seniors. If you are worried about your loved one falling and hurting themselves in the shower, you may want to consider installing a grab bar.
You may need a grab bar in a walk-in shower to ensure balance and help prevent slipping or falling. Seniors and people with disabilities benefit significantly from grab bars, as they provide an extra level of stability and safety when doing their daily washing.
In this article, I will help you to determine if you need a grab bar in a walk-in shower and where to install it to help keep your loved one safe. I will also suggest different kinds of grab bars you can consider.
Grab Bars in Walk-In Showers Help With Balance
The CDC recommends shower grab bars for enhanced stability and balance. When a grab bar is attached to a sturdy surface, people can hold on to it to ensure they do not slip or fall while showering or getting in or out of the shower. Some people, whether elderly people, people with disabilities, or anyone looking for more balance while in the shower, benefit from using shower bars.
Where To Place a Grab Bar for a Walk-In Shower
If you want to install one of these in your loved one’s home or assisted living facility, it is crucial to place them where they will be utilized most easily. It is not merely a matter of the shower’s design but who will be using the shower and where they will need balance the most.
Here are a few common places in or near a walk-in shower to install a grab bar. To be exceptionally safe, you can have a grab bar in all three places. A person’s safety, especially a parent’s or grandparents’, cannot be overlooked:
- Near the door jamb. A grab bar installed vertically along the shower door frame can help those who need assistance getting in and out of the shower. This placement is usually beneficial if there is a high ledge to step over when entering and exiting the walk-in.
- Along one of the inside walls. Placed horizontally, a grab bar along the side of the shower will help people stay balanced while they clean their bodies and move around.
- Near the faucet. It might be helpful to have a grab bar near the faucet to hold on securely while they get a suitable water temperature set.
Keep in mind that you aren’t limited to inside the shower when considering where to install a grab bar. A few grab bars placed strategically along the bathroom walls can also be incredibly helpful for safe movement throughout the bathroom.
The best place for installing grab bars is at an angle. But why? I’ve written a comprehensive guide to discuss the reason. Don’t miss it. This is Why Grab Bars Should Be Installed at an Angle
Different Types of Grab Bars
There are many different types and styles of grab bars, and depending on what you are looking for, you may want to weigh your options before making a purchase. Understandably, you or your loved one may be inclined to make a selection that suits the bathroom’s decor or matches the walk-in shower’s design. Yet, it is more important to focus on safety first.
Grab bars can be made of plastic, metal, or any other material that is strong enough to support a person’s weight. They also come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors, so you’re likely to find one that best fits your safety needs and matches the decor. (Note: All products are available on Amazon.com.)
- Zalik Suction Grab Bars: These grab bars are one of the most popular types because they are easily installed without tools. Featuring a suction cup and locking latch design, they can also be installed in any configuration desired and are easily moved if needed. These work best on tile, glass, or hard plastic surfaces and can hold up to 300 lbs (136 kg).
- Moen Flip-Up Grab Bar: This grab bar complies with ADA specifications to ensure safety and functionality. It is made of stainless steel for increased durability and is capable of supporting up to 300 lbs (136 kg). Flip the bar down when in use and flip it back up and out of the way when you are finished. Plus, the mirror-like finish blends with nearly any decor.
- Stander Security Pole and Curve Grab Bar: This free-standing grab bar is an alternative to smaller grab bars installed in the shower or on the wall. Instead, it extends from floor to ceiling and features four different hand grips that allow for easy and natural hand placement. It can provide support when disrobing, getting in and out of the shower, and several other bathroom activities.
- Stander Curve Grab Bar with Handrail: This grab bar is great for smaller bathrooms and can replace the need for multiple grab bars throughout the bathroom. It has a rotating handle that locks in five places, including in a flat position, so you can store it up against the wall when not in use. It is also easy to install and comes with all the equipment needed.
- Moen Home Care Grab Bar with Toilet Paper Holder: This grab bar has a dual purpose in the bathroom, as it can also double as a toilet paper holder when installed on a wall near the shower. Or, install it inside the shower and use it to hold wash rags. It can hold up to 250 lbs (113 kg) when installed in a wall stud and up to 500 lbs (227 kg) when using Moen’s SecureMounts (sold separately).
Conclusion
A grab bar for a walk-in shower is a great way to help avoid falling or slipping. Similar to an anti-slip mat, it can provide extra protection to ensure safety while in the shower. Even if your loved one does not feel they need a grab bar now, they may need one soon, so it is best to consider the investment instead of waiting for an accident to happen.
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