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Grab bars begin to be relied on heavily as people continue to age. These are installed in or near showers, bathtubs, toilet areas, and bedrooms –wherever individuals need assistance to stand themselves up or hold on for balance. Grab bars can be installed horizontally, vertically, or at a diagonal, depending on how one needs to use the bar.
Grab bars should be installed at an angle to provide the optimum leverage for gripping the bar and pulling oneself up. A diagonal installation is also ideal for an easy transition from sitting to standing.
In this article, I will showcase why grab bars are installed at an angle and the benefits. I will also discuss the best angle placement and common locations for grab bars and provide a step-by-step guide on installing them.
Why Are Grab Bars Installed at an Angle?
Grab bars’ effectiveness increases when installed at an angle, as it offers the best of both worlds between horizontal and vertical installation. This is because diagonal grab bars are better for the hands and cause less pain to the wrist, as it decreases the twisting motion.
Installing grab bars at an angle can:
- Provide extra support for those standing and needing balance.
- Offer more support to individuals, especially when they are in a seated position.
- Allow individuals to stand from a seated position with little or no assistance.
- Offer those with balancing issues the ability to be steady on their feet, reducing the chance of falling.
- Support more weight, allowing the individual to stand for long periods with less fatigue.
- Ensure that the bar is more accessible to individuals with varying heights. This is great when more than one older adult is living in a space and requires such support.
It should be noted, however, that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not support installing grab bars at an angle.
Best Angle for Installing Grab Bars
The best angle for installing a grab bar may vary depending on the size of the bar. However, the angle that is most comfortable for those using it is always ideal. For instance, a grab bar installed at an angle of 15 degrees might be better suited for some, while 45 degrees might be better for others, so this should be taken into consideration. If possible, consult with a doctor or caregiver regarding the best placement of the grab bar for the individual.
A 45-degree angle is a common recommendation for installing grab bars 24 inches (610 mm) or longer when installed over studs 16 inches (410 mm) apart.
Regardless of preference or recommendation, grab bars should be placed in a position that rises away from the individual.
If you’re not sure which angle is right for your loved one, consider starting with something like the Suction Safety Cup Grip Non-Slip Grab Bars (available on Amazon.com). These use a suction cup with locking latches for installation, allowing you to remove and replace them at any desired angle. Note that these may only be used on glass, tile, or hard plastic.
Now that you know the perfect angle for installing a grab bar, let’s answer an equally important question – is showering better than bathing for the elderly?
The short answer is yes. But to know why and other safety considerations, check out my article showering vs. bathing for the elderly. Shower Vs Bath: Which is Better for the Elderly
Common Places To Install Angled Grab Bars
The recommendation is to install grab bars at an angle anywhere elderly individuals need to get up from a seated position or traverse uneven floors, such as showers, toilets, bathtubs, and stairs.
- Showers. Once a shower stool, chair, or seat is present, then a grab bar installed at an angle is suggested. With any of these present, install the grab bar at an angle on the side wall. The grab bar should be angled upwards in the direction of the showerhead.
- Bathtubs. The same instructions provided for the shower should be employed with bathtubs. The grab bar should be angled upwards in the direction of the showerhead or control.
- The base of stairs. A stair railing that is constructed of solid hardwood can take the load of a grab bar. Install the grab bar to the base of the railing.
- Toilets. Install the grab bar on the wall to the side of the toilet. If you install grab bars on two side walls, be sure to place them at the same height. Keep in mind that, in this case, an angled installation will help individuals move from sitting to standing but not from standing to sitting.
And while on the subject of sitting, grab bars can help the elderly sit straight in the toilet and not lean over – which is a common issue with old age. For more information, check out my article detailing ways to help an elderly person sit straight. What to Do When an Elderly Person Can’t Sit Straight
How To Install Grab Bars at an Angle
- Use a stud finder to identify the location of the studs being used to install the grab bar.
- Mark the location of the vertical studs with masking tape.
- Measure, then mark the position of the bottom of the flange. The grab bar should be sloped upward towards the showerhead at 45 degrees. Measuring from the rim of the tub, the lowest point of the grab bar should be more than 9 inches (230 mm).
- Place the grab bar on the wall at the preferred height, and make any adjustments so that each stud mark has a mounting flange over it.
- Remove the grab bar from the wall after marking each hole for mounting.
- Pre-drill holes in the tile for each mounting hole using a diamond-tipped or carbide drill.
- Line up the pre-drilled holes with those from the grab bar flanges.
- Install the screws that came with the grab bar into the bottom flange and the stud. Ensure the screws are as long or longer than 1 inch (25 mm), so they can support the average weight of an adult.
- Test the grab bar by allowing it to bear your total weight. If there is any movement from the grab bar, it should be removed and reinstalled using longer screws.
On a related note, if your elderly parent or loved one needs a grab bar, they might also need a rollator. But did you know that rollators aren’t for everyone? Check out my article, where I discuss who can benefit from using a rollator and who can get hurt from using one. 16 People Who Should and Shouldn’t Use a Rollator
Final Thoughts
Grab bars offer older adults a sense of independence, improving their quality of life. An added benefit is the peace of mind it provides to the family members, knowing that their elderly loved one is at a reduced risk of falls and slips.
Always install the grab bar onto studs so that it can support the entire body weight of those using it and the added pressure of them pulling on it.
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