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For elderly people, simple tasks, such as getting in and out of the toilet or bathroom, can be challenging without support. Suction grab bars can help provide balance and support and give them a little more privacy and independence. However, suction grab bars may also pose a danger if they don’t stick properly.
For suction grab bars to stick better, they should be properly installed and in the right places. You should also make sure to use suction grab bars that are sturdy enough to withstand the pressure and weight of their intended purpose.
In the rest of this article, I will explain how you can make suction grab bars stick better for improved support.
1. Choose Strategic Home Locations to Place the Grab Bars
Grab bars should be carefully installed where it’s most convenient for the people they’re intended for. The height, angle, and length of the grab bars are all critical considerations when deciding where to install the grab bars.
Here are some ideas for installing grab bars at different locations around the house:
- Toilet: For most people, having the grab bars installed at arm’s length from the toilet seat in a sitting position is most convenient.
- Bathtub: In bathrooms, the back wall is a good place to position grab bars, one or two feet (30 or 60 cm) above the bathtub. This helps provide support for sitting and standing up from the bathtub. If possible, install both a horizontal and a vertical grab bar to offer alternative options for support.
- Shower: For bathrooms with showers only, the grab bars can be positioned strategically to aid entrance and exit and to provide balance during bath. These can be placed anywhere from the torso level to just over the head. Consider your elderly parent’s height when installing the grab bars.
If you need help installing a suction grab bar in your bathroom or toilet, here is a great YouTube video tutorial to help you with that:
After installation, give the grab bar a few good yanks to ensure it’s sturdy enough to withstand pressure from the intended users.
2. Make Sure the Surface is Clean and Dry
It’s important for the surface where a suction grab bar is being installed to be clean and dry because any dirt or moisture on the surface can interfere with the suction cups’ ability to create a good seal.
Suction cups work by creating a vacuum seal against a smooth, flat surface. When the cups are pressed against the surface, the air inside the cups is displaced, creating a vacuum. The suction cups will then hold onto the surface as long as the vacuum remains in place.
If there is dirt or moisture on the surface, it can disrupt the vacuum and prevent the cups from forming a good seal. As a result, the grab bar may not hold as well or may come loose over time.
By making sure the surface is clean and dry before attaching the suction cups, you can help ensure that the cups can stay securely in place, providing support and stability when it is needed. It can also prevent common bathroom-related injuries.
3. Choose a Smooth Surface
Suction cups are most effective when used on smooth surfaces, as these allow for the creation of a strong and reliable vacuum seal. When the cups are pressed against a smooth surface, a vacuum is created. The force from the vacuum holds the cup into place, providing support for the user.
Some grab bars are designed for use on specific surfaces, such as tiles or smooth walls. If you are trying to install a grab bar on a surface that it is not designed for, it may not stay in place. For instance, it can be more difficult for the suction cups to create a good seal on rough or irregular surfaces.
If you need to make a suction bar stick to a tile surface, I recommend reading my other guide where you’ll learn about the nuances. Do Suction Cup Grab Bars Work on Tile?
4. Install the Suction Grab Bars Properly
Grab bars are intended to offer stability and support, and how they’re installed determines how sturdy they are. While they help provide users support, poorly installed grab bars may spell disaster.
After ensuring that the surface is clean, dry, and smooth enough, press the bar firmly against the wall and push down on the center of the bar until you feel it begin to stick. You may need to apply pressure to the edges of the bar as well to ensure that it fully adheres to the wall.
Once the bar is in place, it is important to test the seal by gently pulling on the bar to make sure it is secure. If the bar comes loose, remove it and try again, making sure to press it firmly against the wall.
If the bar continues to come loose, you may need to try a different wall surface or consider using a different type of grab bar.
Test the grab bar to ensure it doesn’t come off easily. Firmly hold onto the bar and gradually increase the force you exert. If it doesn’t come off despite your maximum effort, it should be safe for your elderly parent.
5. Use Stronger Suction Grab Bars
Another way of making suction grab bars stick better is by simply using stronger products.
Grab bars are available in different sizes and support varying amounts of weight and pressure. Regardless of the weight of the person the grab bar is intended for, it’s advisable to use stronger bars that can easily support even the heaviest people.
The AmeriLuck Designer Grab Bar (available on Amazon) is a superb heavy-duty grab bar. Given that it can support up to 500 lbs (226.8 kg), it is suitable for almost anyone.
6. Use Additional Mounting Methods
If you’re concerned about the suction cups not holding well, you can also consider using additional mounting methods, such as screws or adhesive mounting strips, to secure the grab bar. This can provide additional support and stability.
Screw-mounted grab bars are typically the most secure option, as they are anchored directly into the wall or other surface. Adhesive mounting strips are another option, and these can be a good choice for surfaces that cannot be drilled, such as tiles or fiberglass.
Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for attaching the grab bar using these methods, and be sure to use the appropriate screws or adhesives for the specific surface you are mounting the grab bar on.
Final Thoughts
For people that need physical support, having someone help them around the house can be intrusive to their privacy and also stigmatizing. Using strategically installed suction grab bars is a more suitable solution that can promote independence.
Suction grab bars aren’t permanent fixtures and aren’t intended to support a person’s full weight. They’re designed to provide added stability and support when getting in and out of the shower or bath, or when moving around the bathroom.
If you need additional support or stability, it’s best to install a permanent grab bar that is anchored to the wall.
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