Safety (Grab) Bars
Grab bars are often thought of as only for the elderly, but all people can use something to grab onto in case of loss of footing. Falls in the bathroom are a leading cause of injury. Grab bars can help reduce the risk of accidents.
Grab bars around the bathtub are a necessity for safety. These bars should be institutional-grade, stainless steel and installed according to the manufacturer’s directions for firm, solid support.
These bars are expensive, but under no circumstance should towel rods
or improperly installed grab bars be used as bathtub aids. They will not
support a person who loses balance.
Their position will be determined by the type of tub, its location and the needs of the individual. A physical or occupational therapist can help locate the grab bar(s) for maximum efficiency, based on the user’s height, reach and how he gets in and out of the tub.
Diagonally placed grab bars are not recommended because the hand may slide and if footing is not secure, falls are more likely.
A person getting into the typical American bathtub (14" to 17" deep) tends to maintain an upright position while stepping into the tub.
A vertical grab bar firmly anchored to the wall at the foot of the tub (The foot of the tub is the end where the water faucets and drain are located) will greatly add to the safety of this maneuver. This vertical bar should be about 32 inches long, and placed near the outer tub edge.
If the tub is free-standing (not closed on 3-sides as in an alcove) and the end wall is too far for grab bar placement, a vertically placed pole on the access side of the tub may be used. This pole should be about 1-1/2-inch diameter and extend from floor to ceiling.
The pole should be positioned between 1’3" and 1’6" from the end of the tub and close enough to the access side to reach from a seated position. It also can be used to grasp with one hand while operating the water controls.
