Keeping the elderly safe in the bathroom means that you might have to install grab bars for them to hold onto. If your elderly loved one is just moving into your house, if at all possible, install bathroom grab bars prior to your senior citizen friend moving in. It’s been my experience that, if the grab bars are already there, the elderly will use them, but if they think that you put the bathroom grab bars in just for them (i.e, you went out of your way), they might be more stubborn and ignore these very relevant safety features.
Note: I’m not a fan of grab bars that use suction cups to hold onto tubs, showers, etc. In fact, I’ve chosen not to place them on this page. I see no reason to take a chance that something as important to the safety of an elderly person (or anyone, for that matter) may loosen at a bad moment. All of the grab bars on this page either clamp to the tub or require installation.
Add grab bars to the wall by the toilet, above the bathtub, and, if the elderly are very unsteady on their feet, even by the doorway. We have small bathrooms which, for once was nice, as Mom was able to hold one grab bar while reaching for another to steady herself.
When considering grab bars, make sure to get the right size – they come in different lengths. And, get these grab bars professionally installed or at least have a handyman you trust install them. It cost me a little under $100 per grab bar for installation, and I think I might have overpaid, but, my Mom’s safety was worth it to me.
Standers The Curve Grab BarCheck PriceStander Security Pole and Curve Grab Bar, Iceberg WhiteCheck PriceFranklin Brass 5616 1-1/2-Inch x 16-Inch Concealed Mounting Grab Bar, Stainless SteelCheck PriceMoen LR8724D2BN Home Care 24-Inch Grab Bar, Brushed NickelCheck Price
Flip Up Bathroom Grip Bars
Because one of my bathrooms was so very small (my house was built in 1857…), I purchased the Moen flipping grab bar seen there in the first link. These are perfect grab bars for diminutive spaces:
Moen R8960FD Home Care 30-Inch Flip Up Grab Bar, StainlessCheck PriceMoen R8962FD Home Care 30-Inch Flip Up Grab Bar, StainlessCheck Price
Non Slip Spray for Bathtubs and ShowerCheck PriceStone Grip – Floor Non Slip – Tile and Floor Treatment QuartCheck Price
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