Keeping your family safe every day is a top priority. In your home, potential hazards put you at higher risk for injury. While you may not realize it, your shower can be one of the most dangerous areas in your home. More specifically, overlooking installation of handrails, often referred to as grab bars, can be a significant mistake in keeping family members of all ages protected.
Professional Installation
When considering any type of bathroom accessibility renovations, it’s important to ensure that the changes are being done properly. If you are unsure where to begin, consult an experienced contractor first. A professional can come assess your current bath or shower and inform you on the best location for the grab bars. As you are determining the placement of your handrails, the following tips should be considered:
- The grab bars should be placed in an area where it is most likely that a slip or fall could occur.
- Get a rough estimate of placing the handrails at the correct height. For people of average size, placing the handrail between 24 and 36 inches should work (Miller, n.d.).
- Grab bars should safely support weights up to 250 pounds.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Bathroom and shower safety might have not have been high on your priority list, but falls actually occur quite often. According to the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2011), slips and falls occur most commonly in the bathroom or shower. Accidents can also increase with the elderly population. Installing a grab bar in your shower will reduce the chances of a fall tremendously.
The Advantages of Grab Bars
Why should you schedule installation of grab bars in your shower? The benefits of choosing to put a safeguard in place for your shower far outweigh the expense.
- Grab bars give you a sturdy grip: Even if you walk into your shower, the surface of the floor can still be slippery. Holding on to a solid structure allows you to enter and exit the shower with ease.
- Breaking an impact: In the situation where you might have an accident, having a properly installed handrail will help reduce the impact of the fall.
- Independence: Grab bars will assist you if you are in a situation where you have a difficult time standing and sitting.
For Everyone, Not Just the Elderly
Believing that handrails are only for the elderly is a common misconception for homeowners. Grab bars have a tremendous advantage for the older population, but also have benefits for the rest of your family. If you have kids, you can be more comfortable leaving them take a shower alone. In addition, it makes it much more convenient to give an infant a bath when you can support yourself.
Don’t underestimate the importance of shower safety. By installing a handrail in your shower, you will give your entire family protection for years to come. Enjoy all spaces of your home with the highest enjoyment and well-being.
Caryl Anne Crowne is a contributing writer and media specialist for Re-Bath. She regularly writes on bathroom remodel with an emphasis on elderly bathroom safety.
