Planning A Funeral The Right Way

Posted on: 11 October 2021

The use of grab bars may make aging in place more comfortable and safe. Those who have incurred an injury or who have limited mobility may benefit by installing a set of metal or plastic grab bars in a bathroom or another part of a residence that requires transitioning from an upright position to a seated position.

Guidelines

The CSA (Canadian Standards Association) has prepared guidelines that pertain to the proper installation and use of grab bars. Private residents are not required to adhere to these guidelines but may want to familiarize themselves with them. The guidelines can help an end-user pinpoint where the addition of grab bars will be most beneficial and at what height to install them. Bars are anchored with screws or suction cups. Each bar should be installed a few feet higher than the floor.

Materials And Styles

Solid metal that contains a natural finish, has been chrome-plated, and plastic that contains a textured or non-textured surface may be used to manufacture a series of grab bars. Powder coating and dyes are used to create colored grab bars. Colored bars may be desired if the bars are going to coincide with the design and color scheme that is displayed within a room where the mobility aids will be installed.

Curved, zig-zag, crescent, and swing-up bars each possess a unique shape. A curved bar will contain one rounded edge and two straight pieces that can be used to support an individual's weight. A zig-zag bar will contain sharp angles and long pieces that an end-user can grip. A crescent bar will feature a slight angle. The angled section is where a person should hold onto. A swing-up bar will remain flush against the wall when the bar is not actively being used. When an end-user needs additional support to sit down on a toilet seat or to ease their body into a bathtub, the bar can be extended forward.

If bars that use a screw anchoring system are going to be installed along some residential walls, the safety devices should be secured in a section where wall studs are located. If bars that use a suction cup anchoring system are going to be installed, the bars should only be installed along non-porous surfaces. Suction cups may loosen over time and may need to be readjusted.

For more information on installing elderly bathroom grab bars contact a professional near you.