Grab bars and handrails in the bathroom provide safety As we age and lose agility, bathing can become difficult. Falls in the bathroom, especially the bathtub and shower areas, are a leading cause of injury. Grab bars and handrails will provide safety and support to help you maintain balance. Grab bars and handrails are not just for the elderly or people with disabilities, everyone will benefit by making it easier to get in and out of the bathtub or shower.

Bathrooms Sinks and Lavatories Three elements are critical in lavatory design: the clearance underneath the sink (for those who use wheelchairs), the height of the sink (for those who may have difficulty bending from the waist or for others who are seated in chairs), and the faucet hardware (for those who have hand dexterity problems). People in wheelchairs need approximately 27" to 30" of height underneath the front of the sink so they can get as close as possible to the basin. Removing the doors or the entire cabinet below the sink can eliminate access problems. A decorative curtain below the sink will allow access while providing a concealed under sink storage area. If you remove your sink cabinet, cover or shield any sharp edges or hot water supply and waste pipes (if the hot water temperature is set above 115' Fahrenheit). To cover the pipes, use pipe insulation or build a box around the pipes to protect from burns. Your sink should be located at a height where you can use it comfortably whether you're seated in a wheelchair or standing. Generally, a 30" high lavatory top provides easy access if you're seated; 34" is the maximum height allowed by barrier-free design standards. If you are very tall and have difficulty bending, raise the top to 36" or even 40". If there are others in your household who are short, a compromise height of approximately 30-34" should be acceptable to everyone.

Faucets
If you have limited hand dexterity, adapt your faucets so you can operate them easily with a single hand. Single lever faucets are best because they provide a visual indication of water temperature, and don't require fine hand dexterity to operate. They also provide a mixed water temperature from a single tap. You can replace existing knob type hardware by removing the handles and installing double levers or cross knobs (available at most hardware stores) that fit the faucet stems. When handles are hard to turn, their washers probably should be replaced.

Some useful tips:

• Keep the bathroom free of clutter. A senior-safe bathroom is as empty as possible. Crowded shelves lead to dropped items, dropped items lead to bending and stooping, and bending and stooping lead to falls for the elderly. Likewise, extra decorative items take up maneuvering space. Clothing, towels and other personal items on the floor are invitations to trips and falls.
• Install the brightest possible bulbs in all the light fixtures. Older eyes need more light than younger eyes.
• Install grab bars to help you keep your balance while getting in and out of the tub or shower and around toilet areas.
• Install a shower or bathtub seat will add safety and convenience to your bathing activities. Wall mounted folding tub seats allow persons to sit in the tub and take a bath or shower without having to lower themselves to the tub floor. Secured to the wall, this folding wall mounted bath seat makes transferring to and from a wheelchair and bathing safe and easy..
• Use contrasting colors to enhance vision. For example, a blue grab bar against a white wall is much easier to see than a white on white scheme. See available colors
• Use a rubber tub mat in a color that contrasts with the color of the tub or shower bottom. Older eyes may have lost some depth perception, and they don't see as well without their glasses. As well as preventing slips, a red, blue or green bath mat will stand out clearly against a white background and make it much easier for a senior to see where feet should go.
• Prevent scalding by setting your water heater to 120 degrees or less or use an anti scald device.
• Provide for communication in case you need help, keep a phone within reach of the tub.
• Install lever faucet adapters over your existing handles to make them easier to turn.
• Store toiletries, first aid supplies and other bathroom necessaries where they are easy to reach without bending, stooping or stretching. Frequently used items should be stored as close as possible to waist level because seniors are not as flexible as they used to be.
• Provide an extra roll or two of paper that can be reached without twisting if the installed paper roll holder is tricky to reach.
• Never risk a fall from retrieving a bar of soap use an easy-to-hold soap mitt with a built in soap pocket, or soap on a rope, or wall mounted soap dispencer.
• Plug in a night light with battery back-up. Or, put a few strips of glow-in-the-dark tape on a sturdy waterproof flashlight and keep it where it will always be visible and easy to reach on its own special hook. In the event of a power failure, anyone in the bathroom will be able to find and turn on the light
• Periodic Grab bar maintenance will keep your grab bars safe and attractive

Here's a helpful and inexpensive idea for toilets. The optimal toilet seat height varies from one individual to another. It's easy for most people to sit down or get up from an 18 inch high seat. However, this seat height often creates problems with bowel movement. Many older people need to assume a squat position, with their knees above the level of their buttocks. Toilets mounted at a low height would resolve this problem, but they create problems for persons who have difficulty getting up and sitting. A simple block which raises the feet slightly helps to resolve the problem.

Here's a helpful and inexpensive idea for people with difficulty managing lower body clothing during dressing or toileting. For example when they stand up their pants fall down out of reach. Also for people who must use one hand to hold onto the grab bar and one to pull up lower body clothing. Take two small (2-4 inch) 'chip clips' and tie them to each other with string or ribbon. Attach one clip to the front of the pants and one clip to the front of the shirt before standing up. When you stand up the pants (or underwear) stay within reach. The clips can be kept next to the toilet (or next to the bed). These clips can be found in dollar stores and department stores for under $2.00.
 

Adjustable grab bars are height and/or width adjustable. Fold or Flip Down: These types of bars are mounted to a wall and can be pulled down for use, then folded back up against the wall when not in use. This feature may be needed if you have limited transfer space in your bathroom.

If you need help in deciding which bar would best meet your needs, contact DiaDot Disability Solutions customer service or consult a therapist skilled in home modification.