It might sound ridiculous, but bathroom falls are the most common cause of injury in the elderly. A quick walk into the geriatrics department of any hospital will convince you of this fact. From my interaction with some of them at a nursing home, I realized that they could do with a little bit of help in the bathroom using grab bars.
If you intend on getting a grab bar for an elderly friend or aged parent, there are several options from which you can select. This article talks about one of the most popular grab bars in the market – the AmeriLuck Suction Grab Bar. While you can hop right in and buy just any product you want, we feel it is essential that you compare the pros and cons of the product first. So, here is our complete review of the AmeriLuck Suction Grab Bar.
Overview
The AmeriLuck Suction Grab Bar is a product of AmeriBright brands. It is one of the best options available in the category of suction grab bars, especially because of its safety features. The bathroom can be a dangerous place for the elderly. With cases of several slips and falls since bathrooms generally tend to be wet and slippery, grab bars make an ideal choice. When used correctly, they can drastically help reduce falls and slips.
That being said, unlike most grab bars, the AmeriLuck Suction Grab Bars are recommended as a balance aid rather than supporting the full body weight. This is because it uses a pressure suction system, unlike grab bars that are installed using hardware screws and secure mounts. The way the suction system works mostly depends on a pressure lock system. Generally, this is more secure and sophisticated than screws and nails, especially with the light indicators.
The AmeriLuck Suction Grab Bar comes with safety indicators and a space of 4 inches’ grip part. This ensures the bar is securely positioned before use. Also, the manufacturer’s guide contains safety information on how to use the grab bars. It also comes with step-by-step installation instructions.
This product is relatively affordable and extremely useful for anyone with balance problems, especially seniors. Additionally, this product features a one-year warranty against any manufacturing defects and dysfunctions.
That being said, it is highly recommended that you use this product only on flat tiles, glass, fiberglass, and acrylic surfaces. Uneven surfaces should be avoided as it might not allow the grab bar to fix properly. With the kind of style, product design, and adequate weight support that the AmeriLuck Suction Grab Bar provides, it is sure to be the best choice out there.
Pros
- 16.5 inches long grab bar
- Relatively affordable
- Functional light indicators
- ADA Compliant
- Tool-free installation
- One-year warranty
Cons
- Suction force might reduce when wet
What is the AmeriLuck Suction Grab Bar Made of?
The AmeriLuck Suction Grab Bar is a light-weight bathroom guard rail made from stainless steel and treated plastic. It contains rubber discs and springs that control the safety indicator system of the product.
Perfect as a gift for the elderly, the AmeriLuck Suction Grab Bar works fine for a dependent senior. It is recommended that this product is not used to support full body weight because the suction system could fail if the pull force is greater than the recommended level.
Our AmeriLuck Suction Grab Bar Review
This review is based completely on the first-hand experience of our reviewers while using this product. After thoroughly and carefully using it for quite some time, they have made these comments that might help you decide whether this is the right product for you. So, let’s see if the AmeriLuck Suction Grab Bars are the best grab bars for you.
Easy to Install (8.6/10)
I bought the AmeriLuck Suction Grab Bar for an elderly person I know. I didn’t want to opt for grab bars that were screwed to studs outside the shower, as I did not wish to drill into the fiberglass shower partition. But after the initial installation, both the suction cups came off within 24 hours. I thought maybe I had installed it incorrectly, so I researched the internet and found out that layering a little bit of petroleum jelly around the edges of the suction cups helps. And it worked! Both the bars held well and my friend still continues to use them.
Once correctly installed, they hold steady. I asked my friend to always check and make sure that the indicators are green before using the bars. AmeriLuck Suction Grab Bars are always great for anyone who is recovering from surgery since you can move the bars around. Overall they are actually easy to install and can even be placed at different angles, depending on your requirement.
Sturdiness and Stability (8.2/10)
The AmeriLuck Suction Grab Bars are extremely sturdy and reliable. I was actually hospitalized for a few months and when I came back home, I felt weak and was scared of slipping or falling in the shower. When I consulted my physical therapist, she recommended these grab bars. And it has been smooth sailing since then! The suction is quite powerful and holds on securely. Also, the indicators make it extremely easy for you to know whether the grab bars have been installed properly or not. I always make sure that the indicators are green before holding on to the bars. These bars work well on clean and flat tiles.
The suction power of the grab bars is extremely impressive. When I tested the suction power, the shower wall literally pulled forward in unison with the grab bar. It was actually quite reassuring. Even the length of the bars is great, allowing you to grab anywhere along the bar. I would highly recommend this product for anyone who needs a little bit of stability for their day-to-day activities in the bathroom.
Value for Money (8.2/10)
Honestly, I preferred AmeriLuck Suction Grab Bars to the other options I had and not just because it is relatively affordable. I installed it on a cheap fiberglass shower, and it holds well. It clamps well and provides stability and security in the bathroom. I have been using it for quite some time now and I feel it was definitely worth the money. I would recommend them as a long-term purchase and hence the 8.2 score.
Final Verdict 8.3
The AmeriLuck Suction Grab Bar has an overall score of 8.3, which makes it quite a decent buy for anyone who needs some help in the bathroom. They are reliable, affordable, and easy to use, which makes these bars a good product in this category. If you think that the features of these grab bars are just what you have been looking for then go ahead and buy them today.
[FAQ’s] Consumers Questions and Answers
What is the length of the smaller handler?
The grip length is 9 inches of the 16.5-inch version.
What is the weight capacity of this product?
This suction grab bar is designed to only help people balance and hold steady when showering. This product is not meant to support the whole weight of an adult.
Does the indicator require a battery? If not, how does it reflect the colors?
It does not require batteries. The indicator works using a spring and rotates when there is enough pressure.