★
Top 5
Bathroom Grab Bars for Elderly
by Kalobios
Seniors, despite their age, generally have issues surrounding mobility. Although most institutions and establishments have made room for ramps and several other technological advancements that might make this easier, there is a need to improve the circumstances in their homes.
Admittedly, they spend most of their time indoors. One of the activities that come up daily in their schedule is using the bathroom. The bathroom in itself can be potentially dangerous for anyone since it is mostly wet and poses risks for slips and falls. Bathroom grab bars widely eliminate this risk for seniors.
We have taken out the time to compile and discuss 5 of the best bathroom grab bars for the elderly. Some of these grab bars can also be used as shower handles or even in the kitchen. It all depends on which capacity you need them to function in.
Best Bathroom Grab Bars For The Elderly
ZUEXT Chrome Stainless Steel Bathroom Grab Bar
Pros
- 16 inches’ stainless steel shower grab
- Bathroom balance bar
- Concealed wall mount handle
- Relatively affordable
- Supports up to 500 lbs. of pull force
- 2 years’ free replacement warranty
Cons
- Plastic anchors
ZUEXT Chrome Stainless Steel Bathroom Grab Bar is a product of ZUEXT. It is a 16 inches’ wall mount concealed screw grab bar for bathrooms and sidebars. It combines superior quality and classic designs that ensure stability and safety for users, mostly seniors. One of the generally marketable highlights of this product is that it does not sacrifice style for function.
With a sleek design, it blends elegantly into the style you have in your bathroom or whichever room you are using it in. Unlike most grab bars, ZUEXT Chrome Stainless Steel Bathroom Grab Bar has two screws per side for a secure mount and provides installation flexibility.
Frankly, being safe is easier than you think, especially when you are using ADA compliant products. This product is designed to support up to 500 lbs. of pull force, which broadly covers most seniors. Rarely would you find any senior who has a pull force greater than that. Keep in mind that anything can happen, accidents may occur, but it is safer to prevent it before it does.
Interestingly, this product features a two-year free replacement warranty. This ensures that you can replace it with another set in case of defective products or return with a refund if you do not like the product. This product will serve you for years if you follow the maintenance instructions strictly.
Moen R8924 Grab Bar
Pros
- 24 inch concealed screw bath bar
- Versatile design
- Safe and secure
- Hassle-free installation
- Variety of finishes
- Supports up to 500 lbs. pull force
Cons
- Some packages do not contain secure mount brackets
Moen R8924 Grab Bar is a product of the multi-sided Moen Brand. Asides from the R8924 Grab bar, there are other similar products and other household tools produced by this brand. This product features a versatile design with a polished stainless finish that blends with any decorating style.
When installed with studs and secure mount, Moen R8924 Grab bar supports up to about 500 lbs. of pull force. While this ensures that the product is safe and secure for use as one of the best grab bars for seniors, the Secure Mount hardware is not included in the package.
Regardless, this product is designed to feature a hassle-free installation. It is also backed by the brand’s limited lifetime warranty. Generally, it is known that the customer is the central focus of the designs of products from Moen. That said, it is no surprise that most of their products, including this, features customer-centric designs, which make everyday activities all easier.
This product is ADA compliant, making customers more assured of safety. The bar is about 24 inches in length and weighs approximately 500 lbs. The bar also boasts a concealed steel finish and screws, which come off nicely, especially for customers who enjoy a clean design. The installation is also simple and does not require any fuss.
Moen 8724 Home Bathroom Grab Bar
Pros
- 24-inch bathroom grab
- ADA Compliant
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Safe and secure
- Coordinating finish
- Supportive design
Cons
- You need to order Secure Mount hardware separately
Moen 8724 is another product from Moen, a brand known for interesting customer-centric designs and high quality. This product is a 24-inch bathroom stainless grab bar with a coordinating finish. In fact, it sports a lightly brushed metallic look. This stainless finish blends with most kitchen appliances and accessories. This is important because Moen 8724 Home Bathroom Grab bar can also be used in the kitchen and around stairwells. This product is considered safest when mounted on studs using Secure Mount Hardware, but you will need to order that separately – an idea that doesn’t sit well with most customers.
The product is built to last and supports up to 500 lbs. for bath, shower, or toilet, this is the right product to secure your safety. The handhold is reliable, even when wet, and can be easily installed at any angle. This product combines a beautiful blend of functionality, style, and durability.
Interestingly, it is relatively affordable and with proven customer satisfaction. Moen 8724 Home Bathroom Grab bar has the same lifetime guarantee that most Moen products have. This means that you have the opportunity to get a replacement when you need it.
Carex Suction Grab Bar
Pros
- Ultra-grip shower handle
- Suction shower grab
- Powerful dual-locking suction cups
- Tool-free installation
- Color-changing indicators
- Supports weight up to 300 lbs
Cons
- The suction system might fail in a defective product
Carex Suction Grab bar is a product of Carex Health Brands. It is one of the most popular suction shower grabs because it features powerful dual-locking cups. Generally, most seniors are wary of using suction grab bars because it could lose pressure at the wrong time. This concern is laid to rest with the installation of locking suction cups. While this might assure users of its safety, it is considered to be a risk to use suction shower grabs.
These suction cups work on non-porous surfaces, flat surfaces. This also includes tiles, glass, fiberglass, and acrylic surfaces. Unlike grab bars that use screws and secure mount hardware for installation, Carex Suction Grab bars can support 250 lbs. While this product may be confirmed to be secure, it is not an excellent fit for seniors and elderly who might weigh 250 lbs. or more.
Interestingly, the grab bar also has a color indicator that changes from red to green when it is correctly fastened to the surface. This changing color indicator is quite glaring, and you would know when the bar is safe to use.
Additionally, since the bar uses suction cups, there is no need for installation hardware. Kindly note that you have to press the cups onto the surface firmly – the higher the pressure, the greater the suction cups hold.
AmeriLuck Suction Grab Bar
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
AmeriLuck Suction Grab bar is a product of AmeriBright. It is one of the best options of suction grab bars, especially with its safety features. The bathroom can be a dangerous place, with several nonfatal accidents occurring there since it can be wet and very slippery. If grab bars are used correctly, they will drastically reduce the risks of these occurrences. That being said, unlike most grab bars, AmeriLuck suction grabs are recommended as a balance aid rather than supporting the full body weight. This is because it uses a pressure suction system, which is not as reliable as hardware screws and Secure Mount.
Although several suction grab bar options are available on the market, AmeriLuck Suction Grab Bar trumps most of them with the safety indication features 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 grab bars.
This product is relatively affordable, and it is an essential household tool 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 tile, glass, fiberglass, and acrylic surfaces. Uneven surfaces or areas of tile grout should be avoided when fixing AmeriLuck Suction Grab Bar.
What to Look for When Buying Bathroom Grab Bars?
In all, getting the perfect bathroom grab bar for yourself or a loved one isn’t a stroll through the park, especially if you have no idea what to look out for. Just before you splurge your hard-earned dollars on any products, here are some important qualities to look out for.
Easy to Install
It is essential to consider the ease of installing your bathroom grab bars before purchasing them. Keep in mind that not everyone is handy with tools. This is more important if you are getting it for seniors, perhaps your grandparents. Consider if they will install it on their own, in case there is no one around to help with it. So, whether you pick suction grab bars or secure hardware mounts, be sure that it is effortless to install.
Additionally, products with an instruction guide should be considered before those who expect you to figure it out. Some of these products have clear, easy-to-follow instructions, sometimes visual demonstrations that guide you through the process. Also, check that the products do not have sharp edges that could injure the installer or subsequent usage. Conclusively, be sure that the grab bar you are buying is the best fit for the surface you want to install it on.
Sturdiness and Stability
Keep in mind that accidents that occur in the bathroom can be fatal. This will guide your purchase decision into ensuring that the product you buy is sturdy and stable. Some products have safety features that help them stay secure to the wall, while some don’t.
Before you invest in bathroom grab bars, be sure that it is made from high-quality materials and is stable for use. It is advised that you use products that are ADA compliant since they are certified for use. Also, some products have a specific weight range that they can support. This will come in handy in determining if it is the best fit for the user.
Furthermore, check out the differences between products with studs and secure mount hardware and others that use suction pressure. One way to verify this is by checking customers’ reviews around this quality. Of course, you will not want to buy a product that is wobbly and might rip off the wall, would you? Most products boast of an elegant finish on the steel. Nonetheless, look deeper for the things that matter the most.
Value for Money
Looking beyond the gloss and elegance that the product has, which is one thing that most manufacturers might boast of, how certain are you that you aren’t being ripped off? The value and quality of the bathroom grab bar product that you buy must be sufficiently proportionate to the amount you pay for it. Although most products have an inviting warranty, be sure that you can get a replacement for a defect or even a refund when needed.
Critical qualities such as support for pull force, sturdiness, stability, easy installment, and maintenance, among others, should be considered before others, such as elegance and general outlook. This is in no way to say that elegance and general view do not matter, but they are more secondary than primary. Whatever you decide on, be sure that you are buying the best quality products to assure great returns and customer satisfaction.
Summary
Picking the best bathroom grab bars for the elderly does not have to be a daunting task, especially if you keep the pointers in this article.
You could try out any of the best 5-bathroom grab bars that we have selected, or you could use the guide to find other products that are better suited for your needs. Whichever the case may be, you have all the information and knowledge required to make a great choice.