A person with disabilities can benefit greatly from grab bars. However, proper installation is key to ensure they can be relied on. Many people make the mistake of thinking a towel bar is the same thing as a grab bar, but the truth is they serve different purposes. Towel bars can’t withstand much more weight than a wet towel itself, while grab bars are designed to hold a person’s body weight when installed properly. Here are some of the guidelines you should know to install your grab bars properly.
ADA Standards
When a professional installs grab bars in your home, they know the accessibility standards to ensure the appropriate guidelines are followed. For example, the space between the bar and the wall should be 1.5” to allow for a comfortable grip. There shouldn’t be any objects within 12” of the grab bar, so nothing will interfere with a person from holding onto it when needed. These accessibility standards are important to follow to ensure the grab bars work effectively when needed.
Consider Your Personal Needs
Regarding the height, location, and other factors of grab bar installation, you have to consider your personal needs. If you are a tall person, you might have to have grab bars installed slightly higher than normal. Most people use grab bars by the toilet and shower or bathtub, so the next time you use those, try to visualize the perfect spot where you would want to grab for ultimate comfort and convenience. Don’t forget to consider the aesthetic appeal either. There are plenty of different options available to ensure you get the products that function great and look even better.
Have A Professional Install Your Grab Bars
While grab bars might seem simple enough to install yourself, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. If you have any doubt about the quality of your installation skills, have a professional install them. When you go this route, you can have peace of mind knowing the bars are anchored to the wall as strongly as possible so you or your loved one can rely on it to hold you up when needed.
The team of professionals at Next Day Access wants to help you install your grab bars or other mobility products. Peace of mind can be hard to find, but one way to find it is by having your mobility products installed professionally. We follow all of the ADA guidelines for compliance and can satisfy your personal needs as well. Check out all of the options we have available, and contact us when you’re ready to schedule a free home assessment.
