The older I get the more comfortable I am around grab bars and hand rails. Everyone young and old can agree the grab bars or hand railings are a definite advantage in the shower stall when washing your feet. But, a long hallway or a large stair landing always stays safer with well mounted hand rails too.
Grab Bar Installation
Any grab bar or hand rail is only as safe as the backing it is anchored into. Backing is wood blocking or concrete installed behind the drywall, plaster or finished shower walls such as fiberglass, marble or cultured marble. The grab bar backing must be 2" by 6" blocks minim 6" long or two (2) layers of ¾" plywood minim 6"by 6" stacked, glued and screw through the face of the drywall.
If proper steps like those mentioned above are not taken serious injury can occur if the grab bar would pull out f the wall unexpectedly when pressure is applied.
Grab Bar Location
Another Senior Safety tip for effectively and safely installing grab bars involves the placement of grab bars. Good placement of grab bars and safety handrails is anywhere you need to change your elevation slowly, steadily and under control. If the grab bar will be used when seated, mount the bar on a slant starting low and close to toilet or other seated location at a maximum of 24" above the finished flooring. The bar should be slanting upward toward the direction of egress. This will ensure that the person using the bar for support can reach it comfortably and get the most help possible from the grab bar.
Safety railings and grab bars can eliminate falls and promote stability and confidence to every one who could need a hand. For more information about grab bars visit www.seniorsafetystore.com
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