6 Best Grab Bars for Around the House Safety in 2021 – Healthline

Grab bars can be especially useful in places like the bathroom where slick, slippery surfaces may cause you to lose your footing.

You can install a grab bar near the toilet or in the shower or bathtub to add stability, make movements easier, and prevent falls.

Grab bars add a measure of safety and provide a sense of security to anyone who may be prone to unsteadiness, slips, or falls. Limited mobility may be due to age as well as a medical condition, injury, or recent surgery.

Grab bars can make it safe for a person with balance or strength concerns to be more independent. Depending on your needs, you may choose to install several grab bars.

To choose the best grab bars, we considered the following criteria:

Prices are indicated as follows:

The Franklin Brass Concealed Screw Grab Bar is made of rust-resistant stainless steel to offer strength and support when using the bath, shower, or toilet. The wall-mounted bar only requires two to three screws. If you dont have studs, you can install the bar using a grab bar wall anchor, which Franklin Brass sells separately.

The whole bar overall is 19 inches long, with the center section being 16 inches.

Its design includes covers to conceal the screws; these end caps have a 3-inch diameter. A few customers complain that the covers dont fit perfectly. A few people said they popped off or were not tight enough to prevent water from collecting inside.

The sturdy design of the Moen 16-Inch Angled Grab Bar can provide safety while getting in or out of the bathtub. You can also hang on to it while you shower. The bar comes with mounting hardware and is meant to be installed into wood studs. You can position it in a few different angles to suit your needs. Some users may find the brushed nickel finish adds a stylish touch.

A few customers complain that the provided installation hardware is low quality, so you may consider buying your own.

This stainless steel grab bar from PULSE ShowerSpas features a soft, ergonomic grip thats designed for comfort. Its easy to install and mount on wood or metal studs. The bar attaches vertically or horizontally, and includes covers to conceal the mounting screws. The grab bar attaches to a towel bar, which is sold separately.

The Vaunn Medical Bathtub Safety Rail is designed to provide safety and support as you get in and out of the bathtub, helping to lower the risk of injuries and falls.

The heavy-duty steel rail is easy to install without the need for tools. The adjustable clamp fits on tub walls 3 to 7 inches (8 to 18 cm) thick without leaving marks or dents. Its designed to be lightweight and portable, so you can easily move it to another bathroom or bring it along when you travel.

You cannot use this grab bar on fiberglass or porcelain tubs since it can cause cracking.

The Able Life Grab Bar is a transfer pole with a grab bar that can provide balance and support when standing up, sitting down, or getting in and out of the bathtub. You can place it outside the bathtub or near the toilet. Depending on the design of your bathroom, you may be able to position it so you can use it for the toilet and bathtub.

The tension-mounted design requires no tools. It adjusts to fit ceilings 7 feet (213 cm), 8 feet (244 cm), or 9 feet (274 cm). The base and top are padded to prevent damage, markings, and scuff marks on the floor or ceiling. The portable design may be ideal for travel or to use in different rooms.

This product is not rust-resistant, so its not intended for use inside the bathtub or shower. The handle height is not adjustable, which may be a drawback for some people.

This wall-mounted grab bar features a horizontal bar and a vertical curved bar that rotates and locks into five positions.

The vertical bar has four hand grips so you can use the bar to step in and out of the bathtub or shower. It also works as a support when you use the toilet. It has a space-saving design and can fold up against the wall when not in use.

A few customer reviews mention that the vertical bar moves slightly, even when its locked into place.

Before buying a grab bar, consider the following factors:

To ensure safety, its vital to install the grab bar correctly. If you need assistance, ask a friend or hire a professional.

Once the grab bar is installed, pull it to make sure its secure if you have the strength and stability to do so safely. If you dont feel comfortable testing it on your own, ask someone to check it for you.

You can install grab bars onto various surfaces, including tile, stone, and fiberglass. Most wall-mounted grab bars require installation into a wall stud, which provides the most support. If its not possible to drill into a wall stud, you can usually buy anchors to secure the bar.

Usually, grab bars come with installation hardware but many people like to invest in stronger materials or source their hardware from a local hardware store. Youll need a drill, level, and hammer. Additional required materials include a screwdriver and tape measure.

Do not use a towel bar as a grab bar. For safety, only use a grab bar thats designed to support your weight and movements.

The wet surfaces in bathrooms can make falls more likely, making grab bars a valuable addition to your home, especially if you have strength, stability, or balance concerns. Theyre equally useful for anyone who wants to make their bathroom safer.

Consider how you plan to use the grab bar, the installation process, and any important design features. You can use this list and the provided guidance to find a grab bar that matches your needs.

If you need help installing the grab bar on your own, seek the help of a friend or hire a professional to ensure safe, secure installation.

Read more here:
6 Best Grab Bars for Around the House Safety in 2021 - Healthline