Aging in Place: Where Should You Place Safety Bars?

Safety bars, also commonly called grab bars, are designed to provide convenient handholds for those who need a little extra stability in order to safely navigate their San Juan Hills, California, home. Bathrooms can be especially challenging for homeowners with mobility issues, which is why they are the most common place to install safety bars. But there are a couple of things to keep in mind when deciding where to position them.

Next to the Toilet

The wall next to a toilet is a popular location for a grab bar, but if you have a standard-height toilet, consider replacing it with a comfort-height toilet first. The extra height will make standing and sitting easier. You can then add a horizontal safety bar about six inches above the seat to provide an optimally positioned handhold.

Inside and Outside the Bath/Shower Enclosure

If you have a traditional tub/shower combo in your San Juan Hills, CA, bathroom, horizontal grab bars should be installed about 30 inches above the floor and be as long as possible to create a handrail across most of the wall. At that height, it’s low enough so the bars can be easily reached when taking a bath, but high enough for them to provide stability when showering. A vertical bar should also be installed next to the faucet to provide a handhold when turning the water on and off. If you have just a shower stall, the horizontal bars should be slightly higher (34 to 36 inches) so they’re just above waist height.

A grab bar positioned outside the bathing enclosure is also a good idea. It should be close enough to reach easily while standing inside the tub or shower and high enough so you don’t have to stoop to grip it.

How to Install Safety Grab Bars

Finally, it’s important to make sure all safety bars are properly installed so they’re firmly attached. The best way to do this is by screwing them into the studs behind the wall. At Reborn Bathroom Solutions, we offer a full line of bathroom renovation services for homeowners in San Juan Hills, CA, including installing safety bars, and accessories that improve confidence and convenience for those planning to age in place. Contact us today to learn more about all of the products and services we offer.