Getting older gives you wisdom, maturity and makes you more practical. However, old age has its downsides too. As we grow older, our strength, flexibility, and balance start diminishing/reducing. As a result, even simpler daily tasks start becoming tricky.
A number of practical mobility aids come in handy for retention of long-term independence in your old age. Grab rails is one of the important mobility aids for use in washrooms and bathrooms.
There are several variants of grab bars or rails available in the market.
So, let's understand the various grab rail variants and their areas of application.
Straight Grab Bars
This variant attaches directly to the wall and runs in a straight line. You can position it either horizontally or vertically or somewhere in between as per your preference and convenience. In general, metal or sturdy plastic constitute these grab bars.
However, as you need to screw them directly to your wall, make sure you hire a qualified professional to get them installed.
A vertically fitted grab rail may serve as a general balance aid during the use of the sink or dressing or undressing. A horizontally-fitted grab rail helps raise yourself from or lower down to a sitting position from a commode or shower seat.
Think about your requirements and its placement before installing them.
Angled Rails
This variant is available with a bend in either the middle or towards its one end. This bend can be lesser or equal to 90°. In general, people choose to keep the lower end horizontal with the upper end pointing upward.
The upper part serves as a hand hold and helps maintain a neutral wrist position, while the lower section allows you to rest your forearm while providing more support and comfort.
Floor-to-Ceiling Rails
These rails are like long vertical poles that stretch from floor to the ceiling encompassing the full height of your room. Generally, people use them in bedrooms, but sometimes are suitable for bathrooms as well.
Some models are stand-alone, while some others have additional horizontal rails fixed to poles, commonly around waist-height. In several cases, this additional rail swivels in the direction you prefer.
One thing to understand while fitting these rails is that you should find such a spot where they don't block the way and yet offer necessary support when required.
Bath Rails & Tap Rails
Bath rails provide sturdy support to hold on to while going into or coming out of the bath. They fit on the bath with screw clamps to hold them and to convert them into a support bar that reaches above the side of the bath.
Tap rails fit within the bathtub itself and have taps at one end. They fold down across part of the bath to provide support. They fold up against the wall and occupy lesser space when not in use.
Well-Mounted Fold Down Rails
Usually, these have an elongated U-shaped design of large diameter metal and are ready-to-install directly on the toilet. They provide a sturdy horizontal support rail when deployed.
You generally find them in care clinics, hospitals or toilets for disabled, but you can also find them in domestic settings. It has one advantage over other variants - you can fit it on either side of the toilet and not compulsorily close to the adjacent wall. It is available in various sizes and you can pick one based on how far you need the rail to protrude from the wall.
Some of them have also a plinth, making it possible to fix them on the floor in the desired position. Most of the models are available with a 'flip' mechanism. You can flip them against the wall with the help of a locking mechanism to prevent them from falling.
Summing It Up
'Grab rails' is one of the vital mobility aids that can help you use your bathroom and toilet independently. They can give you the much-needed support for standing and movements like rising or lowering in your bath, toilet or even bedroom.
However, they would serve you the best only when you choose the right variant. Considering the above-discussed points and consulting a medical professional can help you arrive at the right decision easily.
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