A toilet grab bar is one of the most important items in the home of a senior citizen or someone with mobility problems. Also known as safety bars, toilet bars can keep you and your family members feeling safe and independent no matter how old they may be. As you can imagine, an effective and safe installation of such bars is vital to make you feel safer. It can also help you enjoy more peace of mind as you won’t have to worry about the bars snapping off or breaking.
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, also known as ADA, has specified a few guidelines that all toilets grab bar vendors and stairlift vendors need to comply with. These guidelines are designed to ensure that services are standardized and that everything is safe. So, if you’re wondering whether you should install vertical or horizontal toilet grab bars, do keep in mind the following:
- There has to be at least 1 ½-inch of space between the toilet grab bar and the wall. This will help people have enough space to get a firm grip on the bar itself.
- There has to be a diameter of at least 1 ¼-inch. This is important because it allows for a comfortable grip
- There cannot be any projecting objects for at least 12 inches above the grab bar. The reason behind this is that if someone happens to slip, there won’t be something getting in their way when they try to grab the bar for help.
So, should you get vertical or horizontal grab bars?
According to ADA guidelines, all you need to ensure is that the grab bars are properly placed on the sidewall that is located the closest to the toilet. When this is done, it makes sure that people who need help with sitting or standing or shifting from a wheelchair over to the toilet seat, get the help that they need. Based on the standards that are set by the ADA, there should be a grab bar that is placed right on the wall behind the toilet for additional support.
Now, it really depends on the space that you have whether you want horizontal toilet grab bars or vertical ones. You should test out both to see what is more comfortable for you or your family member.
Can you install a toilet grab bar on your own?
A grab bar is mainly used to ensure that people can move in the bathroom with ease. This depends on secure, professional installation. When the grab bars are not installed properly, the situation can be quite dangerous for the person who needs to use it. This is why it is better to call professionals and let them handle the toilet grab bars installation themselves. These people can offer a variety of mobility solutions for your home or the home of your loved ones.
