Ever since the ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act) was made concrete in the U.S. constitution in 1990, changes have been implemented to ensure the comfort and safety of people with disabilities.
Now, you can personally safeguard parts of your home for disabled loved ones. Something as simple as toilet grab bars can play a crucial role in guaranteeing this.
Below are basic facts about grab bars and how to install them the right way.
5 Benefits Of ADA Grab Bars
Wall-Mounting
The first and most important tip to remember is that bathroom walls should always be mounted with grab bars. There has to be at least one on each wall division. For example, if your bathroom is lined with four walls, add four grab bars consecutively.
The Americans With Disabilities Act was updated so that both public and private residences follow through with the number and proper placement of assistive devices, particularly in areas that see constant access and use.
Tub-Shower Duo
Bathrooms with both a tub and a shower are recommended a minimum of two grab bars—one for the standing shower. The second, for the tub, support getting in and out of the vessel itself.
According to the ADA, the bars’ locations should be as follows: the back wall or the side where the tub’s lengthwise rim is situated. As for the second, on the wall, whether the tub base (width rim) is. For the latter, one on each side will be preferable and considered is safest.
The tub wall’s longitudinal side is to have bar measurements of at least 33 to 36 inches. On the other hand, the width portion must-have bar measurements from 8 to 10 inches. You can change said measurements to fit your bathroom’s wall dimensions.
Full Standing Shower
If you own a standing shower, there are requirements tailored for this very section of the bathroom as well. It’s crucial to install a vertical support rod right at the entrance of the walk-in shower. This will serve as a tool for immediate stability.
It will prove helpful, especially if your loved one often moves about using mobility aids, and said devices need to be left outside of the shower stall while bathing.
One or more angled bars can be mounted next to recessed shelves and/or removable shelves for bathing amenities.
A chest-level handlebar underneath the showerhead is another you can set up.
Bath Tubs
For regular tubs that don’t have a shower, it would be best to affix grab bars nearest the rims. In fact, there are bars which are designed for this very specification, to differentiate them from regular wall-mount handles.
Toilets
A minimum of two grab bars is required for toilets. One right above the tank, if your toilet has an external tank. The next should be on the right wall, or where the toilet roll holder can be found.
Should you wish to position a 3rd on the remaining wall, feel free to do so. There’s no such thing as “over-equipping” when it comes to the safety of disabled persons.
