How to Install Bathroom Safety Bars for the Elderly
While most people are familiar with the horizontal safety bars, there are actually three types of bars used for bathroom use. In addition to the horizontal safety bars there are vertical models which look like poles with a pattern on the surface to enhance friction. There are also angle safety bars, which are bent in an L shaped configuration. These are best used in situations where the person using them will require both hands to get safely in and out of the bathtub.
It is best to consult with a doctor or other professional when choosing what will be best for your bathroom. It is also important to make sure that you buy bathroom safety bars that are specifically manufactured to help the elderly or disabled out of a bathtub. This will allow you to make sure that they are strong enough to hold an elderly person’s weight to prevent a fall. They also often come with detailed instructions to make sure that they are installed properly and should be followed carefully.
Because horizontal safety bars are the most commonly used by the elderly in a bathtub, this tutorial explains how to install this particular bathroom model. When installing them you will need a stud finder, an electric drill, a level, and tape measure. It is important to figure out the appropriate height to install them before you begin. This can vary according to the person using the bathroom, so be sure to place them at a height that is easily gripped when someone is standing in the bathtub.
Once you have figured out the height for the bathroom safety bars, the installation is fairly straightforward. Locate the studs that are in back of the bathtub on which you wish to install the safety bars. Mark where you would like to install each screw you need to install the bathtub safety bars, making sure that each is aligned with a stud. Then use a drill bit to make a pilot hole for each screw that is smaller than the screws you will be using. If you are drilling through tile, be sure to have a sharp masonry bit to do the work.
With the pilot holes drilled, you can then install the safety bar by using the screws that came with the kit to secure the bar. With the safety bars installed, you might want to do a bit of testing to make sure that you have installed them properly. Grabbing them and giving them a sharp yank is a good idea before you ask anyone to use them.
Installing safety bars can prevent an elderly user from falling in the bathtub, but only if they are properly installed. If you are unsure if you can complete this tutorial successfully, it is important to call a professional who can install them for your elderly relative.
