Written by Hulet Smith, OT
If you truly think about it, a bathroom is the most dangerous room in your house. It’s slippery, small, difficult to maneuver about, and full of hard objects like the counter and toilet. While most people don’t consider the importance of grab bars, they greatly reduce the risk of injury from slips and falls in the bathroom. Grab bars, otherwise known as assist bars, are an important addition to any restroom for shower and bath safety, but especially those of aging adults.
 | 1) Tile Grip Portable Suction Grab Bar View Product |
Grab bars must be able to support your entire body in the case of a slip or fall. When purchasing a grab bar, look at the weight capacity and ensure it is well above your weight for utmost safety. While some descriptions will include a weight capacity (representing the recommended users’ maximum weight), others will include a maximum applied force. Generally, your applied force will be lower than your weight (unless you are completely standing or jumping on the assist bar), so if a grab bar can support the same applied force, that is still an excellent choice for you.
Assist bars come in various materials, including metal, plastic, and foam. In terms of grip, you should find an assist bar that you can easily hold onto without your hands slipping. This can include grab bars with built-in grips like a textured handle, or an additional foam grip secured to the grab bar to help stabilize you. While this may appear to be a minor detail, it is crucial for your safety. If you fall and your hands slip from the grab bar, it will not protect you as it should.
Lastly, grab bars vary greatly in terms of installation and portability. The ideal choice for you depends on your specific needs. Are you looking for an assist bar you can take while traveling? Are you capable of more difficult installations? Do you want to use this grab bar in multiple locations? Depending on your answer to these questions, the ideal shower and bath safety grab bar can change! For instance, suction cup grab bars are easily transported, while some are directly mounted to the wall and cannot be moved easily but are sturdier and more durable.
The CDC recommends installing grab bars in your bathroom to prevent falls. Grab bars are an extremely important safety measure, whether you have balance or mobility limitations. We recommend that everyone have something to grab in case of a slip or fall in the shower.
While grab bar locations may vary depending on the shower or bathtub, it is recommended that showers be placed on the side opposite the entrance and under the showerhead. Grab bars in freestanding tubs should be on the outer rims near where you enter and exit.
Grab bars should generally be between 18 inches and 24 inches long for the long side and approximately 12 inches for the short wall.
We recommend installing two grab bars in the shower. Due to the risk of falling, having one on the showerhead wall and one on the wall beside you is extremely important.
As a rule of thumb, a vertical entrance bar should be utilized on the showerhead wall near the shower entrance. A horizontal grab bar should be installed on the side wall. Some individuals may choose to angle the side wall assist bar.
The ADA requirements vary depending on the type of shower or bath. For standard showers without a seat, grab bars are required on three walls and must extend to within 6 inches of the next wall. Grab bars are only required on two walls for showers with a seat. They cannot overlap or impede on the seat. Roll-in showers for wheelchairs only require two grab bars. One bar must be installed on the back wall and another on the side wall furthest from entry. You also must ensure that no other objects attached to the wall are blocking the grab bars. Additionally, for grab bars to meet ADA requirements, they must be installed between 33 and 36 inches above the floor.
Generally, yes! Suction grab bars are a great way to increase safety and provide support, especially as a temporary balance while stepping over a barrier or completing a task while standing in the shower. However, they are less dependable than other types of grab bars. For instance, they must be placed on a completely smooth surface, and not all showers are made of entirely flat tile, and they are found to lose grip over time. Suction grab bars are great for supporting balance issues, but most are not meant to support someone’s full weight.
 | HealthSmart Folding Shower Grab Bar View Product |
Coming in at number 5 is the Folding Shower Grab Bar by Mabis HealthSmart. An essential safety device designed for bathroom safety for individuals with limited balance or mobility. This versatile grab bar can support up to 250 pounds, providing exceptional support for users. It features a space-saving design that folds up against the wall when not in use, ensuring it doesn't obstruct the shower space. The grab bar also includes a built-in toilet paper holder for added convenience and has two gripping heights to assist users in both sitting and standing positions. Made from durable 1-inch powder-coated steel with stainless steel screws, this grab bar is built to last and significantly reduces the risk of slips and falls in the bathroom.
 | Drive Medical White Powder Coated Grab Bar View Product |
The White Powder-Coated Grab Bars by Drive Medical offer a practical solution for enhancing bathroom safety. Our choice for the number 4 spot is made from durable steel and coated with an attractive white powder finish, these grab bars are designed to be both long-lasting and easy to clean. They can be installed either vertically or horizontally, allowing for versatile use based on individual needs. The bars have a 1-inch diameter and protrude only 1.5 inches from the wall, ensuring they provide adequate support while conserving space. Ideal for anyone with limited mobility, these grab bars are perfect for aiding transitions such as getting in and out of the shower or bath, or sitting down and standing up from the toilet.
 | Heavy-Duty Metal Grab Bar by Vive Health - Supports Up To 440 lbs. View Product |
The Heavy-Duty Metal Grab Bar by Vive Health, our number 3 choice, is a strong and versatile solution designed to enhance safety and stability in various rooms, including bathrooms and kitchens. This grab bar can support up to 440 pounds, making it ideal for a wide range of users, including older adults, individuals recovering from injuries, and children. Available in 12", 16", and 24" lengths, these grab bars can be installed vertically, horizontally, or at an angle to suit specific needs. The product includes all necessary mounting hardware and comes in four finishes: black, white, nickel, and bronze. The heavy-duty stainless steel construction ensures durability and resistance to humidity, making it perfect for use in high-moisture areas such as showers and bathtubs.
 | Lumex Bathroom Grab Bars From Graham Field View Product |
The Lumex Bathroom Grab Bars by Graham Field provide optimal support for individuals needing extra stability while bathing. These heavy-duty grab bars can support up to 250 pounds and are designed with a rust-resistant construction, ensuring longevity even in high-moisture environments like showers and bathtubs. Available in five different lengths, and can be installed horizontally, vertically, or diagonally to suit various bathroom layouts and user needs. The bars feature knurling for an optimal grip and mount one and a half inches from the wall, providing a secure and accessible handhold. These grab bars are a reliable choice for enhancing bathroom safety and independence.
 | Tile Grip Portable Suction Grab Bar View Product |
Placing 1st on our list is the Tile Grip Portable Suction Grab Bar by Bridge Medical. Featuring a suction cup attachment, this assist bar is extremely functional and easy to use.
The 3.7-inch suction cups offer a very strong hold, enough to support your weight and easily fit within standard 4-inch tiles. At its smallest, the grab bar is 15 inches long but can expand up to 18 inches! You can also place this grab bar horizontally, vertically, or at an angle.
It is extremely simple to install and can be moved to any location within your shower. Easily lock and unlock the suction technology without the need for any tools by using the tabs on each handle. At only 3.5 pounds and with such an easy set-up, this grab bar can even be easily taken on any overnight stays and vacations. Allow Bridge Medical to equip you with the Tile Grip Portable Suction Grab Bar and stay safe even on the road!
Grab bars greatly reduce the risk of injury while using the shower or bath. Whether you are a child or an aging adult, grab bars can protect you in the case of a slip or fall. Why risk injury when a simple and easy-to-use tool can be installed directly into your bathroom?
We chose the Tile Grip Portable Suction Grab Bar by Bridge Medical as our top option due to its exceptional ease of use, portability, and strong suction cup attachment, which offers reliable support and flexibility for various installation angles and locations. You can even take it with you for safety on overnight stays and vacations.
If you’re still unsure what assist bar is best for you, visit Caregiver University for more caregiver tips, tricks, and buying guides!
Co-founder/CEO of Rehabmart, Pediatric Occupational Therapist, husband, and father. Passionate about connecting special needs kids with superb nutrition, sensory integration, and complementary health strategies. Excited about Rehabmart's mission to become the premier online educational platform which empowers caregivers by spotlighting innovative devices and interventions to achieve optimal patient response and recovery.
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