Grab Rails: Types and Benefits
Grab rails are one of the mobility aids like grab bars, shower seats, etc., that helps the elderly to move around the bathroom without the fear of slipping or falling. These rails provide support to hold for elderly whenever and wherever they want. You can install these rails anywhere in your home, like in the bathroom, living room, bed, etc.
There are various types of grab rails available so that you can choose them as per your elderly’s requirements. Let us have a look at those types:
Types of Grab Rails
Bath Rails
If the elderly have trouble getting in/out of the bath, then you should opt for clamp-on bath rails. These rails will provide support and stability to them while using the bathroom.
Straight Rails
You can fix these rails horizontally, vertically, or diagonally on the wall on any surface. It is usually made of metal or plastic at lengths ranging from 30cm to 90 cm.
Angled Rails
You need to fix the angled rails on the wall. These rails allow both vertical and horizontal support. These rails are helpful for people who have painful wrists. You can fix these rails as per your elderly’s requirement.
Floor to Ceiling Rails
These rails are vertical rails that one can attach from the floor to the ceiling. They can be helpful to get in/out of the bathtub or getting up from the bed.
Dropdown Rails
You need to fix these rails to the wall and then fold them down to give the elderly horizontal support to push up from the bathtub, bed, etc. These rails are either straight or looped. These are commonly useful in public bathrooms for the disabled.
After knowing about grab rails and their types, let us know why you should install these rails for the elderly?
Benefits of Grab Rails for Elderly
Getting in and out of the shower, bed, and walking around the home can often be difficult and risky for the elderly. There are many factors that can be responsible for this, like wet floors, weak knees or wrists, other mobility issues, etc. And here, you can use the rails to provide the elderly with support and safety. Additionally, these rails also add a stylish touch to your home if you go for colors or types of rails that complements your walls.
Increased Mobility
This is the most important benefit of grab rails for elderly. Even if the elderly is suffering from any mobility limitations, these rails ensure that they are provided with support with safety. Also, you can fit these rails not only indoors but outdoors too. This way elderly can have a good walk in the evening without the fear of injuries by grabbing the rails.
Reduces Risk of Injuries
Safety is one of the vital benefits of installing these rails around your elderly’s daily places. These rails reduce the risks of injuries by supporting complex tasks such as going to the bathroom, taking a shower, or simply walking around.
Provides Independence
Especially for elderlies living alone, this factor is essential. No one likes to call a caretaker for every small thing like getting up from bed, showers, assistance while walking, etc. Because this hampers the elderly’s freedom. Thus, to let them enjoy their independence, you can install the required grab rails for them at every place they need help. Also, these rails provide privacy to the elderly while performing daily activities like using the bathroom.
Before installing grab rails, ensure you are well aware of your elderly’s mobility situation. Here, taking advice from a doctor is advisable as the doctors know better about their patients and will suggest you the ideal grab bar for them as per their situation. Also, you need to have a professional install these rails to ensure safety and eliminate the risks. You can even go for multiple safety solutions like grab bars, shower benches, wheelchairs, etc., as per your elderly’s requirement.
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