How To Choose Bathroom Rails For Elderly: Our Top 5 Picks
Improving independence often means, increasing safety in the home for an elderly person.
My role as a case manager for in-home aged care was to essentially make the house more suitable for their living as they age.
So it is incredibly important to consider bathroom safety for the elderly, as it is one of the most common areas in the home leading to falls and injuries.
That’s why we are going to address one of the most common solutions to assist in preventing falls in the bathroom: adding bathroom rails for elderly people to continue being able to use the bathroom safely and independently.
So you might be asking: how do we choose the right bathroom rails or grab bars, and what are the best options?
Table of Contents
How To Choose Bathroom Rails For Elderly
Choosing bathroom safety rails depends on a range of factors, but your main focus will be on what are the needs of the elderly person. And where do they feel they might fall.
Asking the right questions: where are they finding it difficult to navigate the bathroom, where do they feel unsafe, or feel they might fall, is a good place to start when considering the installation of safety rails in the bathroom.
It is also necessary to pay attention to the quality of the safety rail, its weight capacity, where it can be physically installed, and whether the walls can support rails.
We will talk about all these essential things one by one.
Choose Right Location
There are several areas where a safety rail can be considered.
The safety rails’ main purpose is to help an elderly person with balance, providing more stability and support preventing the risk of falls leading to injuries.
Considering this, it would be appropriate to install bathroom rails for seniors around wet and slippery surfaces. These areas include:
- Near Shower or bathtub area – Help you get in or out of the shower.
- Toilet area – Helps you get up and down safely on the toilet seat.
- Bathroom sink area – Provide support and stability while performing daily tasks.
- At the entry or exit of the bathroom – Offer ease to access the bathroom.
Design and Quality
You shouldn’t overlook the design and quality of safety rails. It should be made of sturdy material and provide strong grip, stability, and ease of accessibility.
The length and measurements of safety rails or grab bars must meet ADA standards.
Standard grab bars and safety rails typically come in 18, 24, 32, and 36 inches.
Right Measurement
No matter how good something is, if it does not meet the needs of the consumer, then it is not the right product for them.
That is why it is essential to select the safety rails according to the grip size of the elderly person and consider how it fits with the size of the bathroom and the placement of plumbing fixtures. If you are unsure, you can enlist an OT to complete an assessment.
For example, it is considered appropriate to install grab bars at a height of 33 to 36 inches from the surface in the shower area. Most of the time, a 24-inch grab bar is considered to be a good option for the bathroom.
Weight Capacity of Safety Rails
Ensure that the safety rail you choose for bathroom safety is lightweight but has a weight capacity of at least 250 lbs.
It should be slip and rust-resistant, and the safety rail should be strong enough to withstand the user’s weight.
Adjustability
Adjustability is the added benefit of grab bars or bathroom rails for the elderly. This feature allows the users to set or adjust the height or width of safety rails according to their convenience.
Our Top Picks of Bathroom Rails for the Elderly
Now, we know how to choose the right safety rails or grab bars for the bathroom.
Let’s look at our top picks for bathroom rails for seniors. This list will help you choose and decide the right option for your bathroom.
Medical King Toilet Safety Rail
This medical-grade bathroom rails for toilet is perfect for those who struggle with balance issues. It is portable and adjustable, that’s why you can use it as per your need whenever you want.
Key Benefits
- It is height and width adjustable.
- It is portable and foldable, so after using it, you can fold it to free up space in the bathroom.
- This product comes with padded handles that offer comfort and a sturdy grip while reducing pressure on the wrists.
- The legs of the safety rails come with suction cups that offer secure and sturdy placement of the safety rails.
- A rustproof aluminum frame has been used to make this bathroom safety rail. Due to this, it is durable and lightweight.
- This safety rail can hold up to 300 pounds of weight.
Pros | Cons |
Weight capacity is 300 pounds. | The suction cups of rail legs may occasionally wobble, but this is rare. |
Durable and lightweight. | |
Adjustable, detachable, and foldable. | |
Rustproof and slip-resistant. | |
Easy to use with padded handles. | |
Easy to assemble and install. |
Vive Bathroom Rails For Toilet
Vive toilet safety rails are a safe and compact way to enhance bathroom safety for the elderly. This toilet frame compromises all the necessary features that are a must for bathroom safety.
Key Benefits
- The toilet rails by Vive are compact and easy to install and require no assembly.
- It comes with padded armrests for comfortable and firm support.
- These bathroom rails for elderly help in sitting on and off the toilet seat comfortably and safely.
- Although these bathroom rails for toilets are compact, they can hold up to 300 pounds of weight.
- The handles of Vive toilet rails are width-adjustable and can be adjusted between 17 inches to 20 inches.
- These toilet safety rails are made of a corrosive-resistant aluminum frame, hence durable and lightweight.
Pros | Cons |
Easy to install and no assembly required. | The space between the armrests of this toilet safety rail may be narrow for some users. |
Rustproof and slip-resistant. | The handles may not be very sturdy sometimes. |
Width-adjustable, durable, and lightweight. | |
Weight capacity is 300 Pounds. | |
According to company norms, this product comes with a lifetime warranty. |
Vaunn Adjustable Bathtub Safety Rails For Seniors
The bathtub safety rail by Vaunn is compact, easy to use, and perfect for seniors, dealing with limited mobility. The best part is that it doesn’t take up much space in the bathroom.
Key Benefits
- It has an adjustable clamp that can easily attached to 3 to 7 inches of tub wall.
- This safety rail is made of corrosion-resistant heavy-duty stainless steel material that makes it durable.
- This bathtub safety rail is portable and lightweight and weighs only 6 lbs.
- This bathtub safety rails for seniors can hold up to 300 lbs of weight.
- It uses a strong lock mechanism to securely position the rails on the tub wall.
- It provides smooth and easy transfer in and out of the bathtub.
Pros | Cons |
It is durable, lightweight, and comes with an adjustable clamp. | Suitable for only smooth and flat tub walls. |
It is compact and portable. | It doesn’t come with an adjustable height feature. |
Weight capacity is 300 lbs. | Handles can be slippery sometimes. |
Easy installation and no assembly required. | |
Perfect for both left and right-handed users. |
Moen Stainless Steel Bathroom Grab Bar
Bathroom grab bars by Moen are known for their best quality, design, and finishing. This product is designed according to ADA standards, considering all bathroom safety requirements for seniors.
Key Benefits
- This grab bar is made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel material.
- It is durable and lightweight and can be easily installed on bathroom walls.
- The Moen grab bar can hold up to 500 lbs, offering a sturdy and stable grip.
- This product comes in multiple length options ranging from 18 inches, 24 inches, 30 inches, 30 inches, 32 inches, 36 inches to 48 inches.
Pros | Cons |
Easy to install. | It is a fixated grab bar, so you will not get the option of adjustability. |
This heavy-duty grab bar comes in multiple options. | |
Lightweight and durable. | |
Affordable and designed as per ADA norms. |
Stander Security Pole and Curve Grab Bar
The benefits of this 2-in-1 Stander pole and curve grab bar are multifold. It can also be used as a transfer pole and grab bar and its use is not limited to the bathroom only, but can also be used in various parts of the house such as the living area and bedroom.
Key Benefits
- Users can use it as a transfer pole to move from one place to another. It can also be used as a grab bar, with the help of which one can sit or stand anywhere easily and safely.
- The curved grab bar can rotate 360 degrees and lock it at the desired location.
- The Stander Security pole bar is height adjustable, its height can be adjusted between 7 feet to 10 feet.
- Installation of this safety aid does not require drilling. Rather, it is tension-mounted equipment, held securely between the floor and the ceiling.
- This product is made of powder-coated steel which makes it durable.
- Rubber pads are provided on the top and bottom ends of this safety grab bar which protects the floor and ceiling.
Pros | Cons |
Benefits are multifold. | At the maximum height of the Stander security pole, it can be a little wobbly. |
It can be used as a transfer pole and a grab bar. | |
Durable and height adjustable. | |
The curved grab bar comes with a 360-degree swivel and lock feature. |
MontVoo – Rubber Non-Slip Quick Dry Super Absorbent Thin Bathroom Rug
Although this is not a safety rail, you might also want to purchase a bathroom mat/rug by MontVoo. This rug offers a thin base to reduce it being a tripping hazard, it also soaks up water, after stepping out of the shower. A perfect accessory to any bathroom rail.
Key Benefits
- Has anti-slip rubber to reduce slipping in the bathroom or on any wet floor.
- Can suck up dripping water within 0.5 seconds when you come out from the bathtub or shower.
- Durable without problems caused by fibers, like shedding, fading, wearing, dirt, or hair-hiding
- Comes in different sizes and colors.
- Washable and fast drying.
- Can you be used in different areas of the home – laundry, kitchen, entry door.
Pros | Cons |
Thin which reduces it being a tripping hazard | Some might consider it too thin |
Stops pooling of water. | Shipped rolled up – will need to unroll and let settle. |
High-quality material. | |
Fits under doorways and shower doors | |
Comes in different sizes and colors. |
Looking for more support items? Check out our sponsor at Avacare Medical.
Conclusion
So, here we are!
By implementing these simple yet effective bathroom safety measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of falls and injuries for your elderly loved one. Remember, even a minor fall can have devastating consequences, impacting their mobility and independence.
Investing in bathroom rails empowers them to maintain their self-sufficiency and navigate their daily routines with greater confidence.
This, in turn, fosters a sense of dignity and well-being, allowing them to age comfortably and safely within the familiar surroundings of their own home.
Don’t wait for an accident to happen. Take proactive steps today to create a safer bathroom environment for your loved one.
FAQ: Bathroom Safety Rails for Elderly Caregivers
Why are bathroom safety rails important for the elderly?
Falls are a major risk with 80% of falls occurring in the bathrooms. Safety rails provide stability and support, preventing falls by allowing a senior to hold onto something stable. They can improve independence by allowing seniors to navigate the bathroom safely.
How to choose the right bathroom rails for an elderly person?
Needs Assessment: Identify areas where they struggle with balance or feel at risk of falling.
Quality and Design: Opt for sturdy, slip-resistant rails with a good grip. Consider ADA standards for length and measurements.
Right Location: Install rails near bathtubs/showers, toilets, sinks, and the bathroom entrance/exit.
Measurements: Choose rails with a grip size suitable for the elderly person and consider bathroom size and fixture placement. Standard grab bars are typically 18″, 24″, 32″, or 36″ long. Ideal height for shower rails is 33-36″ from the floor.
Weight Capacity: Ensure the rails can support the user’s weight (typically at least 250 lbs).
Adjustability: Adjustable rails allow for customization based on the user’s needs.
Our Top Picks for Bathroom Rails for the Elderly:
Medical King Toilet Safety Rail: Portable, adjustable, with padded handles and suction cups for secure placement. (Weight capacity: 300 lbs)
Vive Bathroom Rails for Toilet: Compact, easy to install, with padded armrests. (Weight capacity: 300 lbs)
Vaunn Adjustable Bathtub Safety Rails: Compact, easy to use, with an adjustable clamp for tub walls. (Weight capacity: 300 lbs)
Moen Stainless Steel Bathroom Grab Bar: Durable, corrosion-resistant, with multiple length options (18″-48″). (Weight capacity: 500 lbs)
Stander Security Pole and Curve Grab Bar: 2-in-1 transfer pole and grab bar, height-adjustable with a 360-degree rotating curved grab bar. (Tension-mounted, no drilling required)
Bonus Tip: Consider adding a non-slip bathroom mat like MontVoo’s quick-drying rug to further prevent slips.
Remember: Prioritize safety! Invest in high-quality rails that are properly installed. Bathroom safety rails can significantly improve an elderly person’s independence, confidence, and well-being in their own home.