Cost-Effective Grab Bars for Bathroom
Grab bars for Shower. Image of Ponte Giulio stainless steel grab bars, shelf, shower seat, handheld shower head in white tile shower with dark blue paint and patterned shower curtain.
Are you worried about moving around safely in your bathroom?
Maybe you want to make changes, but you’re on a budget?
Hey, we all are!
If we haven’t met yet, I’m Maria! I’m an occupational therapist with experience working with people in nursing homes, the hospital, and community! I help people make the best changes in the bathroom so they can take care of themselves.
I’ve whittled down my equipment recommendations to a few must-haves that are cost-effective and impactful for keeping you safe in the bathroom.
First things first, I gotta say that stainless steel bathroom safety equipment is always going to be your most economical choice. Ponte Giulio has a vast stainless steel collection that matches your safety needs with your budget.
Plus if you watch my video below, you’ll see that the stainless steel looks pretty snazzy in my bathroom! Let me know in the comments if you like (or dislike) the stainless steel look!
Okay, on to the recommendations!
Take a look at the Ponte Giulio stainless steel grab bar collection!
1) Shower Entry
Every shower on planet Earth needs a grab bar at the shower entry! Per the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), the number one place for people to fall at home is when they step out of the shower.
Consider placing a stainless steel grab bar vertically at the shower entry. I like a good ol’-fashioned vertical placement because a majority of people are able to grip comfortably at that angle.
Here are some tips on how to choose the right length for a grab bar:
a) Stand next to the wall where you want to place the grab bar and bend your elbow at a right angle.
b) Mark a spot on the wall next to the palm of your hand.
c) Repeat A and B for people in your household using the shower.
d) Put in a longer grab bar for greater height disparities or a shorter grab bar if less height disparities.
For instance in my household, I needed a 32” long grab bar to accommodate the needs for my two-year-old, my 6’ tall husband, and me (I’m 5’4”).
If you’re not sure that a vertical grab bar is right for your shower entry or you need help deciding the length, contact your friendly neighborhood occupational therapist!
2) Shower Seat
We all go through times where we feel tired, sore, or sick. Maybe you’re recovering from back surgery or a leg fracture.
No matter what life throws your way know this: sitting while showering helps keep you from falling.
That’s a fact!
I prefer a shower seat that’s mounted to the wall like this small rectangle-shaped one by Ponte Giulio.
If it’s possible, put the seat next to your water controls so that they’re easy to reach!
You can sit and relax while sudsing up, conditioning your hair, exfoliating your feet, shaving your legs, humming a tune . . . you know, whatever you normally do in the shower!
This shower seat has a loading capacity of 600 lbs! Seventy-five percent of that weight is supported through the legs.
You can rest easier knowing that you’re staying put on that seat!
After you’re finished showering, you can fold the shower seat against the wall out of the way! Folding the shower seat is great for households with multiple people using the shower. Everyone has a choice to sit or stand while showering.
It’s a win-win!
Bonus tip: Place a corner grab bar or straight grab bar in a horizontal position close to the shower seat to help with sitting and standing!
It feels comforting to use your hands and feet to stand up from the slippery, wet floor!
3) Grab Bar by Toilet
Last but not least, my personal favorite, a grab bar by the toilet!
Grab bars next to the toilet help you sit and stand in your time of need (wink wink*)!
There are so many choices of stainless steel grab bars. One you may consider using is a 90 degree wall to floor grab bar because you can put it next to the toilet if there isn’t a wall there!
It has an outrigger that provides additional load bearing support. You can choose to have the outrigger on the right or the left depending on your bathroom set up. Place the outrigger away from your feet so there’s no way you’ll trip on it!
Sidenote: Ponte Giulio also offers 90 degree wall to floor grab bars with no outriggers. They give you lots of options!
So tell me in the comments below, are you looking for bathroom safety equipment on a budget? What do you think of the stainless steel look?
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(Hey, did you know we have an awesome online course for people who have a hard time wiping after using the toilet? It’s an awkward topic that you can learn how to solve in the comfort and privacy of your own home! Learn more about the course HERE!)
Hard Time Wiping. Image of blue swoop.