Getting out of the bathtub or shower can be a difficult thing for some of us. According to a recent study conducted by the Center for Injury Research and Policy of The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, more than 43,000 children 18 years and younger in the United States are treated in hospital emergency departments annually for injuries occurring in a bathtub or shower. On an average, 370 persons of all ages sustain injuries from bathtub/shower daily in the United States, according to the National Safety Council. There is a solution to help solve this glaring problem. Grab bars.
Grab bars are often associated with hospitals and public restrooms. Don't let that perception fool you. Having a grab bar installed in your bathroom can be the difference between safely getting out of the bathtub/shower or heading to the emergency room. Grab bars help prepare you for those slippery steps getting out of the bathtub or shower. Most associate bathroom falls with the older population but getting in and out of a bathtub/shower isn't easy, regardless of age. Younger people suffering from an injury (sore knee, sprained ankle, broken toe, etc.) face an extreme amount of difficulty getting out of a bathtub or shower.
Grab bars reduce the risk of a fall by offering support while getting in and out of the bathtub or shower. Installing a vertical grab bar inside your shower 18 to 24 inches from the shower head can help in safely entering and exiting the shower. When installing a grab bar for someone with an injury or disability, have that person help you find the best location. Wall-mounted grab bars typically are more stable than tub mounted bars. That's if they are installed properly into walls that are in good condition, Tub-mounted bars attach directly on the bathtub, so you have to be cautious as they can easily detach when used incorrectly.
Keep your family safe and prevent bathroom falls by installing a grab bar. Not sure where to start? Let Mr. Handyman help you! Stay on top of all your household repairs, improvements and maintenance needs by calling us or request service in your area.
