Install bathroom assist bars

After marking the hole locations, use a center punch to create a small depression that will keep the pilot bit from skating.

Then use a carbide grit hole-saw similar to this one, to bore through the tile. And the reason it's so strong is that those anchors are spreading the load over a rather large area on the back side of the wallboard. So, if your bathroom doesn't have a grab bar, well now would be a good time to consider it because the job has gotten a whole lot easier. Product Information The stud-free mounting system demonstrated in this video is available from Moen.

For more information, click here. Astronaut John Glen received a serious concussion in a bathroom fall that markedly restricted his physical movements. The point is, grab bars are an important safety feature and are easy to install.

Up until recently, the only secure way to install these devices was to attach them to an interior wall stud. This innovative mounting system allows you to mount a grab bar anywhere you want it without regard to wall stud locations. This video demonstrates how to do it in both wallboard and tile. Not everyone is in a position to do a project themselves. That's why I've partnered with HomeAdvisor Powered by Angi to provide you with free quotes from qualified local professionals.

A guide on how to make DIY drawer liners that stay put and keep loose items inside your drawer from shifting. This technique will allow you to create drawer dividers that are moveable and adjustable for any drawer in your home. If you've already cut a large diameter hole with a hole saw and now need to enlarge it, you'll need to know this trick in order to get it done right. Protect yourself and your family from falls by installing a grab bar in your home's bathroom. This type can be installed at any place on just about any wall.

Have your project done by a local, qualified professional. Blog Articles. December 14, How to Make Moveable Drawer Dividers This technique will allow you to create drawer dividers that are moveable and adjustable for any drawer in your home. December 03, How to Enlarge a Hole with a Hole Saw If you've already cut a large diameter hole with a hole saw and now need to enlarge it, you'll need to know this trick in order to get it done right. Again — test it out with your senior loved one.

Another option is to use freestanding toilet safety rails or an attached toilet frame around the commode. These are a foldable frame kind like a walker that you place between the toilet tank and the back of the toilet seat. The legs fit on either side of the commode. There should be a minimum of 3 grab bars in a standard shower stall. They should be position in the following spots:. I repeat, these are standard positions. I would recommend to test it out with the person who will be using them.

Read here about how to install grab bars on tile or fiberglass surfaces. Typically, grab bars in the shower should be installed 33 to 36 inches from the floor of the bathroom this is according to ADA Americans with Disabilities Act Standards. But I would strongly recommend to take into consideration the height and physical capabilities of the person you are installing these grab bars for.

If possible, go through a few simulations with them. Have them pretend to bath themselves, wash their hair, etc. Notice where a grab bar would be of assistance to them. It may be that for your older adult, only 2 grab bars would be necessary or perhaps four would be needed. The recommendations for where to install grab bars on the wall around the bathtub are the basically same as they are for showers which I mentioned just above.

The one addition that I would recommend is a clamp on bar. This great little device literally clamps on to the side of the bathtub — you can read more about them here. This works well if you are unable to install one on the wall to help you get in and out of the tub. When I was an Occupational Therapist there were very few choices when it came to grab bars.

But today — that has changed dramatically. They are not straight, instead they have a wave design it goes up and down and this can make it easier for some to grab and hold on to. The Flip — I mentioned one of these models above as an option to place by a toilet. Tension Rods — I also mentioned this model above as an option by the toilet but truthfully it can be placed anywhere in the home.

It can accommodate up to lbs. These are great for those very large walk in showers and could also work well for bathtubs too. Integrated Bars — These are really kinda cool. They are literally integrated with another item. Things like handheld shower heads, toilet paper holders, soap dishes, towel racks, shower faucets, etc. Suction Bars — These are not drilled into a stud, instead they adhere to any flat and non-porous surfaces. At this point in time I would not recommend to use these types of safety bars.

Products with strong suctions do work well but not for long. They will become loose within a few weeks or months.