Grab Bars & Bathroom Safety
Evaluation
Creating a safe bathroom is not a one-size fits all solution. Development of the appropriate grab bar and bathroom safety solutions depends upon thorough assessment of the user, caregiver (if any) and environment. Although, national best practice standards are helpful in determining the proper placement of grab bars, each case should be evaluated independently to achieve maximum effectiveness. The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) generally does not apply to private residences, however many of its principles may apply. The user’s height, weight, strength, independence and device usage need to be considered as does the availability and ability of a caregiver to assist in the process. Finally, we account for aesthetic preferences and budget. Our proprietary evaluation process will ensure that we match the most appropriate products to your particular situation in order to create great solutions that are as safe and cost effective as possible. Our experience of over 30,000 grab bar installations and thousands of bathroom modifications give us the confidence to help you, whatever your challenge.
Grab Bars
Grab bars are the most common, and arguably the most effective, senior home safety modification and no one has installed more than us – over 30,000 and counting. To be safe and effective, the grab bars must be properly selected, properly positioned and properly installed. We use only code compliant, attractive and non-rusting stainless steel grab bars in a variety of finishes and lengths to meet the need and décor. Our technicians are thoroughly trained in the proper placement of the grab bars for maximum benefit and minimum aesthetic impact. Finally we use proprietary techniques and best of class fasteners to ensure a sturdy installation regardless of the wall construction – even in Fiberglas shower enclosures. Don’t risk the safety of your loved one (or the beauty of your home) to anyone less than a true grab bar expert.
Our standard grab bar is a high quality stainless steel bar with a chrome finish and slightly textured surface in the grip area. Most of our clients appreciate the non-institutional look and match with their existing chrome or satin nickel fixtures. Our technicians carry a wide variety of sizes on their trucks at all times so as to be able to both assess your needs and install in a single efficient and non-disruptive visit.
For those wishing a more contemporary look, our deluxe bar is an attractive and versatile alternative. It is terrific as a towel bar replacement as well, and again, is well stocked in every vehicle.
Of course, we can also special order bars to match your décor and preference, and we are happy to install bars that you have purchased as well.
Shower Adaptations
Confident and independent bathing is essential maintaining one’s dignity, health and well-being. Minor shower adaptations can be life changing. Removing sliding glass shower doors from a tub shower enclosure, adding a transfer bench, hand-held shower, grab bars, shower curtain and shower rod is one our favorite solutions to create a safe bathing experience immediately and very cost effectively. We carry with us a broad range of solutions to be able to make these commonly needed modifications right then and there on the spot. But, we also have knowledge of and access to a wide range of seating, support and transfer solutions that can make a major difference in bathing independence without permanently modifying the shower. We always start with the simplest and most cost-effective suggestions, but of course we can help with more involved solutions as well.
Shower Conversions
When a wheelchair accessible shower is needed, we have the perfect solution. We prefer BestBath modular shower enclosures for their fabulous appearance and lifetime warranty. These fabulous systems enable us to create beautiful and accessible showers in a matter of days. Whether it’s replacing a tub or just eliminating a shower curb, we create barrier-free solutions with seating, support and accessible controls everyone will appreciate, whether or not they have physical limitations.
Toileting Assistance
Toilet solutions typically involve either raising the height, adding support or both. We have over a dozen alternatives to make toileting safer, easier and more independent including quality risers, rails, Toilevators, fold-down grab bars, safety frames, commodes, bidets, ADA toilets and lifts. But even more importantly, we assess your needs and guide you to the solution that will work best for you in your particular bathroom. As with most of our services, we carry numerous alternatives with us at all times enabling us to get you in business to do your business more safely in a single visit.
Walk-in Tubs
We do not like walk-in tubs for the vast majority of our clients. It may be unusual for a business to talk you out of a sales opportunity, but this is just one example of the genuine and expert advice you will receive from us. Adherence to our core values requires us to only recommend solutions which are truly in our clients’ best interest. To clarify a little bit, walk-in tubs are a great solution, but they are not for everyone. If you really need the hydrotherapy they provide and understand all of their costs, limitations and trade-offs, then we are happy to provide the best of class solutions for you. But first, we want to make sure you have considered other potentially safer and less costly solutions. To start or further your education as to whether a walk-in is the right solution for you, check out our white paper on the subject.
Traction Surfaces
Slips often lead to falls. Traction enhancement solutions for bathrooms can make a big difference. We have a range of coatings, mats and tiles that provide great traction and require minimal maintenance. Traditional rubber bath mats require frequent cleaning and are often challenging to remove and replace for each use. We prefer solutions that remain in place at all times and require only infrequent cleaning.
Custom Equipment Solutions
We have experienced nearly every combination of possible user and environmental challenge and we love to bring that experience to bear on new customer challenges. A vast array of products exist to help individuals with different physical limitations and space constraints, including solutions with high weight ratings for bariatric (obese) individuals.
Our telephone consultations are always free. Give us a call right now.
We take pride in leveraging our experience and expertise to guide our clients to the most appropriate and cost-effective solution for their particular situation. We will not recommend or provide a product that we do not feel is safe for both the user and the caregiver. Since we are a comprehensive home modification provider, we will always guide you to the safest and most cost-effective solution. Please tap in to our knowledge, even if it is just for a second opinion.
Case Study
Learn how Home Safety Services helped a veteran with a degenerative muscular condition improve the safety and dignity of his toileting, making it more safe and hygienic.