Life can be dangerous and difficult for anyone suffering from limited mobility. For the elderly or the immobile, showering can be an incredibly arduous task, and the installation of a shower rail could be the difference between a close call and a catastrophic accident. Slip and fall accidents are the leading cause of death after car accidents, and most falls occurring within the home do so in the bathroom.
There are a number of factors to consider before installing a shower rail. Material and placement are probably the most important. Traditional shower grab bars are made from metal, but wood and PVC pipe is also common. Each of the materials has its pros and cons. While metal is sturdy, it becomes slippery when wet, and although wood can provide excellent grip, it is subject to mold and rot that can sacrifice its security if not properly maintained.
Placement is vital. Shower grab bars should be positioned in a place where you can reach them should you fall. A popular and effective place is between the showerhead and controls. Avoid placing the rail too high, as this will not help you in the midst of a fall.
Fittings are also incredibly important, and should be checked frequently to ensure that the rail is tightly secured to the shower walls. During installation, long screws should be used in order to make the grab bar as sturdy as possible. Fittings should be checked periodically by the installer to make sure the rail is not working itself loose.
Whenever possible, the person should select the location and material or persons who intend to use them. Nobody knows you or your personal ailments like you do, and selecting these things for yourself based on your own unique mobility issues is the only way to go. When making these decisions, make sure to do so in a way that will provide support when entering—but particularly when exiting—the shower.
Never substitute the shower arm for a sturdy grab bar. Shower arms are not designed to hold a person’s weight and are likely to give way, which could very likely result in an injury. Two out of three accidents are slip and falls, and every hour an elderly person dies as a result of such incidents.
What it all breaks down to is necessary precaution, and as the statistics indicate, a sturdy shower rail can save you from injury, hospitalization and even death. The most important things to consider when installing a shower grab bar are material, placement and the fittings used to secure it. The integrity of the bar should be checked periodically to guarantee its usefulness, and it should be installed according to your unique needs.
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