Hand Rails and Grab Bars

 

Traditional housing design does not take into account issues related to dimming vision and potential human frailties, and as a result your home actually contributes to your problems. The failure to make your home safer contributes to potential falls and the end of life as you know it.

The first and easiest steps to safety should center on the instillation of grab bars and handrails. Your goal should focus on being able to get in and out of your house safely and in being able to move around your house without fear of falling. This includes figuring out how to get in and out of bed, dress, and toilet yourself without putting yourself at jeopardy. Simple changes can make a huge difference in people’s lives. Living independently and safety is important to a seniors’ mental and physical well-being.

It is important to install grab bars around the room, wherever a holding on place may be needed. Grab bars are available in many beautiful finishes, colors and design so they can actually be a stylish accessory as well as a safety feature.

Adding handrails to a long rail or living area can offer the extra support needed to move safely throughout the house. Handrails should be installed along every stairway (preferably on both sides) both inside the home and outside around decks and walkways. Handrails should be considered for any location where there is a change in floor levels. Choose a rail that can support your weight and look for a rail, preferably a round design that is easy to grip between thumb and fingers. The rail should be installed a 1 ½ from the wall in order to prevent an arm from sliding through and being trapped.

Think about how you move around your house and map out where to place bars and rails accordingly. Through the use of innovated products and accessible design, it is possible to help maintain personal independence as well as promote safety.