Adding assistive devices to the bathroom is highly recommended for family members and guests of all ages to ensure a safe bathroom experience.
A standing shower handle is a great safety feature that can prevent accidental falls and will also encourage stability and confidence for seniors getting in and out of the shower. The handle can be a useful tool in building confidence for seniors who may be unsure or frightened during the process of using the bathroom because they don’t feel secure or stable. Pair these handles with a non-slip bath mat for extra precaution.
As humans age, it’s common that the body begins to wear down. As mobility and stability decline, it becomes more likely for a limb to give out than stand sturdy as it once did. This also makes it more difficult to adjust to quick movements, like slipping, to correct ourselves in order to prevent a fall or collision with an object. Investing in a sturdy shower handle can drastically improve the process of using the bathroom for older adults by offering necessary support, safety, and stability. Keep reading for options for the best shower stand handles for seniors and other essential bathing items.
Why Buying a Standing Shower Handle Is Essential for Seniors
In 2011, the Center for Disease Control established that falls in the bathroom are more frequent among older adults than in younger adults or children. The same study found that over 80% of falls in the bathroom involved older adults; 37% of these happened during the act of bathing, showering, or when trying to get in and out of the shower or bathtub.
Although there are a few different shower accessories that can improve safety in the bathroom — one of these being a non-slip bath mat — the most essential improvement is a standing shower handle. Such handles are definitive tools used for additional stability to prevent the possibility of an accidental fall.
What To Look For in a Standing Shower Handle
They Should Be Able To Support up to 250 Pounds
Standing shower handles –sometimes called "grab handles" or "grab bars" — must be able to support up to 250 lbs. Such a device must give a person confidence that they can put their full weight on the handle without it giving out on them.
There are other designs specifically made for individuals exceeding this weight limit that should be researched and thoroughly looked into before buying any brand of shower standing handle or pair of grab bars out there.
It Shouldn’t Move When Weight Is Placed Upon It
There are two different types of standing shower handles and bathroom grab bars: removable rails and permanent rails. The issue with removable grab rails is that they are more likely to move when pressure is placed upon them. The unreliability in this product is unsafe as a shift in weight, or the possibility of the removable rail simply giving out, can be a major safety hazard and cause an injury.
The purpose of a shower standing handle requires stability: It's more or less a safety “crutch” when getting into and out of the shower. If a person cannot place their whole body weight on the handle or bar, then it defeats the purpose of the product. This is why permanent shower standing handles are more desirable than removable ones, as a more reliable precaution to prevent potential injury.
It Needs To Come in a Certain Size Range
Sizes in shower standing handles vary, but the recommended size varies from roughly 24" long to a bare minimum of 12".
The 24" handle provides an opportunity for more accessible movement when bathing, or when entering and exiting the shower or bathtub.
It Should Comply With ADA Standards
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was set in place in 1990 and requires certain standards to be met in the prohibition of discrimination against any person with disabilities.
When investing in a grab bar of standing shower handle, it should comply with ADA standards. This includes the product being made up of heavy-duty 18-gauge brushed stainless steel, with a round, snap-on cover, and the ability to support 250 lbs of weight. The bar should have a diameter of 1.25" to 1.5" in width. The space between the bar and the wall should be 1.5". The flanges of the bar should allow for only the best durability and maximum strength.
How To Position a Standing Shower Handle
Horizontal Standing Shower Handle
When considering the positioning of standing shower handles, the horizontal placement is most necessary. Now, for horizontally setting up the shower handles, the handles should be aligned height-wise to the naval area of the person who will be using it. It should then be installed at the shower wall point, and made to fit the person in question. The handle user should feel comfortable holding the handle to get into and to exit the showering area.
Vertical Standing Shower Handle
To set up a standing shower handle in a vertical position, the installation should use the height equivalent to the elbow point of the person that will be using the handle. This particular position will aid in the movement of getting up after being seated in the bathtub.
by NLAAHCE
3 Best Shower Standing Handle Options for Seniors
NLAAHCE Store Shower Handle
Designed for seniors, people who are disabled, and elderly parents, NLAAHCE Store’s Shower Handle promotes safety and sturdy support while in the shower.
Features
This product features two grab bars with ultra grip dual locking safety suctions cups. They are clearly shower handles made with support and safety in mind.
Installation Notice
These shower handles feature a suction cup device that must be applied on a non-porous smooth surface — like glass or tile — and should not be applied on nor over a grout line. Before each usage of the shower handles, the shower grab bar must be reattached.
It’s also important to note that the shower handles cannot support one’s full body weight.
Great Support
These shower handles provide necessary stability and support when entering and leaving the shower or bathtub. This promotes a safe experience for seniors, along with pregnant women, people who are disabled, and children.
Warranty Information
As is the case with every NLAAHCE product, these shower handles have a 12-month warranty, so if the product is damaged or is unsatisfactory, simply contact NLAAHCE for assistance!
Reviews
NLAAHCE Store Shower Handle is rated at 4.2 out of 5 stars. There are a total of 2,869 global ratings; 66% of these are 5 stars.
Pros
In a 5-star review, one customer states that the shower handles had great suction power, were safe, and provided stability after their stroke. Their husband had an easy time installing them, and the customer states they feel comfortable using them when they are home alone.
“Solid as a rock!” — Another customer boasts how these shower handles were a solid alternative to installing permanent handles as they are both easy to install and safe to use.
Cons
“Keeps falling off!” — A 1-star review claims. This customer was having issues with the shower handles not sticking to their fiberglass stall shower. The company replaced the shower handles with new ones, which unfortunately, also ended up being damaged.
A different 1-star review complains that unless there is a flat surface and tiles longer than 4”, then buying these shower handles is not recommended. Due to this customer’s shower tiles being 4” and not larger, the shower handles fell on the grout lines, which ended up preventing the shower handles from properly suctioning to the wall to provide support.
by Vive
Vive Store Grab Bar for Bathtubs and Showers
Vive Store’s Grab Bar for Bathtubs and Showers are meant to be handicap bathroom safety rails for elderly people and those with limited mobility or balance issues.
Features
Featuring durable stainless steel, a stylish and clean look, a 60-day guarantee, versatile installation options, and improved bathroom safety, Vive Store’s Grab Bar for Bathtubs and Showers is an asset for seniors and others in need of a sturdy shower experience.
Installation Notice
The Grab Bars by Vive Store have a versatile installation setup, with the option to be horizontally or diagonally installed, or however is possible to suit the needs of the installer’s preferences. Installation on fiberglass, drywall, plaster walls, and acrylic is all possible with these Grab Bars.
There is another option for these Grab Bars to be able to be installed on ceramic tiles, but this process will require additional mounting hardware for installation.
Great Support
These Grab Bars are perfect for individuals, like seniors, who have limited mobility or balance issues. The Grab Bars are accessible for installation in the shower, bathroom, or any other indoor location as long as it coincides with the installation requirements provided above.
ADA-compliant, these Grab Bars provide maximum support up to 500 lbs (250 lbs per bar), improving stability and safety for users indoors.
Durable Material
Corrosion-resistant to exemplify the high-quality standards of Vive Store, these white metal stainless steel grab bars provide unrivaled support and stability.
Measuring 1.25” in diameter, these grab bars are made to nicely fit into all hand sizes, maximizing security and safety.
Warranty Information
Vive Store offers a 60-day guarantee to promote confidence in purchases of their product.
Reviews
Vive Store’s Grab Bar for Bathtubs and Showers is rated at 4.8 out of 5 stars. There are a total of 3,423 global ratings; 85% of these are 5 stars.
Pros
“An absolute necessity for the disabled or if you've recently had surgery” — boasts one 5-star review.
One customer rated Vive Store’s Grab Bar for Bathtubs and Showers 5 stars due to the flexible installation feature, durable material, and reasonable pricing.
A great addition to two of this customer’s bathrooms, this 5-star rating stated that the grab bars were not difficult to install if you have the right equipment and that they make for a nice addition to the bathrooms.
Cons
“Attractive bar, poor design” — states a 2-star review of Vive Store’s Grab Bar for Bathtubs and Showers. Per instructions, the flange covers should not be twisted into place until the bar is installed. Unfortunately for this customer, a few of the flange covers came already pressed into place, which required them to have to adapt and make adjustments in accordance with the design flaw to be able to immediately use the product. The design flaw extends to not being able to uninstall the grab bars if ever having to need to relocate them due to the one-time usage of the flange covers.
“Not black” — complains one unhappy customer in a 1-star review. According to a few other customers, the grab bars came in a shade of brown instead of black as described for the product.
by Vaunn
Vaunn Store Medical Bathtub Safety Rail
Vaunn Store’s Medical Bathtub Safety Rail provides safety, stability, and reassurance for its users. A majority of falls occur while getting in and out of the shower or bathtub, and Vaunn’s Medical Bathtub Safety Rail is designed as a safety precaution to prevent such an occurrence.
Features
Boasting plenty of safety features and a high-quality design, Vaunn’s Medical Bathtub Safety Rail is a security measure to prevent falls and provide safety precautions for seniors.
Installation Notice
No tools are needed for the installation of this bathtub rail.
Designed for quick and easy assembly and installation, Vaunn’s Medical Bathtub Safety Rail offers adjustable width. This makes it more proficient when having to adjust the Safety Rail for differently sized tub walls anywhere from 3” to 7” thick.
The company, Vaunn, also gives an important notice that the Safety Rail will leave no marks or dents upon the removal of the rail. It is essential to note, however, that this product should not be used on fiberglass surfaces.
Transportable
Due to its easy adjustment qualities, along with the installation and de-installation process, Vaunn’s Medical Bathtub Safety Rail can be transported to be installed in other bathrooms when needed. The lightweight material and easy installation process make for a simple yet effective product one can take on trips if traveling or simply move to a new living situation.
Great Support
Promoting bathroom safety, the Vaunn Medical Bathtub Safety Rail is a needed support for seniors. It is a necessary aid when getting in and out of the shower or bathtub in order to prevent falls and to provide reassurance and security in the bathroom.
Durable Material
The padded rubber clamp and the iron locking mechanism of the Safety Rail works to provide security for the rail by clamping it to the other side of the tub and remaining secure.
As this Safety Rail is specifically designed for heavy-duty intentions, it allows for a non-shaky grip when latching onto the one-piece steel frame. The construction also provides additional reinforcement with its heavy grip by boasting durable support for individuals weighing up to 300 lbs.
Pleasing Design
The pleasing design of this Safety Rail makes for a perfect addition to any household bathroom. The powder-coated, smooth-white stainless steel effortlessly blends in without any qualms.
Reviews
Vaunn Store’s Medical Bathtub Safety Rail is rated at 4.6 out of 5 stars. There are a total of 7,935 global ratings; 80% of these are 5 stars.
Pros
“Perfect for Safety” — claims a pleased customer review. After a knee replacement, and in the process of waiting for another, this happy customer raves that this Safety Rail perfectly fit her bathtub. The rail improved the process of using the bathtub for her by making it “very easy and very safe” when getting in and out of the bathtub. No longer is she afraid of the process of using her own bathtub and shower — not with the safety and comfort of Vaunn’s Medical Bathtub Safety Rail.
Another customer is pleased with how the Safety Rail aided her process of getting in and out of the shower. Dealing with quite a few serious painful injuries and a leg that suddenly collapses, the Safety Rail provided necessary comfort and safety in her weakened and pained state.
Cons
A 1-star review from a customer stated how displeased they were by the lack of proper, comprehensible instructions provided with the product.
One peeved customer was displeased with how low the Safety Rail actually was. Their husband is 5’11", and as a person standing at 5’4", the Safety Rail is too low for both parties in the couple.
Bathe With Security
No one should experience fear, anxiety, or stress when using the bathroom to bathe. Invest in one of these sturdy showers handles as an extra precaution or a daily safety “crutch” for seniors or people living with a disability to use when they get in and out of the shower or bathtub. Help improve your daily life by gaining confidence in your routine and feeling protected against potential injuries.
While your bathroom may need a couple of different adaptions to improve mobility, a shower handle is a perfect place to start. Pair it with a shower stool, and you'll be well on your way to creating a spa in your own bathroom!
