Bathroom grab bars are much stronger than regular towel racks. Towel racks are meant for holding towels and are not strong enough to prevent a person from falling if they grab it. Most bathroom grab rails are designed for at least 200 lb capacity and many exceed this limit. So a person can have confidence in grabbing one if needed.

Benefits of Grab Bars

1. Reduce Fear of Falling. Falling and having an injury is a primary concern of people as they get older. This is of greater concern in a place as slippery as a bathroom. Bathtub grab bars reduce that fear because they provide easy access for a place to catch and regain your balance.

2. Gains independence. A lot of people with unstable balance will wait until someone is at home to bathe or shower in case they need assistance getting up. Bathtub grab rails give them the confidence that they can manage without any help. This gives them more greater personal discretion on when to do this necessary daily activity.

3. Cost is Reasonable. Depending on the type of grab bar selected the cost with installation can range from $50 to $200. For the safety benefits that it provides tub grab bars are a wise investment.

4. Installation is simple. There are many installation guides for installing grab bars and most do-it-themselves persons can manage installation. If not, professional installation is not very expensive.

Types of Grab Bars

• Wall mounted Bathroom Grab Rails

This type is attached to walls around bathtubs, showers and toilets. They are permanently fixed into place and provide the greatest weight support. Professional installation of wall-mounted grab rails is recommended if you are not handy with tools.

• Tub mounted Bathtub Grab Bars
  

This type of grab bar is clamped to the side of the bathtub walls.  They are designed with pads that will not harm the bathtub sides. Although they provide some weight bearing capacity their primary purpose is to be available for a person to catch their balance.  They are removable and are great for installing for when you have guest with unstable balance.  Afterwards, you can remove them until next time.  Installation is with simple common handtools like a wrench and/or screwdriver and many models do not require any tools.

• Suction Cup Grab Bars
  

Suction cup grab bars are moveable and very safe and reliable. They can be used in either a bathtub or shower and are attached by simply pressing the bar against a clean smooth surface fastening their levers into place so no other installation is necessary. Since they are moveable it is easy to reposition them based for different individuals. My wife and I use a couple of suction cup shower grab bars that we adjust depending on which one of us is using the shower.

Installing bathtub grab bars is one of the most effective ways to improve safety in your home. Each type of bathroom grab bar comes in a variety of shapes, sizes and rail diameters so you should be able to find one that suits your particular preferences.

If this article has been beneficial to you, feel free to leave your comments below. All comments are valued and appreciated.

A bath transfer bench eliminates that dangerous first step into the tub for anyone with limited mobility. Until you recover, we recommend you consider using a bath transfer bench in combination with a handheld shower to make bathing safer and more pain free. Both of these disability aids are inexpensive and easy to install.

Bath Transfer Bench Overview

Bath transfer benches allow a person to sit down and raise their leg over the tub rim to enter into the tub area. They can come with a fixed extended seat, a sliding seat or a swivel seat style. Which one you choose is a personal preference since for most people either style will work. For assembly, most models require small hand tools like a screwdriver and some do not require any tools at all. Assembly takes only a few minutes. Cost typically run around $100 for a new one but you can find many good quality used ones at garage sales, in classified ads, or online at places like Craig’s list.

Transfer Bench Features

Transfer benches have rust-resistant legs (usually aluminum) with rubber suction cups for attaching to the bathtub inner surface bottom. The legs heights are adjustable so they can fit any bathtub style including deeper tubs like Jacuzzi style.

Most have a removable armrest that can be placed on either side of the bench depending on whether you enter you tub from the right or left. Always be sure to place the armrest on the side inside the tub area to provide additional stability while showering.

Bath tub transfer bench seats are water resistant with either holes or small openings for draining water while showering. A good quality transfer bench also has a backrest that can be used for support and resting. Several models come with padded seats and padded backrests for additional comfort.

A popular option is a transfer bench with a commode opening. If desired the commode pan can be removed and the opening provides access to wash the sensitive bottom body area without standing up.

Handheld Shower Overview

Once you have safely entered the bathtub you will need access to water and the best disability aid for that is the handheld shower. This kind of shower head lets the user direct the water flow where needed with one hand. Alternatively, you can purchase models that have an adjustable holder that allows the head to move to different heights and the user does not even have to hold the shower wand.

Typical models have adjustable pressures although the less expensive brands have just an on/off button. Some handheld shower models have different spray patterns that go from a massaging pulsating stream to a wide spray pattern. Styles come in chrome, plastic or brushed nickel and prices range from $20 to $50 for the lower end models but more expensive higher end models can go as high as $300. Price just depends on what features the buyer values.

They are easy to find online or at many pharmacies and installation only takes a few minutes using common house tools. A confident do-it-yourself type of person can manage it without the need to call a plumber for this job.

One thing to note is that both the bath tub transfer bench and handheld shower are not covered by Medicare because they are considered personal convenience items. But the benefits in preventing falls and reducing pain make them a good overall investment.

photo credit: Khaleeka

Typical wheelchairs lack the support and comfort that a larger body frame really needs. There are usually experts examining most challenges, looking for good ways of dealing with them. Just how would you attain the best results?

Understanding what features are most important could be the reply. Doing almost anything looks easy for those who know what to look for. And to get good results with buying a bariatric wheelchair you only need to understand a little more about what works and exactly what does not.

Please read on to boost your know-how.

Here then are 5 tips for buying a bariatric wheelchair:

1. Check for Body Weight Limits.

Why is this important?

You need to ensure that it will easily support patient’s weight. Capacity can range from 250 pounds up to 1000 pounds or more. From a safety standpoint it is very important to be sure the wheelchair you are considering has enough capacity.

2. Verify Seat Dimensions.

That is very important because the passenger’s comfort is based upon how well they fit within the seat. To accommodate wearing heavy winter clothing, you might want to have a couple of extra inches. Verify the seat width, seating depth, and height from the floor for the bariatric wheelchair models you are considering..

Also you want to check for the overall wheelchair width to ensure you can navigate the doorways in your home. With older homes, door frames may need to modified or door removed, but if it is necessary, it is better to know beforehand so you can include it in your budget. You don’t want to spend the money to purchase a wheelchair that is too wide to fit and find it our later. Do your homework!.

3. Check the Backrest Height.

The primary reason behind this is that the backrest is very important in preventing sores. Skin pressure lesions can form on the buttocks and being able to adequately distribute weight further up the back can help relieve pressure in the seating area. You may also want to consider purchasing a bariatric wheelchair cushion to provide extra support.

It’s also a very good idea if you plan to spend a significant portion of the day in the wheelchair to select one with a reclining backrest. Being able to reposition is very important in this case. In order to prevent back pain an adequately sized backrest should reach your mid shoulder blade while still supporting the apex of your back..

4. Check for Adequate Armrest Height Adjustment.

Why’s this a good idea?

Although, most wheelchairs have armrest adjustment, not all do. So check and make sure the adjustments will have a level that is comfortable for your patient. Determine the correct armrest height by measuring the distance from the seat to the forearm while it’s at a right angle. In many cases, the armrests are reversible so check to see if that will work as well. This is very important to prevent neck pain. .

5. Determine Whether Power or Manual Drive.

And just why is this important?

Many large patients will have difficulty powering their own wheelchairs under their own strength. If that is the case, then a bariatric power wheelchair would be better. Although more expensive, it might be the right choice.

What other reasons are there?

Bariatric wheelchairs are heavier than typical wheelchairs and a power option can help the caregiver as well. This is especially true if there is the potential for needing to include oxygen bottles or other medical devices to the wheelchair accessories.

Consider the 5 tips above and you will get great results with buying a bariatric wheelchair. Remember this is a major purchase and you want to select the right one that will provide maximum patient comfort, user mobility, and best cost value.

 A Bath lift is the perfect assistive disability aids choice when you need a little help getting into the bathtub.  They usually do not require modifications to the bathtub, are very economical and the assistance of a personal assistant/caretaker is not typically necessary. 

Bath lift chairs have a seat, which is fitted in the tub, and moves up and down. A user slides from the side of the tub into the seat and the bath lift gently lowers them into the bath water. After bathing, the lift gently lifts the user up. A lot of bath lift models come with a swivel seat to make getting in and out even easier. 

 Most chair lifts are sized to fit into a standard bathtub.  They are portable and use strong suction cups to attach the tub bottom and sides. No drilling is required.  They are simple to use and easy for the user to control.  Most lifts use a special battery for power.

 There are a wide variety of models and types.  Some companies even offer a reclining bathtub lift so you can lay back and get a real good relaxing dip.  Seems like a great way to enjoy a bubble bath doesn’t it?  Depending on the desired features and durability costs can range from around $100 to as much as $1000.

 Bath tub lifts are often preferred over a walk-in bathtub because you do not have to wait for it to fill up after entering or wait for it to drain before getting out. No need to get cold waiting just set the bath lift inside the tub, run the water to your desired temperature and level, then slip into the seat and lower down to a warm soothing bath.  When you are finished, raise yourself up and dry off as the water drains from the tub.  The elevated height will help you get in and out with ease.

 If you like taking showers instead, but have a little trouble with standing for a long period of time, then consider a shower chair seat.  But if you prefer a relaxing soak, then a bath chair lift is hard to beat for cost and ease of use.

Are they swollen and stiff? 

Are you constantly awake at night with pain in your fingers and wrist?

Then Arthritis gloves may be the most inexpensive and effective treatment for your ailment.  This assistive technology disability aid is designed to reduce stiffness and pain while providing increased mobility to your hand joints.  They are effective for both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis and you can wear them during the day while doing your normal activities or while you sleep at night. 

 The most popular gloves for arthritis work by providing mild compression which increases circulation and creates a relieving warm sensation.  Shortly after slipping on a pair of arthritis hand gloves your fingers and wrist start to feel better and your dexterity is greatly improved.  Other brands allow infrared light to penetrate the glove lining.  This light provides warmth to your hand and increases blood circulation.  Some of the more recent brands are made of synthetic fabrics that reduce sweating so your hand stays cool and comfortable.

Arthritis relief gloves come as fully enclosed or fingerless.  Obviously the fingerless type provide better control for delicate activities, but many people find the fully enclosed glove works better for sleeping as they decrease morning stiffness.  Typical prices for a pair of arthritis gloves ranges from $20 to $40 and you can find a wide variety of styles and sizes to fit most anyone. Some of the better known brands include IMAK, Thermoskin and Therall. 

Arthritis affects over 60 million people and although there is no cure, you can find help to manage the symptoms.  Many people have achieved a higher level of independent  by using Assistive disability aids like the Arthritis glove.  Whether you suffer from mild or severe arthritis in your hands, fingers or wrists, this is certainly a self-help treatment worth trying.

These elevated toilet seats can be made of either soft foam or hard plastic material and typically are fastened with straps or screwed.  Some newer models have hinged clips which make them easy to remove.  In either case, the seat must be properly installed and fit close to the commode rim to ensure patient stability. You can find raised seats for either standard or oversized elongated toilet sizes.

photo credit: stuartpilbrow

Many people really like seats with handrails because they provide additional support when changing positions while sitting.  You can also get them with or without hinged lids. Each seat is designed to handle a certain weight capacity, so for safety reasons you need to make sure that your seat can handle your body size and weight.

Some motels and hotels will install raised toilet seats on request and many insurance companies cover their costs. Be sure to check if a purchase may be covered under the terms of your particular policy. Prices on for this great adaptive equipment aid range from about $20 to over $150 but the cost of a raised toilet seat may be considered small when compared to the expenses and pain resulting from a fall in the bathroom.

You will find that raised toilet seats are available in various padding thicknesses, widths, heights, colors, materials and designs. Remember that they are for hygienic purposes so most manufacturers and stores won’t allow you to return them after they’ve been used so take your time and select elevated commode seat that is best for you.