Tag Archives: Senior Safety

ADA Requirements for Grab Bars In A Shower Stalls

ADA Requirements for Grab Bars In A Shower Stalls.

Figure 37(a) 36 in by 36 inches (915 mm by 915 mm) Transfer Stall. The L-shaped shower seat shall be 18 inches (455 mm) above the floor measured at the entry. An L-shaped grab bar (or two single grab bars with the ends close together) shall be provided, located along the full depth of the control wall (opposite the seat) and halfway (18 inches (455 mm)) along the back wall. The grab bar(s) shall be mounted 33-36 inches (840-915 mm) above the shower floor measured at the entry.

The controls shall be placed in an area between 38-48 inches (965-1220 mm) above the floor. The controls and spray unit shall be within 18 inches (455 mm) of the front of the shower.

Figure 37(b) 30 in by 60 inches (760 mm by 1525 mm) Roll-in Stall. A U-shaped grab bar (or three separate grab bars) shall be provided. The grab bar (or bars) shall be 33-36 inches (840-915 mm) high. The controls shall be placed in an area between 38-48 inches (965 -1220 mm) above the floor. Controls shall be located on the back (long) wall 27 inches (685 mm) from the side wall. The shower head and control area may be located on the back wall or on either side wall. 

ADA Requirements for Grab Bars In A Shower Stalls

ADA Grab Bar high in Shower Stalls

Fig. 37
Grab Bars at Shower Stalls

Sourced from: http://www.ada.gov/reg3a.html – https://ocgrabbars.com/

Grab Bar Installation

Chrome Shower Grab BarsGrab bars are not used only for the safety purpose of public restrooms and hospitals. They also provide safety for your own home, especially in bathrooms. These bars do not just provide benefits to the elder or disabled people, but are also useful for any age group. Installing grab bars in your shower or bathtub provides extra security at the very first step in your bathroom, which are usually quite slippery.

Everyone should add grab bars to avoid injuries. These bars prevent you and your family member from falling and slipping inside the bathrooms. You can install grab bars as per your requirements; it may be horizontally, vertically or diagonally. People should always install a grab bar in the bathtub or shower to avoid injury at first step. It should be installed vertically in front of the bathtub or shower to facilitate your entry or exit. For this purpose, the bar which will work well is a smaller one. On the other hand longer bars will accommodate the users of various heights. Generally, having bars at this particular place will help to prevent the tendency to reach sliding glass doors, towel bars or other unstable fixtures in your bathroom.

To get assistance in both standing and sitting position, grab bars can also be installed near the toilet. These bars can be used in conjunction to raised toilet seat and with a chair height toilet. Mostly grab bars are installed either diagonal or horizontal direction near the toilet. Bars installed in diagonal direction might not reach between studs. To coupe up with this kind of situation, users can mount it with secure mounting anchors at one or both the ends. The diagonal bars put less strain on the wrist because these are more in tune with the natural movement of wrist and hand. They provide comfortable grip for both taller and shorter users. The horizontal bars provide added stability mounted inside the shower or tub. On the other hand the diagonal bars provide added stability when you lower down to sit on the toilet seat.

OC Grab Bars – The Best Safety Bar Installer In Town

Grab Bars in showerOC Grab Bars was established in 2005 by Joey Bolohan. The main objective of the company is to provide quality service to their customers with honesty, integrity and respect. The owner began this company when there was a great demand for grab bars in Orange County. He noticed that the elder population is growing remarkably throughout the state including the Orange County. The products which OC Grab Bar company can install are- shower chairs, toilet safety bars, grab bars, hand held showerheads and toilets etc. All the products of the company are certified by ADA and provide 100% guarantee for life.

If you are planning to install grab bars at your home to avoid injuries, then the best place to approach is OC Grab Bars. It not only provides safety to your home, but also maintains a fashionable and awesome look.

The bathroom is the area which is mostly prone to accidents. To avoid these accidents OC Grab Bars are providing remedies to users to maintain their balance in bathrooms. These bars are available in different colors and sizes and user have a variety to choose from as per their interiors. As you grow old, the chances to fall down inside the bathroom increase and these incidents start happening very often. In a year, approx. 2,340,000 elders fall down in bathroom due to slipping or falling and get treated in the emergency room. Out of these adults, one third (aged 65 and older) were treated with fractures due to falling in the bathroom. Whereas rest of them (almost 38% of them, aged 85 and more) were hospitalized due to slipping in the bathrooms.

You can avoid your trip to the emergency room to get treatment due to falling in the bathroom. If at least 30% of the people (who had suffered a hip fracture sometimes) will install grab bars in their bathroom, they will definitely decrease the accident cases in the bathrooms. You can install them in various areas at your home according to your need, such as near the toilet, in the garage, in the shower, in the entryway to your home etc. You can install them in any direction as per your comfort level, like diagonally, horizontally or vertically.

The horizontal grab bars will provide you the ability to push upward or reach in from the entry. The horizontal bars are most commonly used during sitting in a shower chair because they are found to be a little easier to push down. The diagonal bars are usually placed at a slight angle to help the users with weak and painful arms or wrist.

Senior & Disabled Earthquake Safety Tips

Earthquake Safety TipsRecently with the earthquakes hitting California many people are trying to figure out what exactly  to do. The disabled that are confined to a wheelchair or the elderly do during an earthquake? Well when an earthquake strikes and you are in your wheelchair, place yourself under a doorway or into an inside corner, be sure to lock the wheels, and cover your head with your arms.  Be sure to remove any items that are not securely attached to your wheelchair.  If you are able to find shelter under a sturdy table or desk, be sure to stay away from outer walls, windows, fireplaces, and other hanging objects.  If you are unable to move from a bed or chair, make sure to protect yourself from falling objects by covering up with blankets and pillows; be sure to protect your face.  If you happen to be outside when an earthquake hits then go to an open area away from trees, telephone poles, and buildings, and stay there.

If a family employs you as a caregiver then the most important thing is to take care and protect yourself during an earthquake because you will play an important role once the earthquake is over.  When taking cover it is a good idea to call out to the other person in the room in order to reassure them that you are okay.  When the earthquake is over, proceed carefully to check on the individuals that you care for and then assess the situation of the building and check the clients for any possible injuries.  If an evacuation is necessary then move very carefully throughout the house and take all essential equipment with you.  Equipment includes: wheelchair chargers, any important medications, water, extra clothes, and non-perishable food items.