Getting older gives you wisdom, maturity and makes you more practical. However, old age has its downsides too. As we grow older, our strength, flexibility, and balance start diminishing/reducing. As a result, even simpler daily tasks start becoming tricky.

A number of practical mobility aids come in handy for retention of long-term independence in your old age. Grab rails is one of the important mobility aids for use in washrooms and bathrooms.

There are several variants of grab bars or rails available in the market.

So, let's understand the various grab rail variants and their areas of application.

• Straight Grab Bars

This variant attaches directly to the wall and runs in a straight line. You can position it either horizontally or vertically or somewhere in between as per your preference and convenience. In general, metal or sturdy plastic constitute these grab bars.

However, as you need to screw them directly to your wall, make sure you hire a qualified professional to get them installed.

A vertically fitted grab rail may serve as a general balance aid during the use of the sink or dressing or undressing. A horizontally-fitted grab rail helps raise yourself from or lower down to a sitting position from a commode or shower seat.

Think about your requirements and its placement before installing them.

• Angled Rails

This variant is available with a bend in either the middle or towards its one end. This bend can be lesser or equal to 90°. In general, people choose to keep the lower end horizontal with the upper end pointing upward.

The upper part serves as a hand hold and helps maintain a neutral wrist position, while the lower section allows you to rest your forearm while providing more support and comfort.

• Floor-to-Ceiling Rails

These rails are like long vertical poles that stretch from floor to the ceiling encompassing the full height of your room. Generally, people use them in bedrooms, but sometimes are suitable for bathrooms as well.

Some models are stand-alone, while some others have additional horizontal rails fixed to poles, commonly around waist-height. In several cases, this additional rail swivels in the direction you prefer.

One thing to understand while fitting these rails is that you should find such a spot where they don't block the way and yet offer necessary support when required.
 

• Bath Rails & Tap Rails

Bath rails provide sturdy support to hold on to while going into or coming out of the bath. They fit on the bath with screw clamps to hold them and to convert them into a support bar that reaches above the side of the bath.
 

Tap rails fit within the bathtub itself and have taps at one end. They fold down across part of the bath to provide support. They fold up against the wall and occupy lesser space when not in use.
 

• Well-Mounted Fold Down Rails

Usually, these have an elongated U-shaped design of large diameter metal and are ready-to-install directly on the toilet. They provide a sturdy horizontal support rail when deployed.
 

You generally find them in care clinics, hospitals or toilets for disabled, but you can also find them in domestic settings. It has one advantage over other variants - you can fit it on either side of the toilet and not compulsorily close to the adjacent wall. It is available in various sizes and you can pick one based on how far you need the rail to protrude from the wall.
 

Some of them have also a plinth, making it possible to fix them on the floor in the desired position. Most of the models are available with a 'flip' mechanism. You can flip them against the wall with the help of a locking mechanism to prevent them from falling.

Summing It Up

'Grab rails' is one of the vital mobility aids that can help you use your bathroom and toilet independently. They can give you the much-needed support for standing and movements like rising or lowering in your bath, toilet or even bedroom.

However, they would serve you the best only when you choose the right variant. Considering the above-discussed points and consulting a medical professional can help you arrive at the right decision easily.

Being able to use the toilet without assistance and in privacy is not something everyone can take for granted in old age. Numerous illnesses and physical conditions may mean we may require assistance getting to and from the bathroom. Furthermore, incontinence may also lead to new challenges.

Standard Support Rails

In the bathroom, taking a simple step like fitting grab rails in suitable locations might make a difference. These provide points of support when using the toilet. If positioned correctly, they make it easier to sit down and stand up from the WC, by offering a point of support. For those with conditions affecting balance or strength, they can make all the difference.

Grab rails are available in various lengths and finishes so they blend in with the bathroom décor. White and chrome models are the most popular and discreet.

U-Shaped Support Rails

Drop-down grab rails are an alternative to straight versions and flip up against the wall when not in use. Typically they are ‘U-shaped’ and protrude horizontally from the wall. They are available in various lengths, so take care to ensure you select one which fits the space available.

You will often see this type of fitting in disabled toilets, but they can be useful for domestic environments too. It is important that a qualified tradesman fits the rail. He will need to be aware of the material content of the wall and use the appropriate fixings.

Bed Pads

Modern bed pads provide an absorbent layer which protects against urinary incontinence in bed. They are essentially sheets which stop water reaching the mattress, by soaking it up. They have an absorbent core which ‘locks’ moisture within it. As well as keeping the mattress dry, it also limits moisture contact with the skin.

Some bed pads have ‘wings’. These are large flaps of material which you can tuck round and under the mattress in order to hold the pads in place. The pads themselves should be immediately beneath the individual’s waistline.

Disposable and washable bed pads are available. The washable versions usually need to be on about 95 degrees in the washing machine. Do not wash with conditioners or softeners, and tumble dry on low heat. Disposable pads are less robust and designed for just a single use.

Chair pads work in a similar way to bed pads. Instead of fitting on a bed, they fit beneath the body with the person is sitting down. Again, they protect furniture from any water leakage by soaking it up. Like bed pads, chair pads are available in varying degrees of absorbency.

If you are living with a condition which makes it difficult for you to make the trip to the bathroom, you might want to consider using a commode. These allow you to go to the toilet without having to reach the bathroom itself.

If you do need one, in many cases you will also require someone to help you. Most models feature a bucket which slots in beneath the seat. This then slides out after use allowing emptying and cleaning.

The processes of getting on and off this equipment is also much safer with the help of a carer. Unless fixed to the floor, commodes have the potential to tip over.

If you do have assistance, you might opt for a mobile version. With the bucket removed, many models are able to roll directly over a conventional toilet. If you are struggling to move to and from the bathroom unaided or get on or off the toilet once there, this type of commode might be just what you need.

Most models have similar wheels to transit wheelchairs. This means they are easy to control in domestic environments. Other static models are attractive wooden units which look very similar to ordinary furniture. This makes them discreet in appearance.

Other static models have metal tubing frames which is easy to wipe clean and disinfect. Most have seats and lids, similar to standard toilets. Many have raised armrests and backrests, aiding balance and stability.