Ensuring the safety and comfort of loved ones that are aging in place is a major priority for many people. Even daily activities can be difficult for seniors to complete safely and successfully, which means that they require more support and looking after.
Showering, in particular, is an essential task that seniors may have some difficulty in. Installing more grab bars in the bathroom can seem like the most obvious solution, but is it actually? Here’s why investing in an abundance of bathroom grab bars might not be the most effective approach to elder care:
Why Is There a Need for Grab Bars To Begin With?
When most people think about ways on how to make their bathrooms safer for an elderly parent or relative, they often gravitate towards grab bars. Usually made out of stainless steel hollow tubing, they serve as support structures that can aid seniors in maintaining their balance and mobility while navigating the bathroom.
For individuals with mobility issues or those at risk of falls, these bars can offer a sense of security and independence, allowing them to perform daily tasks with confidence.
The Myth of “More is Better”
While the intention behind installing additional grab bars may be well-meaning, the belief that “more is better” in this scenario can be misleading. Too many grab bars can clutter the bathroom space, creating obstacles rather than providing assistance.
Imagine a bathroom overwhelmed with grab bars at every possible location – it may become challenging for the elderly individual to determine which bars to use, leading to confusion and frustration.
Risk of Dependence
Another factor to consider is the potential risk of fostering dependence on grab bars. While these safety features are undoubtedly beneficial, overly relying on them can hinder the elderly person’s natural balance and mobility. Relying solely on grab bars for support may inadvertently contribute to muscle weakness and decreased stability over time.
At the end of the day, encouraging seniors to maintain their strength through regular exercise and mobility training is crucial to preserving their independence and reducing the likelihood of falls.
Aesthetic Considerations
While primarily installed for their functionality, there’s no denying that an overabundance of grab bars simply doesn’t look good in a bathroom. It can make the area feel institutional and unwelcoming, which can potentially impact the well-being and emotional state of the senior that uses it.
The ShowerGlyde Shower Sliding Transfer Bench: An Excellent Alternative to Grab Bars
For those on the hunt for an alternative to unsightly and ineffective bathroom grab bars, there’s the ShowerGlyde Model SG1 from SolutionBased. ShowerGlyde is a shower sliding transfer bench that was developed to help seniors safely and easily maneuver themselves into the shower. It is designed for environments where there are no obstructions adjacent to the tub, sliding easily over the former and locking in two points, inside and outside of it. Visit the SolutionBased website now to view a demonstration of the ShowerGlyde Model SG1, as well as their entire catalog of products.
