A safe living space is essential for everyone — and it’s especially important for older homeowners who are aging in place. For people over the age of 65, one out of every five falls causes a serious injury.
You can prevent falls at home by making changes to improve the safety of your living environment. Bathrooms are one of the most hazardous spaces in the house because slippery floors can make it more likely for someone to have an accident.
Grab bars help seniors maintain their balance as they get in and out of the bathtub or shower and on and off the toilet. Should you install grab bars yourself or hire a specialist? Let’s take a look.
What Is a Grab Bar Specialist?
A grab bar specialist is a professional who can ensure the safe and secure installation of grab bars in homes, healthcare facilities, retirement communities and other establishments wanting to improve accessibility for elderly and disabled people. They assess the needs of individuals and determine the appropriate placement and type of grab bars that provide a secure grip and promote stability.
Importance of Professional Expertise
Let’s discuss why it’s essential to have your aging-in-place home modifications performed by a professional.
Safety
Improperly installed grab bars can pose serious safety concerns for individuals with mobility issues. A grab bar specialist has the knowledge and experience to ensure devices are securely anchored to support structures, minimizing the likelihood of falls.
Code Compliance
Some codes and regulations can dictate specific requirements for grab bar installations, particularly in bathrooms. Professional installers are familiar with codes and ensure installation complies with relevant standards, helping homeowners avoid potential issues and safety hazards.
Customization
Grab bar specialists can provide customized solutions tailored to your specific needs. They can help you integrate grab bars with your existing home design (while still providing optimal functionality).
Quality Assurance
A professional installer uses high-quality materials to ensure the durability and longevity of your grab bars. By following industry standards and best practices, they can provide reliable and long-lasting solutions that homeowners can trust.
DIY or Hire a Specialist?
For older homeowners, we recommend having grab bars professionally installed. While a grab bar installation is technically a project you could do yourself, hiring a specialist can provide peace of mind, knowing your device is safe to use.
Reach out for help finding a grab bar specialist near you or to ask any questions you may have about aging-in-place home modifications.
Grab Bar Installation Process
The grab bar installation process is fairly short — just 30 minutes to two hours per device. Here’s what you can expect a grab bar specialist to do:
- Assess the needs of the homeowner
- Select grab bars based on the user’s needs and home aesthetic
- Determine the optimal location for grab bars
- Install devices using a drill and anchor them to the wall
- Attach grab bars and test for stability
- Clean up debris and make adjustments if necessary
- Final inspection to ensure grab bars meet expectations and comply with safety standards and regulations
Stay Mobile With Havenside
At Havenside, our team helps older homeowners make the proper modifications to promote safety while aging in place. If you’re curious about hiring a grab bar specialist, we can help you take the next steps. Contact us today for more information.