Aging in place means planning for and installing some basic accessibility features so that you can remain healthy and happy in the home you love. Most people don’t like to think about needing help as they age, but the fact is accidents and illness can happen at any age. 

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One of the reasons, aside from thinking they won’t need it, that people don’t install accessibility features like grab bars is because they are unattractive. But they don’t need to be. We will give you a look at some sleek and modern grab bar additions that won’t detract from your home’s resale value, will look beautiful, and will improve safety for you and your loved ones. 

Why Are Grab Bars Important?

Grab bars are often installed around the shower and or bathtub for the obvious reason that slippery surfaces are dangerous. Studies show that people are much more likely to fall in the bathroom than in any other areas of the home. One study concluded:  “ for falls inside the home, there was a significantly greater likelihood of sustaining an injury in the bathroom compared to the living room. These results support the need to promote safety modifications such as grab bars..”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one out of four older people falls each year resulting in 800,000 patients a year being hospitalized, most often because of a head injury or hip fracture. Preventing falls should be a priority no matter your age, but for older people in particular, doing everything possible to minimize falls starts with a comprehensive assessment of your home. Grab bars are a great place to start to keep the bathroom safe.

Consider installing grab bars in the shower or around the tub and sometimes the toilet. To help with entry and exit,  grab bars are installed vertically in front of the shower or tub. Vertical grab bars are also useful for both shorter and taller people to grip at a comfortable height. Inside the tub or shower, horizontal grab bars provide added stability, whereas diagonal grab bars provide added stability when lowering to sit on a shower seat. Installing a grab bar near the toilet can assist in both sitting or standing. Some people require a chair height toilet or raised toilet seat in addition to grab bars.

TCARE's Top Grab Bar Picks

Our picks combine beauty + function -- reliable grab bars that enhance safety without compromising design. Many of these come in a variety of finishes and will blend seamlessly into your bathroom.

Invisia Accent Ring

Invisia Linear Bar

Moen Align 24-in Chrome Wall Mount (ADA Compliant) Grab Bar

Brizo Traditional 18" Grab Bar with Hidden Screws

 Delta Contemporary 5-in Polished Chrome Wall Mount (ADA Compliant) Grab Bar

Kohler Choreograph 40" Shower Barre

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Kohler Maestro

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Moen Grab Bar with Toilet Paper Holder

Professional Installation

The TCARE team and their certified experts can help you determine what grab bars are best for your situation and arrange for installation. Incorrect installation of grab bars can be hazardous and lead to unintended accidents. Grab bars must be anchored in the structure of your home. Grab bars should not be installed in drywall or tile. The installation requires the knowledge and expertise of a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) certified contractor. If you are considering adding grab bars to your home, Contact Us. Our CAPS specialists will ensure proper installation.

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The TCARE Approach

Now that you have a better idea of the beautiful and functional options available, TCARE can provide a seamless and stress-free installation. We’ll identify what type of grab bars are best for your unique situation and advise you on where to locate them in your home. TCARE members can be as involved as they want to be in the design process while The TCARE Team does the legwork. We’re here to help our members maintain independence and stay in the home that they love.

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