Today, the elderly and people with disabilities are more mobile than ever before and are increasingly becoming more empowered with access to everyday locations that some may take for granted. Visiting the toilet is arguably a fundamental area one expects to be user-friendly to all, but many commercial washrooms lack the integral functionality of properly placed grab rails.
Grab Rails: A Basic Necessity
Grab rails provide help in three basic ways.
- They give the user something to push or pull against when standing up
- They provide steadying support when sitting down
- They also provide a firm grip when manoeuvring from one position to another and give balance when standing, walking or dressing.
Grab Rail Positioning
Wall-mounted horizontal grab rails should be placed at about 22cm above the height of the toilet seat, as should the drop-down grab rails, which are usually located to the side of the toilet pan. Horizontal rails are commonly used to push down and provide support during lowering. Some drop-down grab rails actually have the functionality to double as a loo-roll holder. This drastically improves the usability of your washroom and also saves you from wondering where to fit a loo-roll holder whilst still being within reach of the toilet.
Vertical, wall-mounted grab rails are not only essential near the toilet for manoeuvrability, but also to either side of the mirror above the sink. This provides support and enables users to pull themselves up to wash and generally manoeuvre about the wash space. Vertical rails are most commonly used for pulling oneself to standing and are helpful in all areas where this may be useful.
Grab rails can also be fitted at a 45-degree angle. This position is useful for those with painful wrists and distributes weight very well both when rising up and forward and when gently lowering down. Angled away from the user, this allows the user to slowly and more easily work their way up the rail than with a vertical grab rail. There are even corner and multi-angled grab rails available that offer a variety of uses and support. These rails work particularly well in showers or in confined spaces.
Grab Rail Varieties
Showers are another area where grab rails are essential. In this wet, slippery environment, a combination of vertical and horizontal grab rails is required, as is a wall-mounted, drop-down shower seat. Drop-down grab rails are also advisable, as once seated for showering, they can be pulled down into position to provide steadying support and help prevent falls.
However, grab rails, whether in disabled or multi-use washrooms, don’t have to be unsightly. Most sets come in a variety of colours, and some even in polished stainless steel, which can be integrated into your washroom's design and overall look, delivering a stylish, seamless finish.
Stability is key in the bathroom environment, and ensuring your visitors can do so is of paramount importance. With correctly installed and located grab rails, you can provide this stability without compromising the overall look of your washroom.
Grab rails can be purchased as a single rail or as a complete pack. A grab rail pack is a convenient way to comply with building regulations, as it should include all required sizes and versions.
As always, our team are at the end of the telephone for all your queries and questions and have a wealth of knowledge they’re happy to share with you. If you need some guidance or would like to talk through your options, you can give them a call on 01202 650900.
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