By PensionsWeek Team
Updated: 2021, May 06
Reviewed by Rosemary Bointon
We’ve rounded up the best bathroom grab bars for the elderly to promote safety while taking a bath. Check here the comparison, pros, cons, and customer reviews of these bath grab bars.
Best Overall: Sumnacon Grab Bar
Best Bathroom Suction Bars : Medline Standard Adult Steel Folding Wheeled Walkers
Best Safety Rails: Vaunn Medical
Best Shelf: Moen Grab Bar
Adjustable Grab Bar: Drive Medical
Overview
When we say this is our daily morning routine, it includes going to the bathroom, brushing the teeth, using the commode, and taking a nice refreshing shower.
Now this natural routine which each one of us follows can become a little tricky and daunting experience for the elders.
It becomes inconvenient for them to balance themselves while using the commode or the shower. With age, all these kinds of problems begin to show up with our seniors.
As the bathroom floors are wet the chances of elders slipping are higher, and fatal at times.
As per USA’s Fall Circumstances Analysis by the National Center for Biotechnology Information a division of the National Library of Medicine, adults aged 65 years and above have a bathroom fall at least once a year.
To overcome this situation amongst the elder’s bathroom grab bars for the elderly are available all across the market.
Various kinds of grab handles like suction cups, adjustable and curved bars are used to help avoid bathroom accidents of elders.
Through this article, we would like to bring to you the best bathroom grab bars for seniors which are tried and tested and have been reviewed by the customers.
Check out our best takes on bath handles for the elderly.
Table of Contents
Our Buying Guide For Bathroom Grab Bars
Bathroom grab bars for seniors makes the life of the elders easy in their second innings. Thus finding the right product becomes essential. The grab bars are of various makes and styles, which are used for different purposes.
To understand the exact requirement and then choosing the right one becomes a little tedious.
The wide range of bathroom grab bars available in the market makes it more confusing.
At PensionsWeek, we are committed to helping you with finding the best-rated products with safety.
All these products have gone through extensive research and are picked based on the opinions of real customers using them.
How We Picked Bathroom safety bars for elderly?
We began the research based on the seniors requirement. Then we started thorough online research to find the right product fulfilling the various requirements, once we found the best range in each type.
We hopped on to the manufacturer’s website. There we understood the make, the material used, the sturdiness, and the durability of the bars. We checked out all the features, USPs, and specifications to ensure we shortlist the best products for seniors.
Next, we considered all customer reviews and segregated them to thoroughly understand the pros and cons from a consumer standpoint. We understood the strengths, the lacunas as per the ratings and reviews. It is only after complete research that we could put down these best bathroom grab bars in front of you.
Comparison of 5 Best Bathroom Grab Bars for Elderly
#1 Best Overall - Sumnacon 16-Inch Bath Grab Bar
Grab bars need not be installed only in the shower areas instead they can be used wherever the chances of slipping are higher.
It is an overall functioning bar for all age groups, to protect them from falling.
This particular Sumnacon 16-Inch Bath Grab Bar having Anti-Slip Grip is our best pick among all the grab bars for bathrooms.
This can be installed near the commode, inside the shower area, near the sink, or at the entrance of the bathroom as well. This bar easily gets into the wall with the help of the screws making it reliable and sturdy. Since its make is stainless steel, there won’t be any issues with rusting when it comes in contact with water and the anti-slip grip will not let you slip.
Features:
1. Life Savers :
With old age when falling can be dangerous, these bathroom safety bars for the elderly are no less than a lifesaver.
Its non-slip surface knurled in the middle of the bar assures complete steadiness, even if you hold it with soapy hands.
2. Multi-purpose:
This bar has multipurpose utilities like grabbing it, using it as a towel holder or a cloth holder, or maybe to tie something to it as well. It is a million-dollar innovation with the least expensive investment.
3. Easy To Install :
This Sumnacon 16-Inch Bath Grab Bar has the easiest installation mechanism as it comes with mounted screws.
It can be fixed at any angle thanks to these mounted screws.
4. Sturdy And Attractive :
This bar is sturdy and very long-lasting as it is made up of stainless steel. It has a seamless look covering the mounted screws with concealed ends making it match with all decors.
What We Like
- The Sumnacon 16-Inch Bath Grab Bar are secure and sturdy
- Good grip with its mid area texture
- Mounted screws which looks good when installed
What We don't Like
- For installation purposes, screws and drilling machine are required
- Color options are limited
QUICK FACTS
Sumnacon Grab Bar
MANUFACTURER: Sumnacon
WEIGHT CAPACITY: Upto 500 pounds
MATERIAL: Stainless Steel
PACKAGE DIMENSIONS: 16.02 x 3.46 x 2.44 inches; 15.84 Ounces
BEST SELLERS RANK: #38,901 in Health & Household and #41 in Bath & Shower Grab Bars
INSTALLATION: Easy
DESIGN: Great for elders and patients having balancing issues
COMPLAINT: Requires drilling to fit in
Customer Reviews
Image source : Amazon
This particular product has more than 568 global ratings of the customers on Amazon with a maximum of them giving 4.5+ star rating. It is super easy to install and very sturdy to use providing great stability.
SEE ALSO – Esright Massage Recliner Chair Reviews
#2 Best Bathroom Suction Grab Bars - Lifestyles Safe-er-Grip Bath & Shower Handle
Bathrooms play a major role in making you fall and get prone to accidents, but can you protect yourself from falling? Well, with Changing Lifestyles Safe-er-Grip 16″ Bath & Shower Handle you sure can.
This assist bar can be installed wherever you feel the requirement. The best part is these bathtub bars for seniors are attached with suction cups of 4-inch diameter on both ends which suck the air in and get fixed tightly. You would need a smooth surface to fix this.
Features:
This bar required smooth surfaces to be fixed
It requires reattachment before every use
You need to attach it securely by pressing the lab levers
It can be fixed in areas like shower place
Non-porous and smooth tiles are preferable
What We Like
- No tools required to install the bars
- Comparatively inexpensive
What We don't Like
- The bar cannot take the whole body weight
- There are limitations with the type of tiles
- Need to be reattached every time before use
- Limited color options
QUICK FACTS
Lifestyles Safe-Er-Grip Bath & Shower Handle
MANUFACTURER: Mommys Helper
MATERIAL: Plastic with rubber grip
SIZE: 16 Inch
INSTALLATION: Super easy
COMPLAINT: Requires to be reattached every time before using it, does not take much weight
Customer Reviews
Image source : Amazon
This particular product has more than 12,076 global ratings of the customers on Amazon with a maximum of them giving 4+ star ratings. It is super easy to install and very convenient to use. It is portable and provides great durability and stability too. The suction power is simply great.
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#3 Best Bathtub Safety Rail - Vaunn Medical Secure Bathtub Safety Rail
This safety rail is basically used for seniors to use their bathtub or walk-in bathtub without falling.
It is 14″ and is made up of stainless steel. This bar facilitates the action of getting in the water-filled tub and out of it very secured.
It is super durable providing an anti-slip grip for the seniors. It can be easily installed on the walls of the tub having 3 to 7-inch thickness without any tools as such. This shower handle for the elderly can hold up to 300 pounds although it is just 6 pounds.
Features:
1. Complete Washroom Safety :
This Vaunn Medical Bathtub Safety bathroom rail is a complete safety package as it saves the seniors from falling while they use the bathtub.
2. Safe Make :
The rail can be securely clamped on the bathtub’s sidewall using its rubber clamp which is padded and has a secured locking mechanism.
Although it is a single steel frame it is heavy-duty and completely firm.
3. Adjustable Fitting :
You can fix the safety rail easily wherever you want near the bathtub. The installation is super easy and any kind of extra tools are not required.
4. Light in Weight and Easily Movable :
It is very light in weight which gives the flexibility to remove the bar and reattach it in a new place. Both left and right-hand users can use it as the design is ambidextrous.
5. New Sophisticated Design :
The design of the side rail is very compact and elegant and it matches the bathroom decor perfectly. It is made up of stainless steel frame which is coated with smooth white powder for an aesthetic look.
What We Like
- The installation is extremely easy and does not require any tools
- It is sturdy and secured
- It can take the whole body weight easily
What We don't Like
- Handle bar can be slippery for some when used with wet hands
QUICK FACTS
Vaunn Medical Shower Handle
MANUFACTURER: Vaunn
WEIGHT CAPACITY: 300 lbs
BEST SELLERS RANK: #7,888 in Health & Household and #1 in Bathtub Safety Rails
INSTALLATION: Quiet easy installation without the need for any extra tools.
DESIGN: Most basic yet thoroughly required design and product which provides confidence to the elders in bathtub
COMPLAINT: It might get too slippery at times
Customer Reviews
Image source : Amazon
This particular product has more than 4,952 global ratings of the customers on Amazon with a maximum of them giving 4.7+ star ratings. Most of the users said that is super easy to install and very sturdy to use providing great stability. Some users said that even when the grab bar is completely tightened, it still moves slightly.
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#4 Best Shelf - Moen LR2356DCH 16-Inch Grab Bar with Shelf
This is a unique design providing support and storage both at the same time. Moen LR2356DCH 16-Inch Grab Bar having a shelf (a removable tray) that can be fixed in small, space-constrained bathrooms.
It is made up of pure stainless steel to avoid corrosion. It is easy to screw inside the bathroom wall as well.
The shelf can be used to store all the excess and required cleansing products. As the tray is removable it can be easily cleaned too.
The grab bar serves its purpose of protecting the elders.
Features:
1. Durable, Reliable, and Stylish :
This grab bar with a shelf of 16 inches is curved and can support up to 250 pounds of weight. It is made up of strong stainless steel material and thus it is corrosion-free.
It has chrome finishing to give a stylish look to enhance the aesthetics of the bathroom.
2. Built-In Rack for Convenient Storage
One of the most convenient parts of this grab bar is its storage. It is 2-in-1 providing support and also storage.
You can keep all kinds of bath products on the shelf which is a white color tray that is removable.
3. Easy Installation with Secure Mount Anchors
It is very easy to install this grab bar with a shelf using the secure mount anchors to align it properly.
What We Like
- Rust Proof because of the stainless steel material
- Limited lifetime warranty
What We don't Like
- Tools are required to install it
QUICK FACTS
Moen Grab bar
MANUFACTURER: Moen
WEIGHT CAPACITY: Up to 250 pounds
INCLUDED COMPONENTS: Locking Mounting Hardware
MATERIALS: Steel
WARRANTY DESCRIPTION: Limited Lifetime Warranty
INSTALLATION: Comparatively installation is a little tedious and time consuming; Extra tools are required for fitting
DESIGN: A curve unique design with storage is best for the elderly
COMPLAINT: Difficult to install
Customer Reviews
Image source : Amazon
This particular product has more than 597 global ratings of the customers on Amazon with a maximum of them giving 4+ star ratings. Drilling & Mounting is a bit tricky and hence installation is difficult. It is the most value-for-money product as per the users.
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#5 Favorite Adjustable Grab Bar - Drive Medical Adjustable Height Bathtub Grab Bar Safety Rail
This Drive Medical Adjustable Height Bathtub Grab Bar Safety Rail is the most customizable design for all kinds of bathtubs having height adjustable functionality.
It is made up of stainless steel and powder coated in white. It gives both stability and beauty.
The grip bar is adjustable ranging from 14 to 17 inches having the angle rightly aligned with the shower wall. When the lock mechanism is turned, the wide clamp adjusts itself and tightens the rubber pads touching all the sides of the bathtub. Due to the rubber pads, the bathtub remains scratch-free.
Features:
It is highly durable
It is made up of stainless steel with a white color powder coat
It is a universal make thus fits all kinds of bathtubs except the fiber ones
No tools are required for its installation
Handle design provides secure hand position
What We Like
- Provision to adjust the bar height is a boon for tall people
- Sturdy and rust free
- No extra tools are required for installation
What We don't Like
- Cannot be fixed on fiber bathtubs
QUICK FACTS
DRIVE MEDICAL SAFETY GRAB BAR
MANUFACTURER: Drive Medical
WEIGHT CAPACITY: 300 Pounds
BEST SELLERS RANK: #14,858 in Health & Household, #2 in Bathtub Safety Rails and #2,402 in Sales & Deals
INSTALLATION: Easy installation with scope for height adjustment
DESIGN: Universally tested and trusted design to fit all bathtubs
COMPLAINTS: It doesn’t fit on fiber bathtubs
Customer Reviews
Image source : Amazon
This particular product has more than 2,667 global ratings of the customers on Amazon with a maximum of them giving 4.7+ star ratings.
Popular opinion is that it gets assembled very fast.
READ ALSO – Best Upright Walker for Elderly
What to Look for in a Bathroom Grab Bar?
While you buy bathroom grab bars for the elderly it is always necessary to keep a few important points in mind. There are criteria based on which these bars are to be bought for maximum grip and longevity.
If they are not as expected then the injury caused by using the bar and falling can be too severe and fatal.
1. The Grab Bar Weight and its Mounting Style:
First and foremost you must check how much weight can be tolerated by the bathroom bar. This is essential as many times the elderly tend to rely on it completely and leave their entire body weight on it. During those times the bar needs to support that weight. Few bars are meant for it while few bars are just to facilitate movement in the bathroom for those having balancing issues. Hence, you can buy heavy-duty grab bars which fix right inside the bathroom wall’s studs for complete body weight support. Or you can also buy a grab bar with suction cups just for slight support.
2. The Grab Bar Material Plays an Important Role:
The material of these grab bars must be completely rust-free to be used in the bathroom.
As the bathrooms are prone to being wet most of the time, stainless steel bars are heavily recommended as they will last longer without being corroded. There is plastic, and aluminum options available too.
3. Good Grip is Essential for Grab Bar :
The whole purpose of installing a grab bar is to avoid slipping and falling in the bathroom. Now if this purpose is not fulfilled even after the grab bar is installed how would you feel?
Well, there is a possibility of this if you do not check the grip on the grab bar before purchasing. The textured grip on the steel bar or a padded grip is essential as the elders might hold the bar for support with soapy hands.
The wall clearance of the bar needs to be taken care of if you have big hands. A minimum of 3 inches could be an option for big hands along with the curved bars.
4. The Type of Installation :
As we know by now through the above guide, a suction cup grab bar is the most easiest to install and use. But in comparison with the steel grab bars, they are very delicate to use as they grow loose with time and usage. These kinds of bars are best to carry while traveling.
Although the screwing bars require a little effort they are long-lasting and very secure.
Common FAQ'S
Amazon Recommended Bath Grab Bars For Seniors
Last update on 2023-07-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion
As per The National Council on Aging senior citizens are treated in emergency healthcare and hospital ICUs every 11 seconds due to a fall in the room. Let us break this trend and eradicate these numbers by providing a secure living for elders.
These bathroom grab bars for the elderly might be a very small step towards the elders’ safety, but it is an important and quite essential one.
Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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