Grab rails in the bathroom: what height, what type

After my last post, I noticed how many people mentioned grab rails, so I hope this might be helpful to a few people.😄

Maybe - or ask for an assessment and you may get them fitted in the right place for you and at no cost.

They are free in my area via an occupational health assessment (up to £1000 apparently). I called Adult Social Care to ask - it had a new name in this area now though. Can't remember what it was but it operated from a signposting hub initially.

My mother-in-law was advised not to have one where she wanted one as it was going to impact her balance.
The OT demonstrated the various manoeuvres involved. I'm glad someone came out to look!
They also offered a second handrail up the stairs and provided ramps.

www.nhs.uk/social-care-and-support/care-services-equipment-and-care-homes/home-adaptations/#:~:text=Having%20a%20home%20assessment%20is,of%20the%20bath%20(grab%20rail)

I did see you suggested contacting the council, PigeonFancier1956 - meant to say, apologies!

NotSpaghetti

I did see you suggested contacting the council, PigeonFancier1956 - meant to say, apologies!

No need to apologise at all — your explanation was far more detailed than mine! 😊

I recently installed my own, it's one of those suction ones. So far it's been fine. I positioned it so that I can hold onto it when I'm getting washed or washing my hair.

I bought a grab rail for new shower from hansgrohe. My bathroom fitter got me to stand in shower to work out a good height.

Definitely get grippy textured grab rails. The one in my shower is stainless steel and I have to wrap it in a wet flannel to make it safe.

Local councils can provide a proper assessment and advice, based on the user's needs, capacity and size, and the property itself.

<https://www.gov.uk/apply-needs-assessment-social-services>

I have a textured grab rail, by the side of my shower cubicle

We had our bath removed and converted to a shower. While the workmen were here the OT came and advised us and them as to where to put the grab rails.

We have a horizontal rail on the left as you get into the cubicle but made them put the other rail in at a diagonal angle and it is perfect. She said it is much better and safer for getting up from the seat and under the shower head.

Should read “The OT made them put the other rail in at a diagonal angle”.

Our local OT team are really excellent Primrose. They made things so much easier for my mother-in-law - and by extension, us.
💐

Also important is to get a shower with a non-slip floor.

After the disaster last year with my bathroom, that you may remember, the great plumber who sorted it all out for me, also sorted out appropriate grab rails in shower and elsewhere. I went into the shower (fully clothed I hasten to add!)and then sat on the seat and then stood and worked out the way I will be getting out of the shower etc., and he then marked all the correct places and did the work, and for good measure before he actually started drilling or whatever he got me to double check that they were at the right height, and they have all be great and sturdy with another one placed near the toilet. At the moment I have no need of it, but it is there for days when my back is hurting a lot and I have difficulty standing or sitting.

Anybody having work carried out to their bathroom/shower room should consider having a comfort height loo installed. Has made a big difference for me in my en-suite. All other toilets and I now feel I am 'falling' when I need to sit on them,

That reminds me of the embarrassing occasion I got stuck on the loo in a large London theatre.
I had had back trouble for 6 months, no strength in my glutes(?) /bum cheeks or thighs. And at home I could reach the door frame for that extra “heave”.
This loo was particularly low and there was nothing no hang on to or steady myself with when I tried to stand up.
After several vain attempts I finally flung myself forward and more or less collided head-first with the door.
It was not a pleasant experience being an”old lady stuck in a lavatory” !

luckygirl, I had a rail fitted outside coming up and down steps,
It's metal too, and if it's been raining, I have to dry it before I use it as it gets slippy if wet.