We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Home

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Grab Bar?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 4,087
Share

A grab bar or handrail is a bar which is designed to help people with disabilities. You may have seen grab bars in accessible restrooms, for example; in this instance, they help people get in and out of wheelchairs and walkers. Grab bars can also be installed in full bathrooms to help people navigate, and in some homes, grab bars are installed in many locations around the house, anticipating a variety of potential needs.

In some regions of the world, the installation of grab bars is required in facilities which will be used by the differently abled. In addition to making spaces more usable and comfortable for their users, grab bars are also safety devices, providing something to hang onto if someone loses his or her balance. Many hospitals and nursing homes install grab bars in their rooms and public areas for this very reason, even if they are not necessarily required to do so.

Several features distinguish a grab bar. The first is that it is designed to carry a large amount of weight. A grab bar must also be mounted in such a way that it will not rotate in its fittings, and it is typically round and wide enough to create an easy surface to grip. Many grab bars are made from various metals, which are easy to make sturdy, and the metal may have a brushed or textured surface to provide some traction.

The height of grab bars can vary, but it is generally tailored for someone using a wheelchair and a walker. The installation of a grab bar in a place like a bathroom can make a huge difference for someone in a wheelchair, as it makes a previously inaccessible space accessible. By using a grab bar, someone in a wheelchair can often use a bathroom without assistance, and this can be a very liberating feeling.

In addition to being helpful for wheelchair users who might have trouble getting around, grab bars are also useful for the elderly and other people who have balance problems. A grab bar or handrail in a kitchen or hallway can provide support for someone who has trouble walking, as well as a safety net in case someone things that he or she may be falling. By gripping the grab bar, a fragile person might prevent a serious injury as a result of a fall.

Many hardware stores sell grab bars, and it is also possible to purchase them from suppliers which stock other accessibility supplies. If you are installing grab bars in a business, you may want to check on prevailing codes to ensure that you install the proper bars in the right location.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-grab-bar.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.