There is much to consider when deciding which type of grab bars to install and where to locate them. As you research online you may become overwhelmed with recommendations from Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA https://www.ada.gov/ada_intro.htm) and/or Universal Design (UD http://universaldesign.ie/What-is-Universal-Design/).
ADA became legislation in 2010 and “prohibits discrimination and guarantees that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to participate in the mainstream of American life”. ADA regulations apply to all local, county, state and federal government agencies as well as privately run businesses with 15 or more employees. ADA does not apply to private residences.
UD: The term “universal design was coined by the architect Ronald Mace to describe the concept of designing all products and the built environment to be aesthetic and usable to the greatest extent possible by everyone, regardless of their age, ability, or status in life. (Wikipedia.org)
And because this isn’t enough to overwhelm you, one must consider the third alternative, Accessible Design (AD), a design process in which the needs of people with disabilities are specifically considered. (www.washington.edu/doit/what-difference-between-accessible-usable-and-universal-design)
All of these approaches are fantastic! They demonstrate the regulations and recommendations available to assist people designing spaces that are set up with independence and safety in mind. Grab bars are just one way to help make a home safer and there is no reason to delay installation until they are necessary!
Home Mobility VT strives to assist people who are living in either a home, apartment, or senior independent living apartment to improve their level of independence and safety. Grab bars are a great and relatively easy place to begin. When most people think about where to place grab bars they typically think of the bathroom, and this is not at all incorrect. We place grab bars in and around the shower, toilet and on open walls to improve bathroom safety. Keep in mind, however, that they can also be beneficial in other rooms as well such as the bedroom, kitchen and doorway areas such as out to the garage.
Home Mobility VT is a proud distributor for the beautiful Ponte Giulio bathroom products. On more than one occasion we have heard a client claim “We don’t want our home to look like an institution.” Ponte Giulio is an Italian company with colorful grab bars can either coordinate or contrast with bathroom décor. The vinyl coating makes them softer and warmer to the touch, they are easy to clean and have anti-microbial protection.
“Ponte Giulio manufactures Stainless Steel, Vinyl Coated (anti-microbial) and Designer style accessibility products for both your home and work place such as grab bars, shower seats, ergonomic sinks and accessible shower enclosures”.
Home Mobility VT 