2022_ Bath Safety Guide_TEST

The most dangerous room in the home is also typically the smallest: the bathroom. But bathroom falls are easily preventable through the addition of just a few bath safety accessories. Read on to find out how to choose the best grab bars, bath safety shower chairs and raised toilet seats to keep your home safe for the road ahead.

How to Choose the Right Grab Bar What are grab bars used for? Grab bars are home safety accessories that can be mounted to provide leverage and support for standing and sitting. They are most often used in the bathroom near the toilet, bathtub and shower — the areas of the home where falls are most likely to occur.

What type of grab bar do I need? Types of Grab Bars Understanding the different types of grab bars can help you select the correct one for your needs. Standard Textured Rotating Flange Standard grab bars come in a variety Textured grab bars provide additional Rotating flange grab bars make installation of sizes and can be mounted friction for a safer grip, particularly in easier through a flange (the end part horizontally, vertically or at an angle. wet areas. of the grab bar that connects it to the wall) that can be rotated to allow tools to easily access screws. What to Consider? Select Drive grab bars are available in lengths of 12, 16, 18, 24 and 32 inches and support up to 250 pounds when installed according to the instructions. Where the grab bar will be used and whether you need to be compliant with accessibility standards can help you determine the correct grab bar for your needs and install it in the appropriate position. 1: Choose Based on Where and How the Grab Bar Will Be Used Your bathroom environment will determine what style grab bar is right for you. At the Bathtub Consider installing a grab bar vertically along the side wall of the bathtub to assist in entering and exiting the tub. An additional grab bar can be installed horizontally along the long wall to support users while standing or getting up from a bath chair or to support users in getting up from the bathtub floor. You may also consider installing a grab bar at a 45-degree angle sloping up toward the shower head to support users in getting up from a bath chair or the tub floor.

At the Shower Stall To provide additional stability when entering and exiting, a grab bar can be installed vertically near the edge of the outside of the shower stall. Along the long wall, a grab bar can be installed horizontally to support users while standing or getting up from a shower chair. At the Toilet On the side wall closest to the toilet, a grab bar can be installed horizontally to assist users with sitting and standing. Behind the toilet, an additional grab bar can be installed horizontally to help users with sitting and standing or transferring from a wheelchair onto the toilet seat. Helpful Hints Use a Stud Finder & Masonry Bit Installation Considerations Wall studs are generally placed Be sure not to install your grab bars over 16 inches apart but are sometimes important fixtures including light switches 24 inches apart. Use a stud finder and plumbing fixtures. to locate the studs in the wall where you will install the grab bar. Towel racks are often mistaken for grab bars and are not meant to sustain body weight. To avoid damaging tile, use a Place a grab bar close to the bath or shower masonry bit to drill through tile exit and consider hanging towels in a nearby or grout. area to avoid confusion.

2: Choose Based on ADA or CSA Group Standards If you are installing a grab bar in a public setting, you will need to ensure compliance with guidelines set by the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) or the Canadian Standards Association (CSA). These standards may also be applied in a home setting if desired. All Drive brand hardware-mounted grab bars meet ADA and CSA Group sizing recommendations and are compliant when installed per ADA and CSA Group guidelines. Please consult ada.gov or csagroup.org for full details on proper placement and spacing. Safety Considerations 1 To ensure security, grab bars must be installed in studs using the proper hardware. 2 Make sure surroundings have rounded edges and are free of sharp edges. 3 Objects below and at the ends of the bar should be at least 1½ inches away. 4 Objects above grab bars should be at least 12 inches away. Additional Bathroom Safety Items Raised Toilet Seats Raise the height of the toilet to a more comfortable level making it easier to get up and down and help prevent falls. https://www.drivemedical.com/us/en/Products/Bathroom-Safety/Raised-Toilet-Seats/c/RaisedToiletSeats Tub Rails Pair a tub rail with a shower chair to aid in transfer in and out of the tub. https://www.drivemedical.com/us/en/Products/Bathroom-Safety/Bathtub-Safety-Rails/c/BathtubSafetyRails Shower Chairs Bathe safely and decrease the risk of slips, trips and falls with the sturdy support of a shower chair. https://www.drivemedical.com/us/en/Products/Bathroom-Safety/Bath-Benches-and-Stools/c/BathBenchesandStools

How to Choose the Right Raised Toilet Seat What is the purpose of a raised toilet seat? A raised toilet seat provides a safer environment by helping prevent falls in the bathroom. The seat raises the height of the toilet to a more comfortable level, making it easier to sit down and stand up. It also decreases the space between the user and toilet to help alleviate any burden placed on the hips and knees.

What kind of raised toilet seat do I need? Step 1: Determine the height needed 19\" 4\" Measure the length of 17\" your lower back leg Add 2\" Measure the height of Calculate the difference 19\" + 2\" = 21\" your toilet bowl 21\" – 17\" = 4\" Be sure not to include You need a 4\" raised toilet seat! the seat and lid Note: If you calculate an odd number, simply round up! Step 2: Determine the shape of your toilet Standard Round Elongated Toilets come in 2 different shapes 17\" 18.5\" - Standard Round - Elongated To ensure you are correctly measuring your toilet bowl, measure from the center front to the center of the mounting holes.

Step 3: Determine which installation type is right for you Non-Locking Locking with Locking with Bolted Riser Knob Mechanism Tightening Clamps (Fixed) Least Secure Fit Most Secure Fit Considerations If other family members share the bathroom, consider choosing an easily removable option. A riser will allow you to continue using your existing seat and lid. Step 4: Determine which features are important to you Lid vs. No Lid Hinge vs. No Hinge Allows for easy cleaning. Armrests vs. No Armrests Armrests aid transfer on and off the unit. Note the distance from your toilet to the wall when considering armrests. Contoured (Savannah) Style The front of the unit contours gently downward, making getting on and off of the raised toilet seat easier. Both the front and back feature openings for ease of accessibility to take care of personal cleansing.

Safety Considerations 1 Be sure to center your weight. 2 Routinely check for secure fit before using product. 3 Use arm supports only for assistance. Do not use arm supports to support your full body weight. Additional Bathroom Safety Items Toilet Safety Frames Pair a toilet safety frame with a raised toilet seat that does not include armrests. Drive recommends pairing the RTL12000 safety frame with the RTL12064 raised toilet seat. https://drivemedical.com/us/en/Products/Bathroom-Safety/Toilet-Safety/c/ToiletSafety Grab Bars Pair a mounted grab bar on the wall alongside a raised toilet seat for extra stability. Drive Medical offers several mounted grab bar options to coordinate with your bathroom arrangement. Shop a variety of grab bars at www.drivemedical.com Toilet Safety Rails A premium option for those who do not require a raised toilet seat, but are looking for additional stability. Note: a toilet safety rail cannot be used in conjunction with a raised toilet seat. The RTL12087 will aid in avoiding a potential tripping hazard when using another mobility device such as a rollator.

How to Choose the Right Shower Chair What is the purpose of a shower chair? Shower chairs provide assistance to those who need to sit while bathing. These chairs increase safety for individuals who are at risk for slips, trips and falls.

What kind of shower chair do I need? Types of Shower Chairs There are different types of shower chairs to aid people with varying levels of mobility. Choosing the right one will make all the difference. Bath Stool Shower Chair Transfer Bench 1: Choose Based on Environment Your bathroom environment will determine what style shower chair is right for you. Bath Stool | Shower Chair Make sure product will fit comfortably. If other family members share the bathroom, consider choosing an item that can easily be removed from the space. Walk-In Shower

Bathtub Bath Stool | Shower Chair Measure the width of the base of the tub (from the inside). For proper fit, ensure the outside leg dimensions of the product are smaller than the base width of the tub. Transfer Bench Ensure there is enough room outside the tub for safe transfer. Measure the distance from the top of tub to the floor. This measurement must be more than the product seat height specifications to ensure proper clearance. 2: Choose Based on Mobility & Support Least Support Moderate Support Most Support Functional Mobility Moderate Mobility Restricted Mobility & Balance & Balance & Balance Small shower & narrow Post-surgery or low-risk Post-surgery or high-risk tub solution fall solution fall solution 3: Choose Based on Weight Capacity 250- The weight capacity of standard shower chairs ranges from 400 lbs 250 to 400 pounds with additional bariatric models available.

4: Choose a Standard or Specialty Model Shower chairs with a rotating or sliding feature allow for easier transfer and aid in preventing friction and shearing injuries. Rotating Seat Sliding Seat Helpful Hints Transfer Benches Bath Stools & Shower Chairs Be aware of the difference between Adjust the height to ensure your the floor of your bathroom and the feet are flat on the floor. floor of the tub when adjusting legs. Make sure all legs are at the same height. Additional Features to Choose From Water Drainage Contoured Seat Padded Seat Armrests Holes and Backrest Safety Considerations 1 Ensure the leg extensions are securely locked into place. 2 Be sure all leg extensions are touching the floor. 3 Rubber tips aid in preventing slipping upon entry and exit of the tub or shower.

Additional Bathroom Safety Items Shower Sprays Pair a shower spray with a shower chair to aid in cleansing. Some products feature a shower spray cutout to allow for ease of access. https://drivemedical.com/us/en/Products/Bathroom-Safety/Hand-Held-Shower-Sprays/c/HandHeldShowerSprays Tub Rails Pair a tub rail with a bath stool or shower chair to aid in transfer in and out of the tub. https://drivemedical.com/us/en/Products/Bathroom-Safety/Bathtub-Safety-Rails/c/BathtubSafetyRails Bellavita Bath Lift A premium option for individuals who want to enjoy a true bath experience, the Bellavita (477200252) allows the user to independently sit all the way down in the tub, soak and recline. https://drivemedical.com/us/en/Products/Bathroom-Safety/Bath-Lifts/c/BathLifts Bath Mats Pair a shower chair with an AquaSense bath mat that accommodates specialized bath seating without compromising stability. https://drivemedical.com/us/en/Products/Bathroom-Safety/Shower-Bathtub-Mats/c/ShowerBathtubMats

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