Where Should Grab Bars Go? A Room-by-Room Guide for Seniors

Short answer: the most important grab bars are a vertical bar where you step into the tub or shower, a horizontal bar on the long shower wall, and a bar beside the toilet. Where exactly they go depends on the person, so treat the heights below as a starting point, not a rule.

1. Tub and shower entry: a vertical bar

The riskiest moment in most bathrooms is lifting one leg over the tub wall while standing on the other, often on a wet surface. A vertical bar on the wall at the entry gives a hand-hold at whatever height the person grips naturally, for both stepping in and stepping out.

2. Long shower wall: a horizontal bar

A horizontal bar on the back wall gives balance while standing and washing, and support when lowering onto a shower seat. North American accessibility guidelines commonly place horizontal grab bars about 33 to 36 inches (84 to 91 cm) above the floor or tub bottom. For a tub, many people also benefit from a second, lower bar or an angled bar to push up from a seated position.

3. Beside the toilet

Sitting down and standing up from a low toilet is the second most common struggle we see. A horizontal bar on the side wall, close to the toilet, is the usual answer. If the nearest wall is too far away, a toilet safety frame or a raised toilet seat with arms does the same job.

4. Hallways, stairs and the route to the bathroom

Many falls happen on the way to the bathroom at night. Handrails on both sides of stairs, a bar near the bedroom door and good night lighting along the route are small changes with a large effect.

Placement mistakes we see often

• Towel bars used as grab bars. They aren't built or anchored for body weight and can pull out of the wall.
• Suction-cup bars as permanent safety bars. They can release on textured or wet surfaces with no warning.
• Bars placed where the stud happens to be. The bar should go where the hand needs it. Rated anchors exist so placement doesn't depend on the framing.
• One bar for everyone. A tall husband and a shorter wife may need bars at different heights, or two bars.

Should an occupational therapist decide?

If there are mobility changes, a recent fall or a hospital stay, yes. An OT assesses how the person actually moves and recommends specific positions. We install directly from OT recommendations, and an OT assessment is also the first step for BC RAHA funding.