For those individuals that have balance issues simple solutions for stability include the installation of grab bars, railings, or handrails where they are needed.•
Grab bars are a great solution for people with any kind of mobility issues. We provide a variety of different sizes that will work in most places. (24″, 36″, and 42″ with a 1 1/2″ diameter). The grab bars we provide have a knurled finish, which is a machine etched cross pattern that runs the length of the bar and allows for better gripping ability especially when hands are wet. These grab bars are brushed stainless steel. Grab bars are not only for the shower, tub and toilet, although these are the most common areas for installation, they can be utalized• in the kitchen, hallways, transferring from one room to the next, etc. If you already have purchased grab bars and need a professional install we would be more than happy to make sure they are properly braced to the wall. Suction cup grab bars and grab bars that are installed with drywall anchors are more hazardous than not having a grab at all. They create a false sense of security because they are not properly braced.
For individuals with balance and stability issues handrails helps to distribute body weight• taking pressure off of the legs. The most common area for a handrail is in a stairwell, but they also work great in hallways. It is recommended that when installing a handrail in a stairwell it is best to have them on both sides of the staircase to ensure safety going up and down the stairs. We can stain match almost any color to make newly installed handrails blend in to the surroundings.
Exterior railings for steps on walkways and steps to an entry doors are a must for fall prevention. The most sturdy solution is to construct the railings out of pressure treated wood with 4 x 4 posts concreted in the ground past the frost line. Another solution is wrought iron railings. Wrought iron railings can be more pleasing to the eye but must be installed correctly to prevent the edge of concrete steps cracking off making the railing unstable. Similar to the handrails on interior stairs railings should be installed on both sides of the stairs.
If you are having a friend or relative installing any of these items make sure that they are using a stud finder to locate the structure in the wall for proper bracing. Sometimes it might be necessary to open the drywall to put in bracing where a stud is not located. If a surface can not be removed for bracing then it might be possible to open the back side of the wall to install bracing.
