Table of Contents
- Belmint Electric Foot and Calf Massager Review - October 31, 2021
- The Best Bathroom Grab Bars for Elderly on the Market! - March 12, 2020
- Bay Alarm vs. Life Alert: Which Medical Alert System to Choose? - July 25, 2019
Grab bars are an essential tool to enable independence and dignity for all – in our guide to the best bathroom grab bars for the elderly; we’ll have a look at some of the best options out there today.
Every year, three million seniors are taken to the hospital to be treated for injuries from falls (according to the CDC). This can be worrying for seniors and their loved ones. However, the strategic placement of grab bars makes this less likely to happen. While security systems can help loved ones feel reassured in case of falls, grab bars are just as vital, as they can give seniors more independence and confidence to live their lives as normal in their own homes.
They’re also versatile. If a straight bar doesn’t suit the space available, you can choose l-shaped bars, double bars, or flip-up bars, and they can be installed at different angles to suit you. You can install multiple grab bars to suit your specific needs, to reduce the risk of falls in a variety of situations.
Grab bar manufacturers are producing more sophisticated models now, too. With different finishes and designs, grab bars can be stylish, or even have more than one function – some can act as shelving units, too, for example.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the best grab bars out there. We’ll take a look at each model’s features, specifications, and pros and cons – hopefully, you can find one that best suits your needs.
Best Bathroom Grab Bars – an Overview
Here’s a quick overview of the grab bars we’ll be looking at today:
| Name | Type | Material | Ribbed | Weight Capacity | Length |
| Moen 8912 | Single Bar/Straight | Stainless Steel | No | 500lbs | 12in |
| Vive Grab Bar | Portable/Straight | Plastic | Yes | 400lbs | 11.5in |
| Moen 8732 | Single Bar/Straight | Stainless Steel | No | 500lbs | 32in |
| Moen 8994 | Single Bar/L-Shaped | Stainless Steel | No | 500lbs | 24in |
| Vaunn Medical Adjustable Grab Bar | Safety Rail/Curved | Stainless Steel | No | 300lbs | 5.5in |
| AmeriLuck Stainless Steel Bath Grab Bar | Double Bar/Straight | Stainless Steel | No | 500lbs | 18in |
| Moen R8960FD | Curved Bar/Flip-Up | Stainless Steel | No | Up to 500lbs | 30in |
| Moen LR2354DOWB | Bar with Shelf, Curved | Stainless Steel | No | Up to 500lbs | 9in |
What Should I Look for in a Grab Bar?
When it comes to buying a grab bar, there are a few things to look out for.
Two Rods or One?
You can get grab bars with two rods, or just the one – so this will be a personal preference.
Permanent or Temporary?
Permanent shower grab bars have to be screwed into the wall, whereas a suction cup mounts temporary grab bars. The latter is more suited to tenants living in a rental property or a retirement community, for example. Permanent grab bars are very sturdy, whereas suction cup grab bars can be a bit more tricky to install safely every time.
Weight Capacity
Grab bars come with a weight capacity guideline. A grab bar can crack or even break off entirely if overloaded, so it’s essential to stick to the weight capacity given. Most grab bars have a weight capacity of 250lbs, but some have up to 500lbs.
Size
Grab bars come in different lengths, from as small as nine inches all the way up to 36 inches. So you should be able to find one that fits in the space required.
Shape
Grab bars come in all sorts of shapes and designs. These include:
- Straight grab bars – the most common type
- Wave-style grab bars – these have the same function as straight bars but look more decorative
- Slide Bar Grab Bar for Handheld Showerhead – these enable you to stand up and sit down whilst holding a showerhead
- Grab Bar with Toilet Paper Holder/Towel Rack/Soap Dish – these are grab bars that have more than one purpose, making them good for small spaces
- Grab Bar Clamps – these clamp to the side of your bathtub, helping you to get in
- Flip Up Grab Bars – these allow you to flip the bars up and down when not in use
- Angled Grab Bars – these are great for limited space, as they give you support in multiple directions
- Floor-to-Ceiling Poles – These provide you with support at any level/height
Surface Type
Some grab bars are ribbed, giving them extra grip. This is really helpful, especially when users are wet from the shower or bath. Grab bars are usually made from plastic or stainless steel.
ADA Specifications
ADA, or the Americans with Disabilities Act, has specific specifications for grab bars. They must be mounted 33”-36” above the floor, and the end must extend a minimum of 54” from the back wall. If you see a grab bar that says it is ADA compliant, you know they have stuck to best practices.
Now, let’s take a look at some of the best grab bars out there.
Moen 8912 12-Inch Grab Bar (Stainless Steel) – Best Standard Grab Bar
Specifications
- Type: Single Bar, Straight
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Ribbed: No
- Weight Capacity: 500lbs
- Length: 12in
Moen is a great bathroom accessory manufacturer. This straight shower bar is perfect if you want a basic grab bar. It’s durable, thanks to the stainless steel. It’s easy to install using the SecureMount technology (this has to be bought separately), and it can be installed at any angle – this makes it really versatile, perfect if you have a small or unusually-shaped bathroom.
This grab bar meets ADA specifications. It has a lifetime warranty, too. You can check the latest price for it here.
Pros
- Versatile – can be installed at any angle
- Easy to install
- 500lb weight capacity
- Meets ADA specifications
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Isn’t ribbed, so may not offer the best grip compared to others
- Secure Mount technology has to be purchased separately
Vive Grab Bar – Best Portable Grab Bar
Specifications
- Type: Straight, portable
- Material: Plastic
- Ribbed: Yes
- Weight Capacity: 400lbs
- Length: 11.5in
This grab bar is designed to be versatile – it can be used anywhere on any non-porous flat surface (including glass, acrylic, and metal. Keep in mind that it doesn’t work on porous surfaces, like fibre-glass or marble tiles). You don’t need any tools to install it – instead, it uses locking latches to keep it in place. It also has a handy display – green means the grab bar is secure, red means the seal is not yet airtight.
It has a textured and contoured rubber surface, with moulded finger grips for extra security. You can view the latest price for it here.
It also comes with a 60-day guarantee.
Pros
- Portable and versatile
- Works on any non-porous clean flat surface
- No tools required for installation
- Safety display allows you to see if it is correctly installed or not
Cons
- Lower weight capacity than some of the others on this list
- Doesn’t work on porous surfaces like fiber-glass or marble
Moen 8732 32-inch Grab Bar – Best Large Grab Bar
Specifications
- Type: Straight
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Ribbed: No
- Weight Capacity: 500lbs
- Length: 32in
Moen has created one of the largest grab bars on the market with this 32-inch model. It can handle up to 500lbs of weight and is fairly easy to attach using the SecureMount technology. This has to be bought separately, which bumps up the price a bit.
It doesn’t have ribbing, which is something to be aware of.
It can be joined to the wall at any angle and is perfect for larger spaces. It meets ADA guidelines, too.
This grab bar comes with a lifetime warranty. You can check the latest price for it here.
Pros
- Large grab bar makes it good for bigger spaces
- Can handle up to 500lbs of weight
- Attractive stainless-steel finish
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Secure Mount system has to be bought separately
- No ribbing for extra grip
Moen 8994 – Best L-Shaped Grab Bar
Specifications
- Type: Single Bar/L-shaped
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Ribbed: No
- Weight Capacity: 500lbs
- Length: 24in
L-shaped grab bars can offer you support at awkward angles – perfect for smaller bathrooms. This grab bar, again by Moen, offers up to 500lb weight capacity and can be installed simply using the SecureMount technology (just another reminder here – this must be bought separately). Made from slip-resistant stainless steel, this isn’t ribbed, but is corrosion resistant, and offers good grip. The end covers look good, too – they cover over the hardware, making it a little more stylish.
Like other Moen products, this comes with a lifetime warranty. You can check the latest price for it here.
Pros
- L-shaped – good for tricky/tight spaces
- Made from slip-resistant, corrosion-resistant stainless steel
- End covers look stylish
- Lifetime warranty included
Cons
- SecureMount technology has to be purchased separately
- Not ribbed for extra grip
Vaunn Medical Adjustable Grab Bar – Best Adjustable Grab Bar
Specifications
- Type: Safety Rail, Curved
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Ribbed: No
- Weight Capacity: 300lbs
- Length: 5.5in
This one is a little different than the others on this list. It’s portable, but heavy-duty, with a stainless-steel frame. It can be easily moved and installed in other bathrooms, and it can be adjusted using the clamp – this allows you to fit it securely on any tub wall (but it’s not suited for porous materials, like fibreglass or marble).
It has a curved shape and locks onto the side of a bathtub. So, while it may not be as versatile as others, it does offer a great grip when climbing in or out of the bathtub.
It can be returned within 30 days if it’s not what you’re looking for. You can see the latest price for it here.
Pros
- Great for climbing in and out of the bathtub
- Portable
- The curved shape offers lots of space to hold onto
- Locks securely on any non-porous tub
Cons
- Not as versatile as others on this list
- Not ribbed for extra grip
- Not as heavy-duty as others on this list (only 300lb capacity)
AmeriLuck Stainless Steel Bath Grab Bar – Best Double Grab Bar
Specifications
Type: Double Bar, Straight
Material: Stainless Steel
Ribbed: No
Weight Capacity: 500lbs
Length: 18in
This double pack of grab bars can be installed in whatever way you like. You can use them in different places around a bathroom, or you can install one above the other, allowing it to function as a double grab bar. This is great value for money and will allow you to create a customized grab bar that suits your needs.
These bars come in a few colours – Brushed Nickel, White, ORB, or Rustic Matt Black.
It is ADA compliant and comes with an anti-skid grip.
They have to be screwed into the wall – obviously, this makes them more permanent than some of the others on our list. The end covers conceal the hardware nicely.
It comes with a limited lifetime warranty. You can find the latest price for this model here.
Pros
- The double pack is great value for money
- Comes in a variety of colours
- Very sturdy
- Comes with a limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Has to be screwed into the wall
- Not ribbed for extra grip
Moen R8960FD 30-Inch Flip-Up Grab Bar – Best Flip-Up Grab Bar
Specifications
Type: Curved Bar, Flip-Up
Material: Stainless Steel
Ribbed: No
Weight Capacity: Up to 500lbs
Length: 30in
If you need a flip-up bar, this Moen model is a great choice. It is highly reflective, looks stylish, and can be folded down – perfect if you want to fold it out of the way neatly when not in use.
Like the other Moen models, it’s easy to mount using SecureMounts, but these are not provided.
It has a good weight capacity at 500lbs (using the SecureMounts or a stud) and is on the larger size – allowing you plenty of surfaces to grab onto. This may make it unsuitable for very small bathrooms.
It comes with a lifetime warranty. You can check the latest price for it here.
Pros
- The flip-up bar is convenient
- Large surface area for lots of support
- 500lb weight capacity
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- SecureMounts must be bought separately
- No ribbing for extra support3
Moen LR2354DOWB – Best Grab Bar with Integrated Shelf
Specifications
Type: Bar with Shelf, Curved
Material: Stainless Steel
Ribbed: No
Weight Capacity: Up to 500lbs
Length: 9in
Moen has a monopoly on grab bars because they produce so many great models. This one is no exception. Unlike the others on this list, this model comes in an attractive bronze colour. It looks more like a shelf than a grab bar, which makes it perfect if you want a more stylish option for your shower. It’s convenient because you can store toiletries on it, and it looks great. It’s a good option for those who dislike the look of standard grab bars.
Like the others, you do have to purchase the SecureMounts separately, which Moen recommends as it gives the grab bar extra weight capacity. If you install it without the SecureMounts, it can take up to 250lbs of weight.
It comes with a lifetime warranty. If you want to check out the latest price for it, click here.
Pros
- Looks stylish
- Comes in an attractive colour
- Can store toiletries on it
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
Cons
- SecureMounts have to be purchased separately
- No ribbing for extra grip
Frequently Asked Questions
You can use a handyman, a remodelling contractor, or a plumber for this job. A plumber is your best bet, as they are more likely to have experience in installing grab bars in bathrooms.
You may need the following:
– Pen or pencil
– Masking tape
– Electric drill with glass or tile drill bit
– Grab bar
– General-purpose/wood or metal drill bit
– Hand-held screwdriver
– Wall screws
Technically they can be installed anywhere. Vertical entrance bars for a shower should go near the shower door jamb. Horizontal bars should go along the sidewall of a shower, around 36 inches above the floor. Vertical bars near the faucet wall should go near the handles.
When it comes to bathtubs, it is recommended that you place a vertical entrance bar on the wall opposite the faucet. A long horizontal bar should be attached to the sidewall, about 30 inches above the floor of the bathtub. And a further vertical bar should be placed on the faucet end, near the faucet handles.
Of course, the placement of grab bars is up to you. You might find that you have a specific need that can be helped by putting a grab bar in a certain place or at a particular angle.
Suction grab bars are great if you live in rental accommodation if you want something portable, or you don’t want to install anything permanently in your home. Some come with an indicator that allows you to see if it is attached securely. Having said that, they do have their limitations. Ultimately, a grab bar that is screwed into the wall securely is going to stay put – it can be a bit trickier to get a suction bar installed with 100% accuracy.
Yes – using a special glass or tile drill bit, you should be able to install a grab bar without cracking the tiles.
No. Fiberglass is a porous surface, which means suction cups won’t work. The same goes for marble tiles, too.
Some Medicare Advantage plans cover grab bars, but grab bars are not usually covered.
The average is about 250lbs, but many models on this list can hold up to 500lbs if installed correctly.
Conclusion – Which is the Best Grab Bar?
Which grab bar you want will depend on your individual circumstances. For those who are very frail or shaky due to health or medication, you will want a variety of grab bars in different places around your bathroom to help prevent falls. A combination of types of grab bars will work well, as you will probably need varying shapes and sizes.
However, if we had to pick the best one on this list, we’d probably go for the AmeriLuck Stainless Steel Bath Grab Bars. They represent good value for money, which is great for those on a smaller income. They come in a variety of stylish colours, so they should suit most bathrooms. Plus, they’re versatile. You can install them wherever they’re needed. The weight capacity is great at 500lbs, and they have an anti-skid grip. Plus, they’re ADA compliant. They’re a great all-round choice.
We hope this has helped you to find the right grab bar for you. If you want to keep reading, why not check out our guide to the Best States to Retire In, our guide on How to Make Shoes Non-Slip or our guide on How to Find the Best Wheelchairs?
