Hi All,
I had my tkr on 8th September and things are going as expected!
We have a walk-in shower with no way of fixing any grab handles or other permanent supports. I'm very aware that I could so easily slip and maybe undo all the surgeon's good work.
So we bought a loo surround and put in the cubicle. I had a shower on the day after I got home. I can use the loo surround to hold on to - and still do - and I use it as a walking frame so I can move away from the shower-head to dry myself.
I hope this helps other people to enjoy a shower safely!
Anna x
Thanks Anna. I had a shower seat but it took up too much room and was more of a hinderance than a help. I found that I could manage in the shower with no support. Painful yes but I somehow managed.
Hi Anna - I got a shower chair that is alot like the toilet seat. Great invention. I was going to get a non slip mat too but haven't needed it. Could be good in a large area though.Fun times !!!
You can buy grips or handles with suction cups that can't be permanently mounted. They can be used on any clean surface except painted walls. harm done if When we gutted a bath and remodeled a few years back we put in a 2 ft permanent grab bar but when my wife was diagnosed with Parkinson's it became apparent that wasn't going to be enough. We havec2 all's of heavy glass and 2 tile so I go 2 of these suction cup handle grabs. They have a good size cup on the wall side and a small lever action that snaps them in place. Nice thing about them, no harm done if they are in the wrong spot, you just flip those little levers and the come right off ad you can move the around. The suction cups are really
You can buy grips or handles with suction cups that can't be permanently mounted. They can be used on any clean surface except painted walls. harm done if When we gutted a bath and remodeled a few years back we put in a 2 ft permanent grab bar but when my wife was diagnosed with Parkinson's it became apparent that wasn't going to be enough. We havec2 all's of heavy glass and 2 tile so I go 2 of these suction cup handle grabs. They have a good size cup on the wall side and a small lever action that snaps them in place. Nice thing about them, no harm done if they are in the wrong spot, you just flip those little levers and the come right off ad you can move the around. The suction cups are really firm and safe. They are around $ 15 USD each.
I had mine just short of 3 weeks ago and I can manage to get in and out of the bath by myself. It may look comical they way I have to half turn and lift my bad leg over onto the floor but it works for me....
The suction cups can be a good quick fix but make sure you check the suction before just grabbing . Over time, they can lose their suction. These are temporary devices and many will stick them to the surface thinking they're going hold permanently. This isn't always the case. I have a contract with the dept on aging and I install all sorts of grab bars. A lot of my clients can barely get around and live alone. They can't check the suction cups due to their disability. I install permanent grab bars for them. I install grab bars onto an into any surfaces at least 3/8" inches thick. I use a studless mounting system called wingits and I use an ADA compliant grab bars and once installed they're guaranteed to hold up to 600lbs. And you can install them for under $100.00 depending on the installer.
I was put off the suction type grab handles. Apparently the NHS occupational health people have stopped recommending them. Also a friend of mine who owns a mobility shop told me to steer clear of them, as he's heard that they can lose suction and it would be awful if they suddenly lost suction at a crucial time. So my loo surround is just fine!
Anna x
The kind I have actually snap the suction cups closed and tight. I wouldn't advocate the ones that you just wet and push on. I've been using them 3 years with no problem but only for temporary balance not to pull myself up with. It was our home health OT that recommended and placed them properly
I had a safety rail installed by Australian government road insurance due to my knees been stuffed due to being run over by a truck so not good I got run over but at least I pay for nothing ... Also hubby put down special tape in strips on the shower floor they have so much more grip than a mat that can slip and be dangerous. My shower is too small for use of stools & chairs.
This is exactly what should be explained. Have a licensed and insured professional install them. Personally as a licensed and insured handyman, I wouldn't install the suction cups due to liability reasons. Oldfatguy your a seasoned veteran with these things so you know.
Hi Phillip... my handrail was installed by a professional, he was going to install 2 but was concerned with one that it would cause a crack, which was fine by me as I wouldn't of used that one anyway .. but I swear by my handrails... I don't see how a walk in shower can't have them like someone mentioned, the only reason I can think of is the asthetics!
The department on aging don't allow them either. And the mobility store owner is right for telling you to npt use them.
Right. We had the handful installed professionally when we redid the bathroom. Had extra studs put in for added strength and have the same extra bracing for a shower chair to be properly installed. As with most, I am as much concerned with the flooring as anything and I take extra time to make sure all the soap is rinsed off of me and the walls and floor before I even start moving around.
I don't blame you for not don't the suction cups. The one advantage I have is our shower is a walk in and has glass walls won't be suction cups are on the optimum surface.....that and I don't use them as a weight bearing item.......only to steady myself as I move. Everyone just has to find the equipment that works for them and do it with the greatest degree of caution. Just because a ladder had a 300 lb load limit doesn't mean I wanted to test it out at 25' off the ground just to validate.
Whenever I install grab bars, I try to screw into a stud. Most 18, 24, and 36 inch grab bars won't hit a stud on both sides so you may want to use the wingits. Hit a stud when possible to ensure a solid connection. This is for people who can't afford a total bath rehab.
Absolutely. That's why we had the extra reinforcement and kept a schematic. Never understood why someone didn't design a system that would allow you to install the braces in studs then center and attach the grab bar.
A schematic was a good idea. They sell 16 inch grab bars but they're not long enough for the intended use. I install grab bars on a slant to get two studs. But it rarely gets done because clients are so anal about the way it looks. I get called out to make it safe and they hit me with make it safe and cute.
You ever done any work for my wife? Sounds like what I go through with every project plus no mess at a) while I'm working. Age and health have caught up with me and anything more than a birdhouse is off limits. The cycle of life ........start with making birdhouses and end up the same way.