7 Reasons to Consider Grab Bar Installation
Every day in homes, people face a simple but impactful risk, slipping or losing balance in the bathroom. At Oakley Home Access, we’ve seen how a well‑placed grab bar can be more than just hardware, it becomes a lifeline.
If you’ve ever helped a family member navigate a shower after hip surgery, or feared a fall in the tub during our icy winters, you understand the peace of mind that accompanies grab bar installation. As a locally owned, OT‑backed team with certified home‑modification experts, we bring both compassion and craftsmanship to every project. In this article, discover seven solid reasons why investing in grab bars, is one of the smartest safety upgrades for your home.
What Is Grab Bar Installation?
Putting it simply, it’s the secure mounting of sturdy bars, usually stainless steel or coated metals, into your walls to support weight, prevent slips and help with standing, sitting, or transferring.
You might think grab bars are just for accessibility, but in reality, they’re key to preventing serious injuries and preserving independence. Rhode Island’s Department of Health actively promotes installing grab bars near showers and toilets as a core fall‑prevention strategy. At Oakley Home Access, our free home safety assessments help uncover spots where a small bar can make a big difference.
7 Reasons to Invest in Grab Bar Installation
1. Prevent Slips and Falls in High-Risk Areas
Falls are a leading cause of injuries among elders, especially in bathrooms. National data shows that one in three people 65 and older falls each year. We’ve installed bars for seniors in Warwick whose fall risk was drastically reduced after simply adding a horizontal bar next to the toilet and a vertical bar at the tub entry.
2. Boost Independence at Home
A client recovering from hip surgery marveled, “I never would’ve managed the walk‑in shower without that bar.” Being able to bathe without aid gives immense confidence to homeowners aging in place.
3. Support Post-Surgery Mobility
We often hear from clients around Newport and Middletown who say they felt safer returning home after knee or hip replacements, simply because they could rely on grab bars for extra stability. Installation usually takes under an hour, even in tiled spaces.
4. Enhance Accessibility for Everyone
Whether for seniors, kids, or grandkids staying over, grab bars are useful for all ages. One family in South County added a decorative stainless bar that blended with bathroom décor, safety without sacrificing style.
5. Add Value with Smart, Affordable Upgrades
Accessibility enhancements like grab bars are low‑cost investments with high returns. With a growing retiree population, accessible-ready homes are increasingly in demand. A small, ADA‑compliant upgrade can tip the scales for prospective buyers.
6. Customizable to Match Style and Need
We offer finishes from satin stainless to knurled or even decorative styles. Plus, grab bars come in various shapes, straight, angled, and fold‑down, so you can choose what complements your space while maintaining strength.
Read more: Where to Install Grab Bars
7. Give Your Loved Ones Peace of Mind
Family caregivers often tell us how relieved they feel when sharp, weight‑bearing grab bars replace wobbly towel racks or suction bars. As the Department of Health recommends, installing firm grab bars inside and outside the tub and near the toilet is a critical step in protecting loved ones.
Local Expertise You Can Trust: Why Oakley Home Access?
- EEAT in Action: With Occupational Therapists and Executive Certified Home Modification Providers, our team brings licensed, well‑trained professionals to every installation.
- Free Safety Assessments: Based in Narragansett and serving Providence, Newport, South County and beyond, we begin with a walkthrough to identify hidden falls risk zones.
- Real RI Experience: Veteran clients in Providence who’ve used our ramps and stairlifts always include grab bars near sinks or toilets, “I feel independent again,” says one reunited veteran.
- Respect for Local Codes and Programs: We understand Rhode Island’s building rules, and work with Medicaid waiver programs and VA benefits to guide clients toward available funding.
How We Do Grab Bar Installation Right
- In‑home assessment: We walk every room to note mobility patterns, prior falls, and desired improvements.
- Choose the right bar: Stainless options rated for 250 lb+ loads, textured grips, and finishes to match your style. Placement is planned by height (33–36 in) and function.
- Installation: Bars are anchored into wall studs or reinforced blocking, never relying on drywall alone.
- Final testing: We tug every bar to ensure no movement, for safety and durability.
- Guidance on insurance or assistance: For VA or Medicaid support queries, we help clarify eligibility.
Contact Oakley Home Access Now!
At Oakley Home Access, we back every installation with local knowledge, certified expertise, and years of experience. From your free home safety walk-through to careful placement and solid anchoring, our team ensures your home supports you, not just today, but for years to come.
Ready to make your home safer? Contact us now to schedule your free assessment. Let’s help you move safely, independently, and confidently, right here in Rhode Island.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How long does grab bar installation take in Rhode Island?
A: Typically between 30–60 minutes. Tile or thicker walls may add 15–20 minutes.
Q: Can renters install grab bars without damaging walls?
A: Yes. We recommend reinforced blocking or steel toggles that leave only small holes, easy to patch later. Fair‑housing rules permit reasonable safety modifications.
Q: Are grab bars covered by insurance or Medicare in RI?
A: Original Medicare generally doesn’t cover them, but Medicare Advantage, VA benefits, or Medicaid waivers may. We assist clients in exploring options.