As we get older, our physical capabilities diminish. We might need assistance in our daily activities — such as standing and showering.
The bathroom can be one of the most dangerous places for older adults.
After all, you’re dealing with water and linoleum — which make a slippery floor that can cause falls as you take a bath.
Because of that, you’ll need a shower handle on the wall to help you make a more secure bathroom.
8 Best Shower Handles for Elderly
A shower handle is one of the many shower aids for the elderly that can greatly increase bathroom safety.
So, here are my top 8 shower handles to increase safety in the bathroom:
1: Moen R8732P 32-Inch Grab Bar – Best Overall
Main Features:
- Peened finish
- Backed by Moen’s Limited Lifetime Warranty
- 1.25-inch diameter
What I Like
- Heavy-duty
- Textured finish
- Can support up to 500 lbs
- Has a lifetime warranty
What I Didn’t Like
- Screw heads aren’t high quality
Most grab bars are designed to just help you keep your balance. That means they’re not made to support your FULL body weight for relatively long periods.
But the reason I love this Moen 32-inch grab bar is that it’s heavy-duty, being able to support up to 500 lbs!
Aside from that, it’s a PERMANENT shower bar, so you’re sure it won’t detach from the shower wall when you hold onto it while bathing or standing from the bathtub.
A peened finish and 1.25-inch diameter ensure that you always have a good grip.
However, I’ve noticed that the screws that come with this shower bar aren’t high quality.
As such, you’ll need to switch them with better screws to make the product more stable after installation.If you feel like this heavy-duty shower standing handle isn’t enough to keep you from falling, I highly recommend looking at shower wheelchairs for the elderly to wheel your senior in instead.
2: Gotega Two-Pack Shower Grab Bar – Best Value
Main Features:
- Powder-coated finish
- 304 stainless steel tubes
What I Like
- Budget-friendly
- Comes in a pack of two
- Super load-bearing
What I Didn’t Like
- Chrome finish looks dull
- Thin diameter
Two bathroom grab bar supports? For only $15.29 (as of the writing of this article)?
Gotega’s two-pack grab bar will DEFINITELY give you your bang for your buck.
Despite the price, it has a powder-coated finish for a shiny chrome look. However, I noticed it’s a bit duller than other chrome fixtures in the bathroom.
But it also utilizes stainless steel tubes, so you won’t have to worry about rust and corrosion.
I’m also impressed with how it can support up to 500 lbs.
However, the diameter is quite thin — so it took me some time to be comfortable enough to put a lot of weight on it.Despite that, I can say that it helps you get through your showers while guaranteeing your safety. Shower rails for the elderly can also increase safety as you take a bath.
3: ZUEXT Anti-Slip Shower Grab Bar Handle – Best Budget Pick
Main Features:
- Anti-slip knurled surface
- Comes in various lengths
- Chrome design finish
What I Like
- Strong rust and corrosion resistance
- Lasts for ten years
- Textured finish
What I Didn’t Like
- Comes with thin screws and plastic wall anchors
ZUEXT’s shower standing handle has a chrome design finish that gives it a classic look. However, I assure you that it’s relatively cheap.
Despite the low price, it strongly resists rust and corrosion — the brand even assures users that this product can last up to 10 years!
The middle of the shower bar has an anti-slip knurled surface that helps improve your grip so you won’t lose your balance when you’re trying to stand.
But to ensure this grab bar stays secure, I suggest you use better screws than the ones provided.
You’ll also have to utilize the studs in the wall during installation since this product only comes with PLASTIC wall anchors — which might jeopardize your safety.
4: Carex Ultra Grip Suction Shower Grab Bar – Best Suction
Main Features:
- Powerful dual-locking suction cups
- Safety indicators
- Compact
What I Like
- Lightweight and portable
- Easy to install
- Indicates if the grab bar is safely fastened
What I Didn’t Like
- Not good for natural stones or drywalls
- Tends to get loose
The Carex Ultra Grip Grab Bar has powerful dual-locking suction cups that can grip onto ANY smooth, flat, and non-porous surface — like glass and tile.
That means this suction cup device won’t do well on a natural stone or drywall.
Since it’s removable, I’m happy it’s also compact — making it easily portable. So, you can easily install it on other walls too.
This shower bar also features a visual indicator that turns from red to green to signal that it’s secure enough to use.
Though the suction cups on this grab bar hold it in place, I’ve experienced a few times where they’ll suddenly get loose though I’ve taken all the precautions.
5: Botabay Handicap Grab Bar Rails – Best for Toilet
Main Features:
- Folding design
- Anti-slip cover design
- Stable load-bearing
What I Like
- Saves space
- Sturdy and durable
- Specially designed for the toilet
What I Didn’t Like
- Can’t hold a lot of weight
- Could have had a better product description
Botabay offers a grab bar specially made for the toilet.
I really appreciate the space-saving design — it’s a folding grab bar that can be turned at 90° so it can stand against the wall when not in use.
It also has an anti-slip cover design with good friction to prevent your grip from slipping while standing or sitting on the toilet.
This product is made of anti-rust space aluminum and is sturdy enough to support up to 300 lbs.
However, I still wouldn’t recommend it if you need a lot of help getting up since its anchors might get pulled out of the wall.
This also might have been my fault, but I thought I was getting a PAIR rather than just a piece. The product description mentions “handicap grab BARS,” and the picture shows two pieces.
6: Carex Dual Level Bathtub Rail – Best for Bathtub
Main Features:
- Scratchproof and rust-resistant
- Two anti-slip grip surfaces
- Easy adjustable mounting
What I Like
- Specially designed for the bathtub
- Doesn’t scratch the tub
- Easy to install
What I Didn’t Like
- Grips aren’t adjustable
Carex offers a specially-designed shower bar for the tub.
It’s secure on most bathtubs — as long as they’re at least 3 1/4″ wide. It also has an adjustable mount with flexible steel spring clamps for easy installation.
It has protective rubber pads, so it doesn’t accidentally scratch the tub!
The rail has two different levels of grab bars with textured surfaces for a better grip.
However, the grips themselves aren’t adjustable. This may be tricky if both levels aren’t a comfortable height for you.
Some like staying in the bathtub because you want to be seated during a bath.
But if this is the case for you and you have difficulty getting into a tub, I’d recommend shower chairs for seniors instead.
7: Moen R2356DN Safety 16-Inch Bathroom Grab Balance Assist Bar with Shelf – Most Convenient
Main Features:
- Versatile design
- Brushed nickel finish
- Backed by Moen’s Limited Lifetime Warranty
What I Like
- Can fit lightweight shower items
- Doesn’t look like a grab bar
- Has a lifetime warranty
What I Didn’t Like
- Has a smooth texture
- Tray has no drainage
Moen has another shower standing handle up their sleeve. This has a decorating style, supportive design, and a limited lifetime warranty!
This product has a shelf that can hold lightweight shower items — such as the essentials (soap and shampoo).
It doesn’t have tray drainage, but you can tilt the tray to get rid of the accumulated water.
With its brushed nickel finish, I love how it doesn’t look like a shower standing handle.
But the downside to that is it has a smooth texture, which means your hand might still be prone to slipping.
This can threaten your safety if you need support standing or sitting as you shower.
8: Stander Security Pole and Curve Grab Bar – Best Premium Grab Bar
Main Features:
- Tension-mounted
- Versatile
- Ladder design
What I Like
- Grab bar rotates 360°
- Versatile design
- No tools needed for installation
- Helpful customer service
What I Didn’t Like
- Expensive compared to the tub- and wall-mounted bars
- Good for flat ceilings only
Stander’s Security Pole and Curve Grab Bar is quite expensive at around $130. But it’s very versatile.
If you install it in the right place, you can use it for standing up from the toilet, getting out of the tub, and exiting the shower!
It also offers easy installation since you don’t need tools to secure it. Instead, the pole is tension-mounted and has rubber pads at each end to protect the floor and ceiling from damage.
Admittedly, the installation instructions it came with were quite confusing for me. But customer service was very helpful in helping me set it up.
The grab bar rotates 360° and locks into position every 45°. It also has a ladder design to mimic the natural hand-over-hand motion when you stand up.
However, the pole is good for flat ceilings only. You shouldn’t install it in the shower either.
As such, you might need to use this together with other shower standing handles or get shower shoes for seniors, so you feel more secure in the bathroom.
Factors to Consider When Buying Shower Handles for the Elderly
The market offers many kinds of grab bars — all of which can create a more secure environment in the bathroom.
But to find the RIGHT shower standing handle for you, below are some factors to consider:
1: Size
Shower standing handles can range from 9 to 42 inches. The length of your bar should address your needs.
If you need help getting in and out of the shower, you should ideally get something that’s 24 inches long.
But if you just need help in BALANCE during your showers, something between 12 and 24 inches is enough.
2: Height
There’s actually no standard height for shower rails and grab bars.
A good base height would be 33 to 26 inches from the floor. But you should adjust it according to the height you think you’d naturally reach out to if you suddenly felt dizzy.
3: Weight and Mount Style
Most grab bars are NOT designed to carry your full body weight for long periods. As such, always check the weight capacity.
If you have a permanent shower bar, utilize the studs of your shower wall, so they’re secure. Moen offers a separate kit if you plan to install their product on a hollow wall.
If you have suction cup grab bars, learn how to mount them properly onto the wall, so they don’t suddenly detach as you use them during your showers.
4: Material
Shower standing handles should be rust- and corrosion-resistant. As such, they should be made to support you even if you’re bathing in the wettest bathroom.
Most of these products can have a highly-reflective mirror-like look to match other bathroom fixtures.
If stainless steel and aluminum aren’t your style, a plastic grab bar is a great option too — just first carefully check if it’s sturdy enough to make you feel secure as you take a bath.
5: Installation
There are two kinds of grab bars: fixed and removable.
Fixed bars offer extra stability in the shower — as long as you utilize the wall studs and have good screws and anchors.
You’ll need the correct tools for installation if you have this kind of grab bar.
Meanwhile, removable models are easy to install and portable. However, these are more suited to those who will put only a little weight on the bar.
To install this, choose a smooth, non-porous surface with no grout lines.
Unfortunately, a suction cup may eventually come loose over time, making it harder to keep on the wall. As such, you should regularly check them.
6: Grip
Not all grab bars have textured grips.
However, having a textured surface would be important to prevent your hands from slipping if you need to hold on to something to balance yourself during your showers.
If you have big hands, you might also be more comfortable with a thicker bar.
Aside from that, you can also consider a bar with some extra clearance from the shower wall. A curved bar would be a great option too.
7: ADA Compliant
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has standards to make places more accessible to those who need support.
For a grab bar to be ADA-compliant, it should support around 500 lbs.
Check the other ADA requirements and compare them to the shower handle’s specifications to ensure they can prevent falls as much as possible.
8: Price Point
Grab bars have different prices depending on features and specifications. However, rest assured that they’re all made for bath safety.
As such, it’s important to consider what kind of support you need while showering.
If you just need something to hold onto for balance while you shower and don’t need a textured surface, then a basic chrome grab bar is the most affordable option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A shower standing handle definitely improves bath safety. Below are some questions that can help you understand them more:
Are Standing Shower Handles Safe for Seniors?
Yes, shower standing handles are safe for seniors! In fact, they’re literally a LIFE-SAVER for the elderly.
For one, grab bars help you maintain balance while showering. They can also prevent slipping and falling in the shower.
They boost your confidence by letting you take safe showers alone.
However, grab bars are only one part of making showers safe for seniors.
To further improve the safety of your bathroom, you should also consider other items, such as non-slip shower mats.
Can I Install the Shower Handle Myself, or Should I Seek Help From a Professional?
If you’re good with your hands and have the right tools, self-installation is possible.
However, you’ll have to read the instructions very carefully. That’s because the grab bar won’t hold the weight advertised if it’s not installed correctly.
Most standing handles come with all the required accessories — such as screws and flanges.
But you should also check if these accessories help make the product ADA-compliant.
If you don’t think you can install the shower standing handle yourself, it would be better to seek help from a professional.
This is especially true with permanent shower bars since removable ones are easy to install.
Is it Possible to Attach Shower Handles to Tiled Walls?
Yes, grab bars can be attached to tiled walls.
If you have permanent shower bars, they should be attached to the studs inside the walls for maximum support. The drill bit should go through the tiles without cracking them.
But if you’re dealing with a suction cup, attach it to smooth and non-porous surfaces — like tiles and glass.
Depending on the grab bar’s size, the tile must be bigger than 4×4 or 5×5 inches.
A Recap of the Top Picks
Before I end this article, let me give you a quick recap of the best grab bars:
Best Budget Pick – ZUEXT Anti-Slip Shower Grab Bar Handle
Main Features:
- Anti-slip knurled surface
- Comes in various lengths
- Chrome design finish
This shower standing handle may come at a low price, but it has an anti-slip grip surface that can prevent falls in the shower.
Its chrome finish gives it a classic look.
ZUEXT’s shower handle is a great option if you want a heavy-duty product for a low price.
Best Value – Gotega Two-Pack Shower Grab Bar
Main Features:
- Powder-coated finish
- 304 stainless steel tubes
If you’re looking for good value, then it’s Gotega’s pack at a low price! You get two quality grab bars that can take a load.
Don’t let the price fool you — these two can each support up to 500 lbs.
Best Overall – Moen R8732P 32-Inch Grab Bar
Main Features:
- Peened finish
- Backed by Moen’s Limited Lifetime Warranty
- 1.25-inch diameter
If you want the best bar for your bathroom, Moen’s 32-inch grab bar is what you’re looking for.
At 32 inches, it can even support those who need help standing up and sitting down on the toilet or tub.
It can also safely guide anyone entering and exiting the shower.
Conclusion
If installed correctly, a shower standing handle can immediately create a safer bathroom.
But before you purchase yours, you must consider different factors — from the installation method to the weight it can support.
Whether you choose a permanent or removable grab bar, the most important thing is that it should keep you from falling when you have to pull on it while showering.
