Getting on and off a toilet is one of the most common places people lose their balance at home. The fix is a horizontal bar within arm's reach, placed so the user pushes down rather than pulls sideways.
Option 1: side wall bar
If there's a wall within about 18 inches of the toilet centerline, mount a 36 to 42 inch horizontal bar on it at 33 to 36 inches high. Position it so it starts about 12 inches from the rear wall and extends forward past the front of the bowl. The ADA layout puts the bar 12 inches from the rear wall and 54 inches long in total; a home can use a shorter bar as long as it reaches past the front edge of the seat.
Option 2: rear wall bar
A 24 to 36 inch bar on the wall behind the toilet, at the same height, gives support for standing up and for anyone who steadies themselves while turning. It's a good add-on to a side bar and a decent stand-alone option in a narrow room.
Option 3: fold-down (swing-up) bar
When there's no wall beside the toilet, or a caregiver needs room, a swing-up fold-down grab bar mounts on the rear wall and folds down beside the seat when needed. It must go into studs because it carries a cantilevered load.
Bars that do double duty
A grab bar that also holds the toilet paper roll puts support exactly where a hand already goes. LiveWell's 2-in-1 toilet paper holder grab bar is a stainless steel grab bar first, so it takes body weight, unlike a regular paper holder.
Questions about your bathroom? Call LiveWell at (440) 499-7221 or email info@livewellhs.com. We ship grab bars from Ohio to homes, contractors, and senior living communities nationwide.