Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions we hear most about home safety, fall prevention and grab bar installation. Don’t see your question? Call us at 314-651-8007. We’re happy to help.

Home Safety & Fall Prevention

How common are falls among older adults?

Very common. According to the CDC, more than one in four adults age 65 and older reports a fall each year. The National Safety Council reports that more than 3.85 million older adults were treated in emergency departments for fall-related injuries in 2023. Many of these falls happen at home, and many are preventable.

Why is the bathroom such a common place for falls?

Bathrooms combine wet, slippery surfaces with hard tile floors and tubs. Everyday movements, like stepping over a tub wall, sitting down on or getting up from the toilet, or turning around in the shower, all require balance in a tight space with little to hold onto.

Who should consider grab bars?

Grab bars aren’t just for seniors. They help anyone with balance or mobility concerns, people recovering from surgery or injury, expectant mothers, and families who want a safer bathroom for every age. Many homeowners add them before they’re needed as part of planning to age in place.

What is a home safety assessment?

During an assessment, one of our home safety advisors walks through your home with you, looks at the areas where falls are most likely, such as bathrooms, bedrooms and entryways, and recommends practical solutions based on how you or your loved one actually move through the space.

Besides grab bars, what else can make a bathroom safer?

Popular additions include tub and shower benches, hand-held shower heads, non-slip floor coatings and bed rails. Good lighting and a clear path to the bathroom at night also go a long way. We can recommend the right combination during your assessment.

Grab Bars & Installation

Where should grab bars be installed?

The most common locations are at the tub or shower entry, on the shower or tub wall, and beside the toilet. Grab bars can also help near the bed, in hallways and at entry steps. The best placement depends on the person using them, which is why we look at each space individually.

How high should a grab bar be mounted?

ADA guidelines place horizontal grab bars at the toilet and tub between 33 and 36 inches above the floor. In a home, we use those guidelines as a starting point and adjust placement to fit the height, reach and needs of the people who will be using them.

How much weight can a grab bar hold?

ADA standards require grab bars to withstand 250 pounds of force applied in any direction. Depending on the brand, model and how it’s installed, grab bar weight capacity typically ranges from 250 to 500 pounds. The real key is installation: a grab bar is only as strong as what it’s anchored to, so we secure every bar into wall studs or with anchors specifically designed and rated for grab bars.

Can you install grab bars on tile, fiberglass or walls without studs?

Yes. We regularly install on ceramic and porcelain tile, stone, fiberglass and acrylic tub surrounds, and drywall. When a stud isn’t where the bar needs to go, we use specialty grab bar anchors made for hollow walls and surrounds.

Are suction-cup grab bars safe?

Suction-cup bars are not designed to support your body weight and can release without warning. They should only be used as a balance aid, never as a substitute for a properly mounted grab bar.

Can I use my towel bar as a grab bar?

No. Towel bars are not built or anchored to hold a person’s weight and can pull out of the wall in a fall. If you find yourself reaching for a towel bar for support, it’s a good sign a real grab bar is needed. Some grab bar styles can even double as towel bars.

What size grab bar do I need?

Grab bars commonly range from about 12 to 42 inches long. ADA guidelines call for a bar diameter between 1-1/4 and 2 inches with 1-1/2 inches of space between the bar and the wall, so hands can wrap around it securely. We’ll recommend lengths and styles for each location.

Will grab bars match my bathroom?

They can. We install designer grab bars from brands like Moen, Kohler, Delta and Brizo in finishes including chrome, brushed nickel, matte black, bronze and gold. See our Finish Matching page for the full list.

Will installation damage my tile or walls?

We use the correct drill bits and techniques for each surface to minimize the risk of cracking, and each mounting flange covers its screw holes for a clean, finished look.

Coverage & Scheduling

Does Medicare pay for grab bars?

Original Medicare generally does not cover grab bars or their installation because they are considered safety items rather than medical equipment. Some Medicare Advantage plans, state Medicaid waiver programs and local Area Agencies on Aging may offer help with home safety modifications. Check with your plan or local agency for details.

What areas do you serve?

We serve St. Louis, Missouri and the surrounding areas.

How do I get started?

Call us at 314-651-8007 or reach out through our Contact page to schedule your home safety assessment and grab bar installation.