The experts we consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted.
As Susan DeMarois, director of the California Department of Aging, previously told HuffPost, most older adults want to age in place. But while the benefits of a continued sense of independence can be dignifying, the parameters for safe living change over time. One simple way to adapt to those changes is by making small, affordable updates at home, like adding fall-prevention tools.
We found a two-pack of shower grab bars that are 32% off, and they provide a “stable and secure grip” and stick on so well that one reviewer even says it’s “too strong for me to take down.” These are especially handy (pun intended) for those with older parents, caregivers or anyone looking to add alayer of safety to their homes.
Rather than relying on pure press-on suction cups, these grab bars are installed by twisting a lever to ensure all air is pushed out, firmly mounting on a tile or shower surface.
With a textured rubber for extra grip and large handles, these grips can help you or your loved ones balance better while in the shower. They don’t require tools to install — just place against a clean wall, firmly push and twist its lock — and they’re reusable, so you can move as needed.
The brand claims it can support up to 240 pounds, though it makes it very clear: these bars are for balance, not for supporting full body weight. Don’t let that deceive you, though; these are plenty strong grips. One person swears that they stick on so well, “I sometimes think they might pull the whole shower wall off.”
“These grab bars are incredible,” raves another user. “My son installed them with me, so we were able to position them exactly where I needed. They install easily and cling to the shower wall with intense, reliable power. I feel so safe getting in and out of my shower and recommend them highly to anyone, especially us seniors.”
If you’re looking to up your safety or better prevent in-home falls for the people you love, consider grabbing a two-pack of these grab handles while they’re on sale. And just in case you need some testimonials from those who’ve used them, check out the reviews below.
“I got this for my parents. It is so easy to put on. Actually, it is too strong for me to take down, so good for seniors. I don’t have to worry about my parents falling. I sometimes think they might pull the whole shower wall off. I put one higher near the entering point and the other lower in the middle area, so they can use one to get in and out and the other to sit and get up or to bend down. They love it.” — Jing Wang
“We have just tried these and they seem to have an excellent hold. We bought them to use at our rented beach house this spring as there do not appear to be any safety bars in the bathroom and my husband and I are older. He is 6’ 190 pounds and they are strong enough for him to pull up on. Excellent quality as far as we can tell. Much better than others ewe have tried.” — ABT
“Exactly what I needed. These things stick!! They have an adhesive on them (feels that way) in addition to the suction. It takes some effort to get the lever to push in so you know it is solid. Very pleased! My new tub sits up high so there is a tall step down onto stained concrete (slippery as heck!) so I needed something to make sure I don’t end up in the hospital. Great investment and just what I was looking for.” — L. McGarr
“These grab bars work great! I had abdominal surgery and have difficulty sitting down on & raising up from the toilet seat. One bar helps me immensely. We put the second bar outside of my shower to stabilize me when getting in & out. I highly recommend this product!” — KGB
Looking for more items for seniors living alone? Check out these helpful products.
A floor-to-ceiling support pole
Another option for adding support throughout the home is this tension-mounted pole. It earned a spot on this list for its double-handled grab bar that swivels 360 degrees and its floor-to-ceiling design that helps to provide support whether someone is sitting or standing. Because this sturdy bar uses tension to stay in place, no drilling or permanent installation is required.
A bathroom transfer bench
According to the CDA's fall prevention program, a transfer bench is useful for some older adults to enter and exit the bathtub safely. We chose this highly rated option in particular because of its positive reviews, tool-free assembly and secure construction that can hold up to 400 pounds. The chair is easily adjusted up to 22.5 inches in order to fit most standard-size bathtubs, and has extra-large non-slip feet as well as a non-slip surface.
A portable support rail for beds
Inspired by the success stories of individuals from the CDA's at-home fall prevention program, we picked this assistive, adjustable bed rail that easily slips underneath most mattresses and has a larger load-bearing framework than other bed rails that we found. It has a sturdy and resistive construction that can be trusted.
The Real Deal: We use deal trackers and commerce experience to sift through “fake” hike-and-drop deals and other deceptive sales tactics. Products will usually be rated at least 4 stars with a minimum 15% discount. (And when there’s an exception, we’ll tell you why.)
The experts we consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted.