Create Accessible Bathrooms with These Bathroom Chair Rails

If you need something to keep your loved ones safe and give them the ability to let them do things themselves, then these chair rails may be what you’re looking for. This quick buyer’s guide will cover everything you need to know.

What Is the Purpose of Bathroom Chair Rails?

Bathroom chair rails are support frames installed in key locations throughout the bathroom. The main goal of these chair rails is to support the user as they move in and out of the toilet.

The Benefits of Bathroom Chair Rails

They make it safer for people with abilities to use the toilet

The main reason why people consider getting a bathroom chair rail or toilet frame in the first place is that either they or a loved one has a physical disability that prevents them from using the toilet in the usual manner. This can include people with arthritis, those with physical injuries such as a broken leg, and so on.

By adding or installing chair rails to toilets, users with disabilities can use the toilet with less hindrance and effort, making use of the strength of their arms instead to get them into the right position before and after use.

They give agency to people who otherwise can’t use toilets themselves

One common feeling that many people with disabilities have, especially those who acquire them instead of being born with them, is frustration. They are often frustrated at the fact that they are no longer capable of doing things themselves. Of course, they know that there’s not much they can do about it, but it still stings nonetheless.

This is why adding bathroom chair rails can be more impactful than you think. The user is able to make good use of the rails and with enough strength, they can even use the toilet themselves. This gives them a feeling of agency and dignity, which is important if you want to keep them happy. 

It allows for more privacy

Privacy is something that many people with disabilities end up having to part with. When you’re unable to do simple tasks yourself, and these tasks involve private matters such as going to the toilet, it can feel pretty humiliating for some people. Privacy matters no matter how old you are, and not everybody wants to rely on a caretaker or loved one even if it’s the only option they have.

Giving people the ability to use the toilet themselves allows them to take back at least some form of privacy. While they may not be able to, say, take a shower themselves, being able to use the toilet on your own is still something many people would gladly want.

It makes using the toilet safer in general

With old age and injury comes an increased risk of even more injuries. This is because your body isn’t as strong as it used to be, and simple mistakes can lead to devastating consequences. Even if your grandparents or injured siblings are able to use the toilets on their own right now, it never hurts to give them a little extra support to ensure that nothing bad happens to them.

Tips When Setting Up Bathroom Chair Rails

Always check for compatibility first

Not all bathroom chair rails and toilet frames work with all toilets ever made, and while they’re designed to be as universal as possible, you never know if your home’s toilet is one of the rare exceptions. To prevent this from happening, you simply need to check if the bathroom chair rails fit your toilet via a provided compatibility list or measurements provided by the manufacturer.

If you aren’t able to find a list of supported toilet sizes or brands, look for a rail that’s designed to be planted on the floor instead of directly on the seat itself. These rails cater to toilet seats of just about any size, and there’s a very good chance that they’ll work with your particular toilet seat at home.

Clean the rails regularly

The bathroom is a very private area of the home, but it’s also one of the dirtiest. It’s where we dispose of our body waste, and it’s very possible for some of that waste to end up on the rail from time to time. And even if it’s not visible, bacteria can still fester and multiply in those areas, which is why you always want to make sure that the rails are clean as often as possible.

Ideally,  you’ll want to clean the rails daily, but for many people, this is obviously impractical and too difficult to achieve. Instead, tell everyone at home to clean up properly after every use, and give the rail a decent wiping during the weekends.

How to Use Bathroom Chair Rails

Bathroom chair rails are pretty straightforward, and there’s no real step-by-step process for using them. You simply hold onto the rails as necessary, and you’re using them in their intended way. You’ll often find the most use for it when you’re either standing up or getting ready to sit down or stand up from your seat.

One thing to take note of is that chair rails will often have padded handles. These handles make it easier and more comfortable to grip the rails, and this can further secure your hold on the support. Just be sure to keep your hands clean before and after holding the rail whenever possible.