Suction grab rails attach to a smooth surface by forming a strong suction grip at each end. Some manufacturers state that they are not weight-bearing and are only intended to assist with balance. Others do not clearly state this, but give a weight limit for safe use. You are advised to read any guidance and seek further clarification if needed before you use these rails. They are highlighted as portable for visits and holidays.

When using these rails you must consider the integrity and strength of the surface to which you are fixing them. For example, when fixed to wall tiles, the attachment of the tiles to the wall MUST be secure.This should be a flat, unknotted piece of wood, which is screwed into the vertical joining pieces of the partitions. The grab rails can then be attached to the board. The College of Occupational Therapists recommends a 144mm x 19mm board/pattress with its external corners well rounded and the board itself fixed to the wall at least every 900mm (COT 2006). The height will depend on your needs, often at the same height as an existing banister rail. This is usually between 900-1000mm above the pitch line of the stairs.

Vertical rails may assist when pulling up into a standing position or for just maintaining balance. The Arena adjustable bed grab rail, handle, ring or bed lever (depending on what you call it) comeswith anti entrapment andwas designed by Laybrook especially for domesticelectric adjustable beds. The Arena grab ring is attached to the side of the surround so it stays static when you change position on your bed, this makes it easy to use when getting in and out of bed, helps you turn whilst laying in bed, supports you when getting up out of the bed whilst sitting on the edge of the bed. Withother grab rings, when the head section of your bed elevates to the upright position the grab ring moves with the bed and impedes you from getting in & out of the bed. A rail can be fixed horizontally to the wall 75-100mm above the bath rim (see dimension c in diagram). It should start 200mm from the tap end of the bath (dimension a) (COT 2006 p13, H M Government 2015, p58, diagram 26). THIS BED LEVER FITS ALL TYPES OF SLATTED DIVAN ADJUSTABLE BEDS FROM ALL COMPANIES AND 95% OF ALL OTHER LAYBROOK ADJUSTABLE BEDS, ALL LAYBROOK WOODEN ADJUSTABLE BED (NEEDS A DIFFERENT BOTTOM PLATE), ALL LAYBROOK LEATHER ADJUSTABLE BEDS.

Staircases usually have a handrail on one side, although this may not extend to the full length of the staircase. Most DIY stores sell handrails which can be used to extend the existing handrail all the way up the staircase if it is required. Adding a handrail to the other side of the staircase will provide more support where needed. Long lengths of rail are available and may also be installed along corridors.

Bottom half of Arena grab ring is attached to inside of surround via a U grip and the top half is attached to the static part of the mechanism with a clamping action, just twist the knob and the threaded clamp secures the bed lever onto the bed. Toilet frames are designed to provide horizontal support for pushing up from a toilet, or for steadying the body when lowering onto a toilet. The frame, which stands over the top of the toilet, can either be free standing or fixed to the floor. Next consider your ability to grip onto a grab rail. Do you have reasonable hand strength? Do you ever have pain in your hands, wrists, elbows or shoulders which would prevent you from pulling up or pushing down on a grab rail? What is your overall balance and ability to stand like?

When standing from a sitting position in the bath you may find it helpful to hold one horizontal wall-fixed grab rail (placed above the bath) with one hand and use the outer rim of the bath with the other hand to push against. There needs to be a 50-60mm clearance between the wall and all handrails.

Consider the advice about the different kinds of grab rails. Identify the best types of rail for your particular requirements. If there are obstructions beside the toilet, such as a radiator, or the walls are not suitable for installing rails, you will need to look at alternative kinds of support. Floor to ceiling railsare vertical rails which are attached to both the floor and the ceiling. They can be held at any point up the bar for general support and can be useful in the process of standing up/sitting down. They are fixed to the wall or to the floor behind the toilet and can fold down to a horizontal position alongside the toilet. The horizontal rail can be used in combination with a bath board. The user may benefit from holding the rail while they sit on the board, then turn and lift their legs in and out of the bathIf you are struggling with caring for yourself, or your carer is struggling to provide care for you, consider asking for a health and social care needs assessment. Since the Care Act 2014 (Great Britain. Parliament 2014) came into power in April 2015, anyone who appears to need care and support can request an assessment from their local council, irrespective of their income or savings. The Act also places a statutory duty on local authorities and the NHS to support individuals to take steps to prevent their ill health or care requirements from getting worse. These strategies for prevention can include the early provision of equipment and services to help prevent, delay or reduce the development of further need for care and support, which would include the provision and fitting of grab rails depending on the cost.