According to a 2011 study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 200,000 Americans are treated in emergency departments for bathroom-related injuries annually.
A recent study shows that 55% of bathroom falls reported by a sample of 550 older adults occurred while bathing, with 70% of the falls occurring during unsuccessful transfers. Nearly one-third of the participants reported difficulty getting into or out of the tub as well as sitting down or getting up from the floor of the tub.
Bathrooms have unforgiving and slippery surfaces, and few dependable things to grasp onto, which greatly increases the chances for harm. Fall-related injuries range from minor cuts, scrapes and bruises to more severe injuries, such as broken bones (especially hip fractures), head contusions, and even spinal cord injury.
Like standard straight wall grab bars, slide bars can be installed vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. The bar can be easily adjusted so that the water can reach every part of the body, making it much easier for those who are disabled to take a shower. The bar allows the shower head to be adjusted easily to allow showering without needing to stand.