Those suction bath grab rails -any experiences?

downshifter

My mother (84) is coming to stay in a couple of months and for the first time ever I've been thinking about any aids she might need. My shower is over the bath and I've been looking at these http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/8650218.htm. The reviews are good but I just wondered if anyone here has had experience of them, or similar makes. Just to steady her in the shower or if she has a bath - I have a shower curtain not a screen so nothing really to hang on to. The house is rented so I don't really want to start drilling into tiles, even though I did the tiling myself.

She only has a bath rail of the same style, but permanently fixed, to help her at home, otherwise she's totally fit and independent so I won't be looking at any other aids, just this one. She may be horrified at the thought of me buying this, so I'll make out I've had it for ages for myself!!!

Views please

Thanks

DS

Errata

Rumour has it they can pull tiles off walls and if the suction is even slightly under par they can quickly become unfixed whilst someone is hanging on to them, with horrendous consequences.

Ms_Chocaholic

Could you not buy one that fixes to the wall and then when you move just replace the couple of tiles; as you did the tiling I imagine you'll have a couple of spares

retiredlady

I bought the ones from Aldi for my bathroom as something to hold onto when I get out of the shower. My walls are tiled and I found that they kept falling off.(the grab rails - not the tiles!) Luckily I wasn't hanging onto them at the time. I think if you can get the ones that screw into the wall they will be a much safer option and will give both you and your mother peace of mind.

I did make sure they were fitted properly when I put them up - I couldn't move them at all, but 10 minutes or so later they just fell down!

downshifter

Thanks to everyone, looks like decision made then. I couldn't take any risks and it would be better to be without than have dangerous ones.

DS

margaretclare

My GD encountered these in a hotel in Turkey. They apparently do come off quite easily and, in her opinion at least, would be highly dangerous for anyone, never mind someone with less than normal strength and agility.

Mojisola

My parents had one of these - https://www.clearwellmobility.co.uk/product_body.aspx?SectID=35 - for a few years before they had a walk-in shower put in. It wasn't from this company - that's just for the picture.

It worked very well and didn't mark the bath in any way.

aloise

Very dangerous. I had an accident when one came of the wall. Luckily i wasn't badly hurt. You can get them now with a light that tells you if it's secure.Can't remember were though

Errata

Mojisola wrote: »

My parents had one of these - www.clearwellmobility.co.uk/product_body.aspx?SectID=35 - for a few years before they had a walk-in shower put in. It wasn't from this company - that's just for the picture.

It worked very well and didn't mark the bath in any way.

They look like they could inflict significant damage to anyone inside or outside a bath who slipped, tripped or fell and landed on top of them.

missile

I had some permanent ones installed and they are far superior.

If you position them carefully you should be able to fix them with screws into the spaces between the tiles so that you could remove them and fill it the holes when you leave. You could ask the LL. I expect, he may be happy for you to fit hand rail(s) and leave them.

You might want to consider a shower stool.

I can take and photos and post if you want?

Mojisola

Errata wrote: »

They look like they could inflict significant damage to anyone inside or outside a bath who slipped, tripped or fell and landed on top of them.

So could the side of the bath or the toilet or the sink. If you fall in a bathroom, you're likely to land on something hard.

My parents had more chance of falling getting in and out of the bath without this to support them.

Their experience was that it worked well for them. The OP was looking for a temporary rail and this fits the bill.