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In 2020-2021, accidental injury deaths in Australia from falls amounted to 40%. Whereas, 42% cases were hospitalised, especially individuals over the age of sixty-five. To help combat this, accident prevention is essential. But how can you do this? You can minimise the statistic by adding grab rails as mobility assistance devices for uneven surfaces.

To learn why these are critical safety features, read the article below!

Safety Benefits of Grab Rails

Grab rails help support people in stairways or other sloped areas. They effectively minimise fall risks. In fact, they provide a reliable point of aid to prevent slips and falls, especially for the elderly and those with physical disabilities.

The good thing is that these railings offer support for all age groups. They help children navigate uneven surfaces safely. For adults, they provide extra assistance during sickness or recovery. That’s why, if nobody else is home and you need to go through irregular flooring, these grab rails offer extra help for your safety.

Enhance Accessibility and Independence

People with mobility disorders often face multiple barriers and struggles involving their mental and physical health. Fortunately, grab railings make it safe for them to move, which basically fosters a sense of independence.

Well, this begins with regaining their confidence by showcasing their capabilities of safely transporting themselves on stairs and uneven surfaces. With this material, this positively contributes to their happiness and fulfilment. Other devices to boost independence also include wheelchair ramps and other rail types.

Grab Rails as a Legal and Practical Necessity

Aside from providing extra support for those who need it, Australian standards dictate that these rails should be 50-60mm between it and the wall. Additionally, it should have a 600mm unobstructed clearance above.

Australian Standards Design for Access and Mobility requires the installment of these rails. Since these building codes exist to ensure safety, accidents are not the only possible consequences when not followed. Non-compliant buildings can be demolished, fined, or face legal action from regulatory bodies.

That said, complying with codes, especially with commercial spaces, ensures that you’re protected from liability in case of accidents.

Grab Rail Design and Material Options

With multiple manufacturers, Australians have vast options for grab rails. These businesses offer different designs and types to fit your home’s needs. However, companies like Equipsy specialise in grab rails intended for the elderly and physically disabled.

Our brand offers multiple grab rails in different sizes, finishes, and angles to ensure that all needs are met. Moreover, the products are not only limited to uneven flooring assistance, they can also be used for bathrooms and other areas.

That said, homeowners can choose from a variety of StudSecure modular grab rails to fit their home’s needs. We have different available finishes, which means that you don’t have to compromise functionality with aesthetics.

Tips for Installing Grab rails in the Home

Now that you’ve researched high-quality grab rails, it's time that you find qualified installers that will properly install and maintain maximum safety for users. They measure grab rails to fit your height for maximum effectiveness and ensure that the process follows Australian building regulations and standards.

In addition to that, they ensure that the instalment doesn’t interfere with existing items in the home. This includes wiring that may be affected when drilling into walls. And while you could choose to do it yourself, hiring a professional offers multiple benefits without the hassle.

Aside from their expertise, they also boast project efficiency. Since railings are essential parts of a home, they ensure that you can use them as soon as possible. Because they also do this at a quicker pace, the disruption at home is minimised.

Get Quality Grab Rails from Equipsy

Grab rails help prevent falls, support mobility, and ensure compliance with Australian safety regulations. At Equipsy, our grab rails offer different finishes, including a peened type for a firmer grip. Check out our satisfied customers’ testimonials, and don’t forget to see our other products for more!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If you’re thinking of adding more mobility safety features to your home, here are a few commonly asked questions that you need to keep in mind.

Where should a grab rail start and stop?

Grab rails should begin at the nosing of the upper landing and extend to the lowest step’s nosing. For added safety, the rail should be as long as the nosing line.

How to measure grab rails on stairs?

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Every child deserves to feel safe and included at home and in public spaces. That’s why, kids with additional physical needs often face barriers inside and outside their homes due to a lack of accessibility features. By integrating safety features like grab rails, it ensures that everyone is safe and included regardless of their physical limitations.

Importance of Safety and Inclusion for Kids

Understanding physical limitations should apply to all ages, including children. These movement disorders look different for every child and also have different causes. Common mobility-limiting illnesses among kids  include:

Dystonia (where a child has faulty brain signals, resulting in abnormal muscle contractions)

Chorea (when a child has irregular and flowing movements, making walking difficult. Due to this, the child may often stumble and fall)

Myoclonus (a movement disorder that presents itself with involuntary and sudden muscle jerking that cannot be suppressed)

While the list above does not contain all of the common mobility illnesses in kids, they all result in similar effects, which are falling and losing balance. So, integrating safety features would greatly impact their quality of life.

That said, grab rails serve as additional protection from falling so kids can maintain their balance when they lose balance. With these accessible designs, it helps enhance their confidence and independence. In this way, kids are capable of getting from one place to another without compromising their safety.

Role of Grab Rails in Promoting Safety and Mobility

Safety rails prevent accidents and injuries for children with mobility disorders. A study from the CDC in 2022 shows that children with special needs and disabilities or mental health issues are more likely to be hospitalised due to physical injuries.

That’s why, adding handrails to common areas in the home and other public spaces, such as play areas, enhances their stability and confidence. Additionally, bathroom safety features like towel rails can be used for double storage and stability addition.

Safety Inclusion Beyond Home

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) of 1992 in Australia makes it illegal for individuals to discriminate against people with disabilities in multiple aspects. This includes employment, education, and accessing public spaces.

This means that schools must accommodate the needs of students with special needs and make the necessary and reasonable adjustments. This law emphasises their right to comparable access to services and facilities in the learning institution.

That said, adding assistive handrails to schools, restrooms, playgrounds, and other recreational areas ensures that all kids have access to the same facilities.

Benefits of Inclusive Designs for Families and Communities

Inclusion alone offers society with multiple advantages. By promoting this, kids learn to accept at a young age. In fact, it lets them recognise differences and embrace uniqueness and individuality.

That said, incorporating these rails offers benefits not only for the patients in need. These safety features make caregiving easier and reduce stress. Moreover, they help foster social inclusion and interaction, and create a space where kids with and without disabilities can play and learn together.

Tips for Adding Safety and Inclusion Features at Home and Beyond

Several factors should be considered when making your child's home more inclusive and accessible. First, what are the limitations, and how could you ease this by adding accessibility features to the home? Well, rails are a good start, and choosing the right one is critical.

Speaking of that, your rails should be made from durable materials, have an accessible design, and be placed in an ideal position. Fortunately, accessibility companies make different designs and types to fit your needs.

Additionally, you can modify these modular rails to suit your home and make it easier for your child to move around. These rails come in different forms, finishes, and sizes to make them the best ones for your little one.

Promote Accessibility and Inclusivity with Equipsy

Grab rails help promote safety and inclusivity for kids with special needs at home and in public areas. These features help foster independence without risking their safety. In today’s society, inclusivity continues to rise in awareness as people make it a point to make everyone feel included.

Fortunately, Equipsy is here to help. We are a family-owned and operated business that makes every home safer for those with disabilities and the elderly. With over twenty-five years of industry experience, we continue to develop our expertise in creating tailored solutions to enhance home accessibility.

For more information, you can visit our website today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If you want to make your home more accessible to children with special needs, here are a few commonly asked questions you might have.

Why are grab railsimportant?

Grab rails provide additional grip and support, especially for those with mobility issues. They can aid individuals who lose their balance and prevent falling and injuries.

Where should shower grab rails be placed?

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As people age, mobility challenges rise which results in the need for home accessibility features. Stairs and uneven entryways, for example, now pose obstacles. It’s a good thing that wheelchair ramps are purposely made to help people navigate their homes better. To know more about the benefits these accessories offer, check out the article below!

Why Accessibility Matters in Senior Living

Several mobility challenges, such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and muscle weakness, result in seniors needing wheelchairs and walkers. These tools allow them to move safely, but they pose additional challenges when not paired with the right accessories.

When using wheelchairs, seniors have limited energy to move from one floor to another or an elevated area without a ramp. That’s why it’s important to create a home that makes it accessible for them. In that regard, creating an environment that is safe to live independently significantly contributes to their well-being.

The Safety Benefits of Wheelchair Ramps

Ramps help minimise fall risks. According to Healthdirect, one out of four seniors fall at least once a year in Australia alone. This incident happens due to the physical changes in their bodies that make basic home features a safety hazard. With these falls. It results in serious injuries that need extended hospital care and professional monitoring.

That said, using wheelchairs and ramps can reduce the number of senior falls each year. And by making the home more accessible, it also ensures their safety and gives them peace of mind. Not just that, these ramps provide safe entry and exit in all weather conditions.

In fact, they offer extra stability during rain, snow, or icy conditions. They are typically made of sturdy materials, making them safe options for seniors.

Enhance Mobility and Independence with Ramps

Ramps and other mobility features, like grab rails, offer improved access to different home areas. These tools are commonly placed in front doors, backyards, garages, and other areas for secure senior access.

Since seniors move independently despite their mobility issues, ramps, and rails lets them continue navigating their homes without constant assistance. This also makes it easier for them as they can participate in outdoor activities.

Types of Wheelchair Ramps for Senior Homes

Homeowners needn’t worry about finding ramps that fit their homes since these come in different types such as rubber and aluminium.

Rubber Ramps

As their name suggests, these durable, non-slip ramps are made of high-grade rubber. They can support the weight of seniors and other wheelchair users. In fact, it allows them to move from point A to point B safely as it has portable options.

Moreover, rubber ramps are weather-proof and eco-friendly. Their material also makes them easy to install in designated places. And, they come in different sizes and gradients to fit your needs and are custom-made for specific measurements.

Aluminium Threshold Ramps

Aluminium ramps are highly customisable and can be used for more than just wheelchairs. Walkers and scooter users can maximise their benefits. Since they’re customisable, owners can cut them to their desired length using a hacksaw. Additionally, these ramps can be placed together for longer transitions. Similar to the rubber variant, these ramps come in different sizes and gradients.

Additional Benefits of Installing Ramps

These ramps maintain mobility without compromising independence and safety for seniors. Its accessibility features, like ramps and grab rails, make the property more appealing to potential buyers, especially those with family members with mobility limitations.

To add to that, these accessories don’t just make life easier for seniors or individuals with physical limitations. They can provide easier home access for caregivers and guests who are transporting heavy goods such as groceries and medical equipment deliveries.

The ramps also offer a safe transfer out of the home in the event that the senior needs to be brought to the hospital.

Tips for Choosing and Installing a Ramp

When choosing home additions, it’s important to evaluate your options thoroughly to determine which would best suit your needs. That said, you should assess your home’s needs by factoring in space, incline or gradient, and senior mobility requirements.

When it comes to choosing a seller, it’s important to choose a reputable one that follows Australia’s ramp standards. Ramps should have a 1:8 gradient for rises less than 35mm, a 1:10 gradient for rises between 35mm and 190mm, and a 1:14 gradient for rises of 190mm and above.

Get Your Ramps from Equipsy Today

Wheelchair ramps are essential for users and other accessibility tool users. They offer convenient and safe access to elevated spaces, fostering independence. Australian brands like Equipsy offer home safety integrations to seniors and individuals with mobility limitations. Our ramps follow Australian safety standards to ensure maximum security. Get in touch with us today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If you’re new to facing mobility issues or know someone who just recently got diagnosed with a movement disorder, you probably have some questions regarding these safety additions.

How do you choose a wheelchair ramp type?

Since ramps come in different types, forms, sizes, and gradients, it’s important to choose one that fits your needs. Ultimately, weight is a significant factor, rubber ramps tend to have better support for heavier weights than aluminium.

Are portable wheelchair ramps safe?

Curtain tracks have long been a staple in bathroom decor and will remain so in the near future. While they are most commonly known as an asset for pure aesthetics, they are also a potential necessity for functionality and accessibility. Moreover, these track sets and frames have evolved to meet the individual needs of homeowners.

General Perks of Curtain Tracks

For good reason, these tracks are a popular choice among many homeowners. Due to their various perks that offer their own benefits, they are just as successful in functionality as they are in appeal. Check out these perks that keep curtain rails and tracks relevant in the modern age:

Enhanced Aesthetics

Curtain frames and tracks provide a clean and streamlined appearance that complements any bathroom space. These tracks have versatile designs and flexible colors, and they are made to fit any room and match various aesthetic appeals.

Improved Functionality

These tracks offer smooth operation, especially for bathrooms. This feature allows users to open and close curtains easily. For many elderly and disabled individuals, this minimal effort is favored. Curtains play a part in controlling the bathroom’s natural light and temperature. In addition, each track is made to suit weighted shower curtains to ensure easy accessibility.

Space Optimization

Curtain tracks are adjustable to fit any bathroom and unique space. Compared to traditional rods, these tracks are easily installed and can be mounted on ceilings. These additions maximize floor space and provide an airy feel. This flexibility makes these tracks ideal for homeowners looking to optimize their bathroom space.

Benefits for PWD and Elderly Homeowners

These track systems have changed from pure appeal features to innovative components to bathroom functionality. Their aforementioned features have shown how they have adapted to more practical roles while retaining their appealing perks. Today’s curtain track properties have been optimised to become a necessity for various households:

Energy Efficiency

These tracks offer enhanced insulation properties that help balance bathroom temperatures in various seasons of the year. They can reduce heat loss and gain, which contributes greatly to energy-saving factors. This maintains bathrooms at the preferred temperatures, helping homeowners rely less on heating or cooling systems.

Privacy and Light Control

The curtain track also allows homeowners to adjust the lighting in bathrooms, from their showers to their windows. These tracks offer optimized coverage to ensure that homeowners have privacy and security while the rooms are in use.

Safety Priority and Ease of Use

Above all, these track systems prioritize homeowner safety thanks to their simple, effortless features and operations. This helps them open and close their curtains with ease and minimises stressful efforts.

Curtain track features are carefully crafted to address safety concerns, especially when it comes to minimizing slips and accidents. By having easy-handling approaches with sturdy frames, these tracks provide a stable frame that stays in place and reduces the risk of falling when in use.

Considerations for Choosing Curtain Tracks

When it comes to selecting curtain tracks for your home, there are some specific considerations you should keep in mind. Putting deep effort into looking into these factors helps contribute to a more informed decision and meet expectations.

Material and Durability

When selecting shower curtains and track systems, durability is a crucial factor to assess alongside the materials they comprise. These tracks are ideally made of aluminium material to maintain their quality. These are selected for their durability and resistance to corrosion. In addition, these frames ensure that they can support different-weighted shower curtains.

Size and Dimension

Shower curtains and tracks are available in various sizes to meet various bathrooms and shower places. Different options are suitable for both commercial and domestic applications. Their sizes come in:

1000 mm

1200 mm

1500 mm

2000 mm

Professional Installation and Delivery Services

Selecting the installation option can vary depending on individual needs. Professional installations are ideal options, especially for PWD and senior buyers. Choosing professional services also helps minimise the risk of getting injured or having other struggles while putting the track together.

Furthermore, many curtain frames and supportive device providers also come with efficient delivery services. Every homeowner would truly appreciate their products being delivered to them, minimizing the trouble of traveling to physical stores.

Conclusion

Curtain tracks offer lasting benefits that range from energy efficiency and privacy to safety levels. These tracks are adaptable to home settings and convenient for various mobility needs and limitations. These additions make bathrooms accessible for the disabled and the elderly. These secure their bathroom setup and make it feel both safe and boosts independence.