HealthInfo Canterbury
Installing handrails and support rails
Tāuta i ngā pae ringa me ngā pae āwhina
Rails around the home can help you stay independent. They can also help you take part in everyday activities. Rails can make you safer and more confident by reducing your risk of falls.
To achieve this, the rails must be correctly installed and positioned. You can find information about how to install rails in the links below.
Suction rails aren't recommended because they aren't fixed securely into the wall framework. Safety using suction rails depends on:
- the type of wall it's attached to
- the wetness or dryness of the wall
- regular safety checks to ensure suction
- how much weight is applied to the rail. A suction rail can't support a person's weight.
For help installing a rail, contact one of the tradespeople recommended by Enable New Zealand or suppliers listed by Age Concern.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Canterbury DHB:
- Installing support rails by the toilet
Information about the right way to install support rails by the toilet.
- Installing support rails in the shower
Information about the right way to install support rails in the shower.
- How to install support rails by the bath
Information about the right way to install support rails by the bath.
- Installing external handrails
Information about the right way to install external handrails.
- Installing support rails by the toilet
Written by Professional Leader, Occupational Therapy, Older Persons Health and Rehabilitation (OPH&R), Canterbury DHB. Adapted by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed November 2022.
Sources
Review key: HIDAH-120231
