Access Elevator, Inc. recently joined WGN Radio’s Home Sweet Home Chicago for a conversation about home accessibility and the meaningful difference even a small safety improvement can make.
During the program, Katherine, an 86-year-old Access Elevator customer from Plainfield, called the show to share her experience after having grab bars installed in both of her bathrooms.
Her message was simple and heartfelt: the installation gave her greater confidence, comfort, and peace of mind in her own home.
Preparing Her Home for the Future
Katherine decided to install grab bars while preparing for an upcoming surgery. She understood that using the bathtub and shower could become more difficult during her recovery, so she took a proactive approach to improving her bathroom safety.
Falls can happen quickly, particularly in bathrooms where wet and slippery surfaces are common. Strategically placed grab bars provide stable points of support when entering or exiting a bathtub, stepping into a shower, standing, or changing positions.
For Katherine, the project was not only about preparing for surgery. It was about feeling more secure during her daily routine.
“I just feel at peace,” she explained during the call. “I don’t have to be afraid to go in to take a shower anymore.”
A Personalized Home Assessment
A successful grab bar installation begins with understanding the customer’s home, physical needs, and daily routine.
Katherine shared that John from Access Elevator visited her home, took measurements, and explained what she needed. This assessment helped determine the appropriate number, placement, and positioning of the grab bars.
The recommendations included installing four or five grab bars across two bathrooms. One bathroom included a bathtub and shower, while the other had a shower stall and tub.
Grab bars are most effective when their placement is tailored to the person who will use them. Proper positioning can provide support where it is needed most without interfering with other bathroom fixtures.
Professional Installation with Care and Attention
After the assessment, Access Elevator installer Gil completed the work.
Katherine was especially impressed by his professionalism, cleanliness, and attention to detail. She said the installation was completed perfectly and that Gil left no dust behind.
“You wouldn’t even know he was here except for the grab bars on the wall,” she said. “Beautiful job.”
Katherine had promised to give Gil a shout-out during her call, and she enthusiastically kept that promise.
Professional installation is an important part of creating a reliable bathroom safety solution. A grab bar must be securely anchored and positioned correctly so it can provide dependable support. This is not an area where appearance alone is enough – the strength and security of the installation are essential.
Small Accessibility Improvements Can Make a Big Difference
During the interview, Access Elevator emphasized that no accessibility project is too small.
A grab bar installation may appear to be a relatively simple home improvement, but its effect can be significant. For someone concerned about falling or preparing for a medical procedure, a few carefully positioned grab bars can help make everyday activities feel safer and more manageable.
Professionally installed grab bars may help:
- Provide support when entering or exiting a shower or bathtub
- Improve stability on wet bathroom surfaces
- Reduce anxiety about bathing independently
- Support recovery after surgery or an injury
- Help older adults remain comfortable in their homes
- Give family members additional peace of mind
Katherine became emotional as she described how much the grab bars meant to her.
“It’s almost like I’m in tears over grab bars,” she said. “I’m so happy.”
Her reaction illustrates an important point: accessibility improvements are not merely pieces of equipment. They can restore confidence and help people continue performing daily activities with greater independence.
A Customer Recommendation from the Heart
When asked what she would tell other listeners considering Access Elevator, Katherine did not hesitate.
“Call them,” she said. “They’re wonderful.”
She described the Access Elevator team as kind and professional and explained that they made her feel comfortable throughout the process.
Her experience reflects the approach Access Elevator brings to projects of every size – listening to the customer, evaluating the home, recommending an appropriate solution, and completing the installation with care.
Make Your Bathroom Safer with Access Elevator
You do not need to wait for an accident or urgent medical need to improve safety in your home. Planning ahead can make it easier to prepare for surgery, accommodate changing mobility needs, or simply feel more confident during everyday activities.
Access Elevator, Inc. provides professionally installed grab bars and other accessibility solutions designed to help people live more safely and independently.
If you or a loved one could benefit from additional support in the bathroom, contact Access Elevator to schedule an assessment. A small improvement today could provide meaningful safety and peace of mind for years to come.