Learn why the Wonder Pole is a more versatile and safer solution for fall prevention than traditional grab bars
When speaking of elderly fall prevention, there are few tools as versatile as the Wonder Pole by Stander. The Wonder Pole has been a go-to solution for fall prevention of Occupational Therapists (OT’s) and Home Modification Specialists for almost 20 years because of its simple and effective design and adaptable use.
The Wonder Pole can be used Anywhere
Mentioning fall prevention will typically conjure the image of wall-mounted grab bars. One of the most common forms of fall prevention, wall-mounted grab bars are excellent tools when used properly. Such grab bars do have their limitations, however. Traditional grab bars attach to and protrude from a wall, which leaves the middle of a room open with little to no support. Reaching for a grab bar that is attached to a wall and out of reach may even contribute to a loss of balance.
If you feel the limitations of traditional grab bars, the Wonder Pole with its unique tension-mounting design may be a more effective strategy of fall prevention. With just the twist of a wrench, tension is formed between the floor and ceiling which holds the Wonder Pole in place. So rather than being limited to a place against the wall, the Wonder Pole can be installed in the middle of the room where support is needed the most.
While grab bars are commonly thought of as bathroom safety solutions, the Wonder Pole has been used world-wide in every room of the home. Because the possible uses for the unique transfer pole are endless, we’re here to discuss some of our favorite ways the Wonder Pole can be used for home fall prevention.
Place the Wonder Pole between the Bathtub and Toilet
The most dangerous falls occur in the bathroom thanks to hard surfaces and wet floors. Difficult tasks, such as standing from the toilet and stepping over the bathtub wall also contribute to the possibility of falling in the bathroom. The Wonder Pole can be used effectively in the bathroom to perform such tasks and mitigate falling.
The most common setup for a bathroom includes narrow quarters with a vanity and toilet aligned to one wall and the bathtub at the end of the room. In such a bathroom, wall-mounted grab bars would be needed in the tub, along the toilet, and across from the toilet.
The Wonder Pole can be positioned between the toilet and the bathtub to be used for both purposes. And because the curved grab bar can rotate 360 degrees, it can be used to help someone up and out of the bathtub and then swiveled around to be used to get on and off the toilet.
In addition to the versatility of the Wonder Pole, incorporating the Wonder Bathtub Pole can significantly enhance safety while bathing. This specially designed pole clamps to alcove bathtubs, offering additional support for individuals both while in the shower and when entering or exiting the tub. With its sturdy construction and adjustable height, the Wonder Bathtub Pole provides peace of mind by ensuring stable handholds, allowing users to enjoy their bathing experience without the fear of slips or falls.
Position the Wonder Pole at your Bedside
Bed rails are most commonly used to prevent falls out of bed, but what if you just need some assistance getting in and out of bed and don’t want to be constrained by a bed rail? The Wonder Pole can be placed next to a bed and serves as a dependable support system, helping to raise yourself up while lying down or to stand up from a lower-set bed. When transferring from bed to a walker, rollator, or wheelchair, the pole provides a stable point of contact that promotes safety and confidence during the transition. It can also assist in maintaining balance while moving to a bedside commode during the night, significantly reducing the risk of slips or falls.
To enhance its effectiveness, the Wonder Pole features a swiveling grab bar to be used from multiple angles and positions. Its discreet design integrates well with any bedroom decor, meaning you won’t sacrifice style for safety.
The Wonder Pole is PERFECT!!
“This bar has given my mother, a level of independence that nothing else could. She uses it to transfer from bed to a bedside potty, walker, and wheelchair, and vice versa. And it is also saving my back. Thank you so much to whomever invented it!”
Use the Wonder Pole next to a Couch, Chair, or Recliner
Everyone has their favorite chair. A place to sit, relax, and unwind. All too often these favorite places of solitude become worn down and provide less support than they used to. Even with a brand new chair, using an armrest to stand can be dangerous. Armrests can be overly-cushioned so as to offer minimal support, or may be too low to provide effective leverage. It is also possible for a hand to slip along the contoured edge of the armrest forcing the person to lose their balance.
No matter the state of the chair, we recommend some kind of sturdy standing aid that helps to alleviate the pain of standing from a favorite chair. The Wonder Pole does just that. When used next to a couch, chair, or recliner, the Wonder Pole allows a person to effectively lower themselves into a chair at a controlled rate. The ladder-like grab bar also provides a natural hand-over-hand motion to pull themselves up from a sitting position.
Install it next to the Stairs or a Stairlift
With aging in place becoming such a popular trend amongst older generations, it becomes necessary to make a home safe regardless of its challenges. Many homes feature drop-down living rooms or elevated dining rooms, making it necessary to tackle a short stairway of two or three steps. In cases where railings are not required or non-existent, the Wonder Pole can be placed next to the stairs to provide balance and support while taking each step.
For multi-story homes with large staircases, a stairlift may be necessary to help get up and down the stairs. For those with mobility limitations, a stairlift may present the additional challenge of getting in and out of the lift without losing balance. Many past and present users of the Wonder Pole have placed it at the top and bottom of the staircase to aid them in and out of their stairlift.
This will help with our balance over a two-step transition.
“Between our family room and dining room are two small steps. I installed the Wonder Pole on top of the first step. The installation instructions were clear and easy to follow. I was pleased how it fit in with the décor. We have a similar transition on another level but that area is going through a remodeling. I expect we will buy another one for that.”
Guidelines for Proper Wonder Pole Placement
Even with its versatile nature, there are still a few guidelines to follow when considering where to place your Wonder Pole:
- The Wonder Pole can only be used on flat ceilings. Drop-down ceilings and vaulted ceilings will not work with the Wonder Pole. In any case that you hope to use a transfer pole with a slanted or vaulted ceiling, try the Wonder Pole’s sister product, the Signature Life Sure Stand Security Pole.
- The Wonder Pole will work with ceiling heights anywhere between seven and 10 feet. The included extension piece will need to be added to the pole for any ceiling over eight feet. If you have ceilings over 10 feet tall, we recommend the Signature Life Sure Stand Security Pole which has an extension accessory piece for ceilings heights of 10-12 feet.
- If you wish to use the Wonder Pole while bathing, we recommend using the Wonder Bathtub Pole, which clamps to the bathtub and provides assistance inside the bathtub. The Wonder Pole should not be installed inside a bathtub or shower.
- The Wonder Pole can be installed on any floor surface but should not be used on top of loose rugs.
- The Wonder Pole does not need to be placed beneath a ceiling joist. The pole is specifically engineered to disperse tension throughout the ceiling.
- Hardware is included should you want to permanently attach the Wonder Pole to the floor or ceiling, but is not required.
The Bottom Line
After reviewing only a few possible placements around the house, it’s easy to see why the Wonder Pole is one of the most versatile and useful tools for fall prevention. With uses in every room, it’s no wonder why so many families have installed multiple poles inside their homes to keep their loves ones safe and independent! If you’re interested in the versatility and protection offered by the Wonder Pole, check out Stander’s Wonder Poles series, a full line-up of versatile transfer poles for senior home healthcare.