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Thanks for your advice. While I understand the utility of the horizontal, I was wondering if the vertical orientation might help if he felt the need to pull himself forward. I appreciate your input. I am trying to cover all eventualities and that probably isn't very realistic. Jann cg Dad, Jack KF Etzold <[log in to unmask]> wrote: Jann: It is not completely clear what you need. If he needs support on his way to the bathroom the thing to do is to install a horizontal railing along the wall. Nursing homes and Assisted living places typically have such railings along the hallways so people can support and balance themselves while walking. If I understood correctly that is what you need. The railing should be about table height or slightly higher and it could be the same wooden type you find on the side of steps. To be sturdy enough it must be mounted to the 2 x 4 studs if it is in a house. On a cement or brick wall sturdy anchors must be used. K. F. Etzold cg Carline Jann Bell NET> cc: Sent by: Subject: Advice on orientation of grab bars "Parkinson's Information Exchange Network" toronto.ca> 03/14/2005 07:43 PM Please respond to "Parkinson's Information Exchange Network" I recently had some very sturdy grab bars installed in the shower/tub for my Dad (78 year old Parkie). They have been an extremely good way to enhance his safety. He has recently started to get up during the night to transverse a short hallway to the water closet. He never remembers to take his walker. I'd like to put in some more grab bars to help him along on this short trip, but have no idea which way would be best for a PD person who is using grab bars to steady his walk, or helping him pull himself along, or? Should the bars be horizontal or vertical or should there be a combination of both? What is the best way to determine the proper height of the bars or is that determined by how they are going to be used (help to pull him along, act as support as in leaning on them, etc). My Dad is a stooped 6'2". I would really appreciate advice from someone who has used grab bars in this manner if possible. Any information or a point in the direction of information would be so much appreciated. I think he sort of forgets his situation when he wakes up in the middle night and just kind of takes off for the bathroom. The hallway light is always left on. Thanks, Jann Bell ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn