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I want to replace the truly awful mat that was in the tub in my parents’ house with something safer and less prone to mold. Was considering the Gorilla Grip mat but wanted some input here. We have a tub/shower with sliding doors. Not something I can change right now, but I need to make the best of what we have. Also, are suction grab bars with color indicators safe to use?

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The suction cup grab bars come OFF when pulled on really hard! My DH installs ADA grab bars in restaurants, hotels, etc. He uses a special drill bit that will not bust the tile , uses extra long screws that must go into the wall studs. That's it. There is no other way that is safe.
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My renovation contractor said that they have to be mounted in the studs for maximum safety with extra long wood screws. I had a fiber glass shower wall. He used a stud finder and then drilled through wall to stud, then placed wood screw. He used an epoxy patch on the outside shower wall around the edge where the screw was placed. Local agency on Aging said the suction grab bars are not safe.
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I concur about the suction grab bars. I don't even want to try them. I've tried plenty of suction things in the shower and they never work well. I suggest you mount a real bar into the studs. If you have tile, there is a technique you have to use to keep from cracking the entire tile. I would try on a spare tile, the little squares are like 20 cents, to get the technique down before trying on your shower tile.

As for a non-slip mat, I've found that the stick on non-slip tape is much less maintenance. Put on right, it lasts years if not decades. Some of it in my parent's tub I put on when I was a kid. It's been there 40-50 years. Still works. Even better, you can hire someone to etch the smooth service into a rough service. It's what hotels do. Then the whole bottom of the tub is non-slip. This only works with a porcelain tub and not fiberglass.
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Thanks everyone. I agree with your thoughts about the suction bars. Just thought maybe someone had found one that worked. Good thoughts on making the tub non-slip. Will give that a try!
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I have some little yellow ducks made of rubber with a suction cup under each one to prevent slipping down in the shower or tub. They can be arranged in a pattern that is most comfortable for the bather.

I had bars in the tub when we moved into our house. One of the bars lay in the bottom of the tub with broken tiles on the wall and scattered in the tub. I’d say no safety bar is sturdy unless it’s bolted to the lumber in the inner wall. So if I was wanting one I’d have it installed Professionally.
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I wouldn't want to entrust my safety to a suction cup no matter how many endorsements they seem to get, I've never had any kind stay stuck for the long term.
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Drilling through ceramic is much more difficult than drilling through wood because you may crack the tile. However, you could teach yourself to drill through old tiles by adhering similar tiles to plywood with construction adhesive. Also, youtube has 1000s of DIY videos.
Buy the right type of drill bit in the right size screws. The drill bits are most often labeled for the type of surface. You want the one labeled for ceramic tile.
If you are still not confident about doing it yourself, then hire a handyman.

Another tip: I replaced my cloth bathmat with a brightly colored bathtub mat (with suction cups). Now I can confidently step out of the shower without worry. You could also use a long bathtub mat to cover more of your bathroom floor.
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I think a good washable bath mat is the only way to avoid mold. Wet surfaces just get ikky. Check online and read reviews, I have a soft mat with loads of suction cups, my 300lb dad can use with no problems, he is a bit unstable and I can pull out and throw right into washing machine as it is flexible, air dry has worked best for me, rubber and drier scare me.
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I would be getting professional advice from the disability people.
From my experience you think your fixing one problem but you cause another.
These people know of what's available & new trends.
Good Luck
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If you are concerned about installing grab bars improperly, many senior councils have programs that provide the installation of such things. Qualified people came into mom's home and installed grab bars free of charge. Note: there usually is a process of signing your loved one up for this kind of help. Call your council on aging or county senior service organization.
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