Great advice from all. I sometimes tell my folks that it is a new building code, or home health requires it. Just do it. My mother is the worst. Her decor is most important. She won't even allow a footstool so dad can elevate his feet in the den where we visit an watch tv. If he ever needs a wheelchair ramp I will just do it and tell her the hospital must have sent someone over to put it in!
You're probably not going to convince them. Just do it. I had the same issue with my Dad. He has dementia and is impossible to convince to do anything. My Mom badly needed grab bars in the bath and throughout the house. I just ignored him as he followed me around complaining as I put them in. Don't use the suction types, they're not reliable. Research on line for tips about placement and different types available. Watch how they move and where their hands go to for support. Put one outside the tub and one inside at an angle so as the person sits they brag high and slide the hand down the bar so they are always holding on. Pay attention to things like right or left handed. Use screws into the studs when possible or toggle bolts in drywall. Don't use the small anchors you would use to hang a picture or light objects.
We put in grab bars back when my dad had hip surgery, I was only in my 30's then but I was surprised at how handy they can be, even for younger people. Considering the stats on bathroom accidents I have often wondered why it hasn't become part of the building codes. What exactly do they not like about them, maybe they are thinking it would look too institutional? Or are they worried about damaging the bathroom tile/tub surround? There are some pretty nice looking options available today, maybe show them some pics? If it were me I would just get it done and let them b#$ch about it later.
There's a new type of approach based on more scientific evidence and supporting data, but right now I can't remember the name of the researcher, the project, or other issues other than it's supposed to be a new approach to the issue. I'm just drawing a blank right now, but in the middle of the night I'll wake up and remember what I can't recall right now.
As to the efficacy of grab bars, I'm absolutely, totally in support of them. I had some installed when my mother stayed with me and still use them myself, especially in the bathroom, where in my opinion they're mandatory, even for people who aren't old. Bathtubs can be slip hazards.
I also use the grabbar outside my side door, more so since the subsidence in that area has caused the pavement to sink and the step is now higher.
I don't know of any specific way of convincing your grandparents how necessary grab bars are, and they might be opposed until one of them slips and needs to grab onto something which isn't there.
What you might do instead is take a less direct approach and provide information to them on preventing falls through PT and balance strengthening, removal of trip hazards such as throw rugs, updating hearing, vision and balance tests to make themselves as safe as possible (until they agree that grab bars are mandatory).
Here are some statistics. consumeraffairs/news/making-bathrooms-safe-for-seniors-041013.html
The bars may only help if they have good upper body strength. Do your grandparents have that? I'm not sure they would make me feel any better. Many seniors don't use safety devices. I don't have much experience with them. Maybe those who do will post.
What exactly do they not like about them, maybe they are thinking it would look too institutional? Or are they worried about damaging the bathroom tile/tub surround? There are some pretty nice looking options available today, maybe show them some pics?
If it were me I would just get it done and let them b#$ch about it later.
As to the efficacy of grab bars, I'm absolutely, totally in support of them. I had some installed when my mother stayed with me and still use them myself, especially in the bathroom, where in my opinion they're mandatory, even for people who aren't old. Bathtubs can be slip hazards.
I also use the grabbar outside my side door, more so since the subsidence in that area has caused the pavement to sink and the step is now higher.
I don't know of any specific way of convincing your grandparents how necessary grab bars are, and they might be opposed until one of them slips and needs to grab onto something which isn't there.
What you might do instead is take a less direct approach and provide information to them on preventing falls through PT and balance strengthening, removal of trip hazards such as throw rugs, updating hearing, vision and balance tests to make themselves as safe as possible (until they agree that grab bars are mandatory).
consumeraffairs/news/making-bathrooms-safe-for-seniors-041013.html
The bars may only help if they have good upper body strength. Do your grandparents have that? I'm not sure they would make me feel any better. Many seniors don't use safety devices. I don't have much experience with them. Maybe those who do will post.