Depends on how you define odd.

The oddest thing to me is a person of sound mind that is more concerned about aesthetics than safety.

Now that I have smacked the living crap out of you, back to the topic at hand....

There are grab bars that clamp on very securely to the edge of the free-standing tub.

My grandmother in her 90's used one very successfully on a daily basis.

This was a while ago, I don't remember the brand or model.

Do a google search for clamp grab bar bathtub

There are many different types, narrow, wide, tall, short.

What you choose depends on your tub and the person's needs.

If there is a physical therapist involved in the person's care, they might make a recommendation.

Some cities have senior citizen care agencies that can help you make a selection that is appropriate for the individual's needs that will also work for the bathtub.

If you have not purchased the tub yet, if a person needs a grab bar, a freestanding tub is really not a good choice.

Freestanding tubs are difficult to get into and out of and require the person to put their weight on one foot and leg which is difficult with arthritis or any significant other impairment of the hip, knee or ankle or spine.

With an enclosed tub with a ledge, the individual can do this in steps by raising themselves to the ledge and swinging their body (and both legs) over the side.

I am going to say not really. Free standing bathtubs really should have enough space around them to breath, so to speak, and look freestanding, and grab bars inches away from the tub itself are not very practical.

I came across the same dilemma and decided against installing grab bars for aesthetic reasons. I figured if the time should come where we need extra help I know there are detachable options. Here is the link to the photo below: https://www.easycomforts.com/buy-easy-grip-adjustable-tub-bar-329864