Bath Safety
The bathroom has been deemed the “most dangerous room” in a home for a reason. Approximately 80 percent of home accidents occur in the bathroom, but most of those accidents can be prevented with the right safety products. That statistic demonstrates that there is plenty of opportunity for a provider to grow its business by stocking bathroom safety products.
The key is to offer a wide array of solutions that can fit clients’ unique needs. One person’s struggles in the shower might not be the same struggle of another, so a savvy provider must ensure it is keeping in mind the different needs of the various patient segments it serves.
A key strategy for understanding the needs of a patient is to interact with them and perhaps perform a home assessment to examine what products they are currently using and how they are using them.
For example, if a patient is using a bath stool that is placed within reaching distance of the water faucet but not under the stream of water, it’s likely that they patient is trying to stay close to the water knobs so that it’s easy to turn the water on or off or adjust the temperature. But they’re also likely having a hard time actually bathing. So, the provider could offer is a handheld showerhead to give the client optimal control, ease, and above all safety.
That just one example of how providing the right range of bath safety items can dramatically improve a patient’s safety and quality of life. Here are some product offerings on the market that HMEs can offer their customers to help accomplish those objectives:
Assisted Living Technologies
Walabot HOME
Walabot HOME allows seniors independence, safety through fall detection device
The Walabot HOME is a high-tech, fall-alert system that is designed specifically for the user’s bathroom. This device is the first of its kind to not require a wearable necklace or bracelet. Instead, it rests on the user’s bathroom wall. The device begins by learning the user’s bathroom. Then, it monitors for situations that indicate a fall. If a fall occurs, the Walabot HOME contacts the emergency contact through a two-way phone call and a text message. If the user stands up, the alarm will be disabled.
Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare
Competitive Edge Line 3-in-1 Folding Commode
Folding commode features lid, folds easily for storage
The improved Competitive Edge Line 3-in-1 Folding Commode comes with a lid and stores flat for storage and transportation. In addition, it allows tool-free assembly with a plastic snap on seat and 7.5 qt commode bucket, and provides durability through its powder-coated, steel-welded construction. The commode can be used in a few different ways to serve the customer as necessary, according to Lauren Abeles, product manager of breast pumps personal care and commodes for Drive DeVilbiss. Some of its main uses are as a bedside commode, directly over a toilet, and as a raised toilet seat.
BackEmbrace LLC
3-in-1 Folding Commode
Drive DeVilbiss adds improved commode chair to product line
The 3-in-1 Folding Commode of the Competitive Edge Line from Drive DeVilbiss now comes with a lid. Features include a plastic snap-on seat, 7.5-quart commode bucket and grey powder-coated, steel-welded construction for added strength and durability. The chair stores flat for convenience and assembly is tool-free.
MHI Safe-er-Grip
Safe-er-Grip Suction Cup Balance Assist Bar
Safe-er-Grip balance bar gets new chrome finish
- Available in new chrome finish and in lengths of 12 inches or 16 inches.
- Suction cup design requires no tools for installation and can be secured on any smooth, flat, non-porous surface for safer tub entries and exits.
- Flip-up tabs make it easy to attach, remove and relocate to different areas in the bathroom.
Clarke Health Care Products Inc.
Aquatec Ergo Shower and Commode Chairs
Clarke rolls out new line of shower and commode chairs
- Features new contoured seats and overlays for a more upright and stable seating position and a 5-degree pre-tilt seat.
- Stainless steel frame requires low-maintenance from users and caregivers.
- Ergo line includes the Ergo Dual VIP tilt and recline, Ergo VIP tilt-in-space with increased tilt angle, and Ergo transit and Ergo SP self-propelled models.
Free2Go Mobility Products
Free2Go Rollator
Free2Go Rollator combines mobility with bathroom safety
The Free2Go Rollator is both a walker and a toilet safety device rolled into one product, which allows a user to discreetly use a toilet safely in any setting. The toilet seat is covered by a flip-up padded seat, which contains a pouch for disposable wipes for cleaning the seat after use. The walker allows for adjustable handle height at 33.5 in. – 38 in. and a seat weight capacity of 300 lbs.
Nuprodx
multiCHAIR 6000
Nuprodux compact tub slider system makes bathroom transfers safer
The Nuprodx multiCHAIR 6000 is a tub slider system designed for in-home setup. The slider system utilizes a center-of-mass design to centralize the user’s weight through the entire 30 degree tilt range, which allows for a more compact base for small tubs and safer bathroom transfers. The seat height adjusts 24.5 in. to 27.5 in. and comes with optional 17 in. L x 20 in. W or 20 in. L x 17 in. W frame and cushion size. Its aircraft-grade aluminum, brass, stainless steel and plastic frame ensures that the slider system will not rust or corrode and can support up to 300 lbs. in weight.
MHI Safe-er-Grip
Balance Bar
Suction balance bar lends flexibility to safety and support
Balance Bars add safety and a sense of security to bathrooms, but they often require tools and help for proper installation. To simplify the installation process, Safe-er-Grip’s balance bar uses suction cups to fasten itself to surfaces to smooth, flat and nonporous surfaces, like a tile wall or bathtub. Users only need to press down and release the tab levers on both ends of the bar to fasten and loosen for easy installation and removal. The bar comes in sizes 11 in., 17 in. and 24 in.
Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare
Splash Defense Transfer Bench
Drive DeVilbiss makes bath transfers private and safe
The Splash Defense Transfer Bench features a “U” shaped conduit in which to place a shower curtain liner. By allowing a user or caretaker to fully close the shower curtain, Splash Defense makes the bathroom safer by keeping water from spilling out of the tub. It also gives the user additional independence by allowing them to bathe in private without fear of slips and falls.
GF Health Products
Lumex Platinum Collection
Support arms and backrest add comfort to bathing seat
The Lumex Platinum Collection from Graham Fields features optional support arms and backrest. The rust-resistant anodized aluminum frame is both lightweight and durable with a maximum weight capacity of 350 lbs. The maximum seat height is 20 in. and the minimum is 17 in., adjustable in 1 in. increments. The overall width is 20 in., suitable for most standard built-in bathtubs. No tools are required for installation or use.