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:
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.
Invacare
Clamp-On Raised Toilet Seat With Arms 1320RTS
Invacare adds adjustable arms to toilet seat
Like earlier models, the Invacare Clamp-On Raised Toilet Seat With Arms 1320RTS has a contoured seat for internal rotation of the hips, rear seat wings for secure attachment, easy-to-clean durable molded composite and an easy Clamp-On mechanism for more secure attachment to the bowl. This model, however, features new adjustable locking arms, which gives the user more comfort and added safety. The seat fits most round bowl configuration and does not require any tools for assembly or use.
Clarke Health Care Products Inc.
WheelAble Folding Commode Chair
Commode chairs makes any toilet, stall accessible
- The front casters are opposite from the large rear wheels to provide better maneuverability and independent use.
- Unique location of the wheels makes it possible to back in toward a regular toilet without the need for spacious areas.
- Area under the seat is especially narrow, providing a significant advantage in narrow passages.
National Seating & Mobility/AccessNSM
Splashy Bath Seat
- Five-point harness for three-point pelvic support
- Four detachable bumpers to lend extra support
- Warm-touch foam, reclining seat and portable
Convaid
Flamingo
Toilet/bathing chair comes in four sizes
- Accommodates clients from childhood through young adulthood
- Seat tilts, allowing for idea seating and posture
- Accessories include head support, push brace and swing-away side
Bestbath
Shower Pan
Shower pan allows for more convenience
Bestbath has developed a new 60 inch by 30 inch shower pan with a side discharge drain for use in multi-family renovation projects when replacing bathtubs with above-floor rough. As residents age, they often need to replace a tub with a low-threshold shower. The pan leaves enough room to use the existing plumbing set-up and the lower curb height allows for easier shower access. It also replaces the common option of tub cutouts, which are placed in the center and often leave grab bars too far away to be used for entry.