Marketplace: Bath Safety

What’s the most dangerous room in the house?
A 2008 study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said
that every year about 235,000 people over the age of 15 visit emergency
rooms because of injuries suffered in the bathroom. Of the
injured:

• More than 33 percent were caused while bathing or showering
• More than 14 percent occurred while using the toilet

Injury rates increased with age, especially those that occurred
on or near the toilet. The proportion of injuries in or around the tub
or shower was highest among persons aged 15 years to 24 years
(84.5 percent) and lowest among persons aged 85 or older (38.9
percent), whereas the proportion of injuries that happened on or
near the toilet was lowest among persons aged 15 years to 24 years
(7 percent) and highest among persons aged 85 and older (51.7
percent).

Injuries associated with getting into and out of the tub or shower
occurred among persons of all ages, suggesting that adding grab
bars both inside and outside the tub or shower might help prevent
bathroom injuries to all household residents. Overall, approximately
14 percent of injuries were associated with standing up from, sitting
down on, or using the toilet, but among persons aged 65 years and
older, the proportion ranged from 19 percent to 37 percent. The CDC
said that preventing falls and subsequent injuries in this vulnerable
older population is critical. Persons with postural hypotension can
reduce symptoms by standing up slowly; installing grab bars near the
toilet would provide an additional measure of safety.

The DME industry has an extensive inventory of bath safety products,
which are key retail offerings that DME pharmacies could easily
stock for a wide variety of patient groups. Here are just some of the
bathroom safety products to consider for a pharmacy:

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Wheelchair Makes Bathrooms Accessible

The WheelAble Folding Commode Chair lets physically challenged people use
any bathroom or toilet stall in a more flexible, spontaneous and independent
manner. The front casters are opposite from the large rear wheels and provide
maneuverability. The location of
the wheels makes it possible to
back in toward a regular toilet
without the need for spacious
areas typical in accessible bathrooms
and toilet stalls. The area
under the seat is especially narrow,
providing a significant advantage
in narrow passages. Push up arm
rests give users an easy and safe
transfer, while the upholstered,
waterproof seat is made for
comfortable seating for a lengthy
time.

Clarke Health Care Products
(888) 347-4537
www.clarkehealthcare.com

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New Walk-In Tub Has 7″ Entry Threshold

The new cast acrylic Restore ACR Walk-In Tub
from Mansfield Plumbing has
a low 7-inch entry threshold,
17-inch high ADA-compliant
seat, easy-to-clean surface
and easy-to-access cableoperated
drain. Available
as a bathtub, whirlpool, air
bath, combination whirlpool
and air bath, or MicroDerm
Therapeutic Bath, Restore
ACR is IAPMO approved, is
manufactured in the U.S.A.
and offers a smooth, glossy
appearance that won’t fade.
Optional features include a
heated seat and backrest.

Mansfield Plumbing
(828) 890-8065
www.mansfieldplumbing.com

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Movabowl Is a Movable and Flushable Commode

Movabowl is a movable and flushable
commode that makes it easier
for people with disabilities to use the
toilet and makes it easier for caregivers
to tend to people with disabilities.
With the Movabowl’s design, the
toilet bowl be removed and taken
out of the bathroom to where the
disabled person is located. Hence,
the mobile toilet bowl can be used
in locations outside of the bathroom.
Then, the mobile toilet bowl
is returned to the docking station in
the bathroom and can be flushed
because it has water in the bowl.

Movabowl
(949) 456-9992
www.movabowl.com

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Everyday Hand-Held Shower Head Offers 5 Spray Options

Spray options let users help
bathe pets, children and
persons with special needs.
Shower head can be easily
installed in minutes on any
standard shower arm. Options
include bubbling, massage,
half saturating and pause
spray functions. Change the
spray settings with your fingertips,
even with wet, soapy
hands. Other features include
mounting bracket and diverter
valve, matching extra long
80-inch reinforced hose and
three-year warranty.

Graham-Field
(770) 368-4700
www.grahamfield.com

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Toilet Incline Lift Helps Users Safely Use the Commode

The TILT Toilet Incline Lift helps
provide bathroom safety by
lifting to patients’ natural
body movement. Weighing
34 pounds, the unit can be
installed in about 15 minutes.
It attaches directly to the
bowl, which offers greater
stability. The TILT moves the
user 7-1/2″ forward for clearing
obstructions and rising from
the bowl. This also positions
the user’s shoulders over their
feet for optimal balance and
positioning. The unit accommodates
users 5’2″ to 6’4″ and
bowl heights of 14″ to 21″.

EZ-ACCESS
(800) 451-1903
www.ezaccess.com

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Rollator Combines Rolling Walker and Toilet Safety

Helping the user to safely use the toilet
in any restroom, the Free2Go Rollator
combines the rolling walker with toilet
safety products beneficial to seniors and
the mobility impaired. Features include a
raised toilet seat, toilet safety frame and
rolling walker. Portable and lightweight,
the Rollator rolls directly over a standard
toilet and provides additional height over
a standard toilet to reduce body strain.
The Rollator frame was designed to assist
with sitting, lifting and fall prevention.

Free2Go Mobility Products
(844) 324-8228
www.free2gomobility.com