Safety Takes Hold

The importance of providing bathroom safety products continues to grow. This is evidenced through an annual growth rate of 8 percent in this market segment.* Underlying demographics are driving this trend, along with the increasing desire and/or need to remain in one’s home.

As we age, we develop conditions that make us more prone to falling. In fact, at least one third of all seniors experience a fall every year. Preventing falls is critical to allowing individuals to remain independent in their homes, as falls can lead to many more serious complications.

The bathroom poses the most threats to safety—it is the primary location where falls take place. Therefore, a safe and well-equipped bathroom is an important
requirement for independent seniors, those who are recovering from certain procedures or those who live with caregiving assistance.

The types of products available for the bathroom include: grab bars, tub rails, toilet safety rails, elevated toilet seats, shower chairs and or benches, transfer benches and bath lifts. Each product provides a different type of assistance, addressing various needs for users.

Focus on Grab Bars

Grab bars represent a major portion of the home health care bathroom safety category. These products come in a variety of materials, colors, shapes and lengths and accommodate different needs, aesthetics and budgets.

• Materials. Grab bars come in different metals (chrome, polished nickel, stainless steel, powder-coated steel) and are also available in plastic. The metal versions are the sturdiest of the materials. Additionally, metal grab bars require
permanent installation and are drilled into place. The powder-coated steel is often white and appears less institutional than metal varieties. Another available feature in the material is a no-slip grip for more security.

A revolutionary adhesion, which does not require drilling, is removable and is as strong as a drilled-in grab bar, has been developed for metal grab bars. Drive Medical will introduce this patented product in the U.S. within the next few months.

• Installation. Metal grab bars usually are designed for permanent installation by screwing into the mounting surface. With proper installation (i.e. installed used for bearing weight. Many suction cup grab bars, usually made of plastic, offer tool-free installation. These grab bars are ideal for travel as they are not permanently installed. The proper use is for balance assistance only.

• Shape. Grab bars are usually straight, but also come “L” shaped and in a rotating design. Again, the location in the bathroom and the intended use should dictate the best choice. The rotating design, usually on a suction cup design allows for flexibility in installation so that each suction cup can be placed on a flat surface.

• Lengths. Most grab bars measure 12,” 16,” 18”, 24″ and 32″ and are typically sufficient for homecare needs. Some grab bars are made with adjustable lengths to accommodate use in various locations.

Designs range from basic and utilitarian products to highly stylized offerings. By understanding the user’s needs, the retailer is in a position to suggest the right combination of products to create a safe bathroom. Many suppliers provide “solutions selling materials” to show which products work best together.

Stocking a variety of grab bars is an opportunity to gain cash sales on an item that has steady demand. This is one segment that is not covered under Medicare and represents a strong revenue opportunity.

*Source: U.S. Market for Home Care Products

Senior Care Products, Winter 2011