ShowerBuddy gives user an easy in and out

The aging of the Baby Boomer continues to yield innovations that are easing the lives of the immobilized and their caregivers, worldwide. The Showerbuddy emerged from New Zealand in 2003, after the designer’s grandfather had a stroke and subsequently took a spill in the shower.

He designed a chair that would move easily in and out of the shower, and over the toilet. The latest model rotates 360 degrees and has a bridge that rolls on a track to let the patient bathe privately; it sells for $1,900 and new features are in the works for summer release. For more information, go to http://showerchairs.co 

Avoiding costly bathroom overhauls for mobility patients.

Typically, providing bath safety for mobility patients can require expensive remodels to their bathtubs, showers and other fixtures — and sometime the entire bathroom. Typical modifications include replacing the bathtub or existing shower stall with a roll-in shower stall. That can mean knocking out just the tub, or possibly expanding the bathroom itself. Another option might be to remove the lip of a shower stall and replace the shower stall frame.

Needless to say, costs can quickly mount in such a scenario, especially if the new bathing arrangements need to match an existing “decorator” look. However there are solutions to help them avoid these costs while ensuring bath safety.

No-Remodel Options

“The biggest hurdle for a person that is a little bit more advanced in their current disability is to have a normal bath or shower,” says Vadim Zitser, director of sales and marketing for ShowerBuddy, which makes safe bathing solutions for mobility patients that don’t require a bathroom remodel.

“A lot of patients end up getting sponge baths in their bed,” he explains. “Another option is to do home remodel, which can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000, depending on what they’re doing to their restroom. And the final option is something is something like the ShowerBuddy.”

The ShowerBuddy prevents reconstructing a shower stall and removing the lip to the shower by letting the mobility patient go over the lip without having to get out of the chair.

How It Works

There are three parts to the ShowerBuddy: a shower base, a bridge that goes over the lip of the shower, and the wheelchair. All three components attach to each other so that the chair transfers over the shower lip via the bridge and onto the ShowerBuddy base. To accomplish this transfer, the chair is made of two components: the chair itself and a wheeled base. Once the chair contacts the bridge, it disconnects from its wheeled base and slides via runners over the bridge and onto the base. When patients finish their shower, the chair moves back across the bridge and back on its wheeled base.

The bridge is removable by the caregiver, in order to allow the door to be closed, so that patients can bathe. Once the patient is in the shower, he or she can spin 360 degrees on the base to get a thorough shower, Zitser explains. The base can either be permanent, or if another person living in the house needs to use the shower, as well, it also can be removed, given that it only weighs between 15 and 20 pounds.

Installation

The trick to installing a ShowerBuddy system lies in ensuring that the base is level and that all components properly line up so that they seamlessly dock together, thus ensuring a smooth transfer, says Israel Gamburd, ShoweBuddy’s director of research and development. “If it’s not straight, it will work, but it won’t be as convenient for the patient,” he explains. “So it’s very important that the dealer that puts it in takes its time.”

For a first-time installer, a ShowerBuddy installation should take no more than 30 to 40 minutes, according to Gamburd, and once they have that first-time installation under their belt, a typical ShowerBuddy installation takes a much speedier 15 to 20 minutes.

In terms of funding, since the ShowerBuddy is a bath item, it is not typically covered by Medicare, and thusly must funded via private pay, Zitser says. Depending on the unit, the price ranges from $1,995 to $2,695.

About the author

David Kopf – David Kopf is editor of HME Business magazine.

Find out more about the Showerbuddy by clicking here

In the weeks before I traveled to Medtrade several manufacturers contacted me to encourage me to stop by their booths. Some directed me to their websites so I could check out the products they were going to introduce at the show. Watching the video on this company’s website I was intrigued by this product. As noted in an earlier article PVI now makes a custom sized shower platform to raise the floor of a shower. In combination with a small ramp, users can enter the shower in a rolling shower commode chair. There is also a company that will create a custom sized deck like structure to raise the floor of the shower for this purpose.

Showerbuddy is an entire system designed to tackle this problem, helping people use their shower, bathtub or toilet. The shower system consists of three “platforms” and a supportive shower commode chair. One section (top 21 3/8” x 21 3/8”, bottom dimensions with rubber stoppers 24” x24”) fits into the shower. One section (20 ¾” long) acts as a trolley to support and move the chair around and then into the bathroom. These two sections are connected by a “bridge” which can be created in whatever size is needed for the bathroom’s configuration. The chair is available in two sizes: 20 ½” w x 17”d seat or 18”w x 17”d seat. The manufacturer is offering a suitcase on wheels to hold all of the components for users who wish to travel with the Showerbuddy. The unit assembles without tools so it is easy for most users to reassemble when they arrive at their location.

Click Here to see more about the Showerbuddy

With an MSRP of anywhere from $2,569 to $8,376 for a walk in tub and being sold by retailers who almost never include installation or shipping in the price offered, both of which together can double or triple the overall cost of a walk in tub, (based on my research) there is a good opportunity here to offer the ShowerBuddy as an equally safe and far less costly alternative that also allows the user to maintain their bathroom as it has existed for years.
Now, I understand that the clear objection to this is that someone in the market for a walk-in tub is likely far more able bodied than a potential ShowerBuddy candidate and as a result will be opposed to or even offended by the idea of using an assistive device like the ShowerBuddy. However, the justification or event that prompts one to consider either product is the same: either a catastrophic event which designates the bathroom as an unsafe part of the house or a sharp decline in one’s ability to get themselves around the house without some type of assistance. If any individual is living with a caregiver or loved one responsible for them, and is considering the purchase of a walk-in tub then I think a ShowerBuddy product is worth their consideration as well. Chances are, their caregiver is already assisting them with many other activities of daily living. For someone with sufficient use of their arms (which is necessary for use of a walk in tub) the ShowerBuddy in bath section can be used by the user alone in virtually the same way as they were used to prior to them becoming aware of any walk in product (assuming that they have used a bath chair or transfer bench in the past). The bottom line for them is that a ShowerBuddy product is going to cost them no more than $3,495 (provided that they don’t require a tilt seat, which I don’t imagine someone in the market for a walk in tub would) Considering how important price is to many buyers in this economy, a solution that costs them less than half of what they planned to spend and allows them to keep the bathroom that they have loved for years the same, should present a great value for anyone in the market for a safe and comfortable means of bathing at home.

Plans to axe the disability living allowance (DLA) and replace it with a personal independence payment (PIP) will mean most recipients are reassessed.

A survey carried out by the charity Papworth Trust found 86% of disabled people would have to cut down on essentials if their payments were stopped or reduced. The main area claimants said they would have to scale back their spending was on items such as food and drink, closely followed by utility bills and specialist transport.

Of the 2,200 people surveyed, three-quarters believe the Government is penalising disabled people unfairly.

Government officials insist that DLA payments are for additional living costs such as increased transport costs or care fees, not food or utility bills. Claimants can receive up to £125 a week if they are eligible for the higher rate mobility and care element of DLA.

Papworth Trust chief executive Adrian Bagg urged the Government to “learn the lessons” of previous benefit reforms and “ensure that if they make this change, the assessment will be fair and the implications clearly explained”.

Jane Alltimes, senior campaigns and policy officer for Mencap, said: “We are not surprised to hear about disabled people’s concerns. The Government plans to cut this benefit by 20%, so we are worried about how this will impact on people with a learning disability.

“The Government has not done enough to consider the true implications of their proposals on disabled people, or indeed on services provided by local authorities or the NHS, where the knock-on effect is likely to be extra demand for support.”

The Government said it is too soon to say how many people will be affected by the introduction of PIP as the assessment process is still being developed. It insists the reforms are needed as 70% of DLA claimants are eligible for payments for life without any reassessment.

A Department for Work and Pensions spokesman said: “We have been clear that disabled people who need support will get it.”

Source: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5iOeUMY06T53fV_Q2SRhq2-JiWkuQ?docId=N0108041314780828679A

The tiny, flat screen touch pad is being used at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) by the Occupational Therapy Department researchers, a part of NSU’s College of Allied Health and Nursing.

The department is using a $13,000 grant from the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation to purchase 20 iPads to treat the suffering individuals.

Since spinal cord injury victims have very limited mobility, using a desktop computer or laptop can be difficult for them.

NSU researchers in occupational therapy believe that the iPad, with its lightweight, portability characteristics, as well as its touch screen, will help patients have greater access to the Internet, applications, social media outlets, music, games, GPS, and other functions.

Additionally, the iPad will also make it much easier for them to read books and newspapers, which they would not have to pick up anymore.

Eight iPads have been distributed so far to patients with spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, cerebral palsy and an amputee, with another 12 to be given to this disabled population in Broward County.

“The iPad programme has been very successful so far,” Adrienne Lauer, program director and assistant professor of occupational therapy at NSU said.

“It has really made a positive impact on this disabled population, allowing them to easier get access to mainstream technology they have previously struggled with,” Lauer added.

Source: http://www.dnaindia.com/health/report_now-ipads-are-being-used-to-treat-patients-with-spinal-cord-injuries_1582123

Visit http://showerchairs.co/products/tubbuddy for more information

Some disabled fans feel left out in the cold by Eden Park’s transport overhaul for the Rugby World Cup.

One says games may no longer be worth attending.

Auckland Transport moved 16,500 people on public transport before and after Saturday’s rugby test, but several mobility-impaired people say they struggled under the new transport system, with long waits and frustration.

Eden Park has moved its mobility parks to the corner of Bellwood Ave and Dominion Rd for the tournament, and runs shuttles for the disabled to the stadium’s stands.

Mt Albert resident Andrew McMillan, 36, said faults in communication resulted in him waiting in his wheelchair for 45 minutes after Saturday’s match for a ride. When no shuttle arrived, he went the three blocks to his pick-up point on his own wheels.

“Is it quite far to go on a wheelchair, especially when it’s cold because my arms get pretty stiff,” he said.

Mr McMillan said authorities appeared to change pick-up points and blocked his driver from collecting him.

He was eventually picked up an hour after the match ended.

Auckland Transport spokesman Wally Thomas said mobility taxis had to be in the Bellwood Ave collection site when the match ended. He said it appeared that road closures had not been communicated to Mr McMillan’s driver.

“If there’s anything that we need to take out of this it’s that we need to work even harder with taxis to ensure that they’re aware of disabled access.”

Gavin Bruce, from New Lynn, said he was considering cancelling his tickets to seven World Cup games after his trip home from Eden Park left him exhausted and in pain.

Mr Bruce can walk only 100 metres at a time. With train services to west Auckland terminating at Morningside, he required a shuttle to the train station after the match.

“It was extremely difficult to get to [the shuttle]. I did manage to get there, but I was in quite a bit of pain.”

After a 45-minute wait for a shuttle he reached the Morningside train station at 10.30pm, an hour and a quarter after the match finished.

Auckland Transport said loading and offloading people from the shuttle was time-consuming and may have led to delays in the service. Sixty-five people were moved by shuttle on Saturday night.

Mr Bruce said: “Unless they can help me with mobility transport, I will be seeking a refund on my pool tickets…” Disabled fans said the stadium had excellent facilities.

Auckland Transport formed a taskforce to improve accessibility for the Rugby World Cup, which included advisers from CCS Disability Action.

The research unit, based in the University’s Centre for Brain Research and established through a generous half million-dollar donation by the CatWalk Spinal Cord Injury Trust, will provide a focus for expertise and maintain spinal injury research models for researchers from throughout New Zealand working on spinal cord injury and repair.

In addition, the unit will grow international collaborations, as well as playing a key role educating students in spinal injury research, raising clinical awareness and training emerging neuroscientists.

Current research carried out by Professor Louise Nicholson, Professor Colin Green and Dr Simon O’Carroll at the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences has discovered one of the critical changes that take place after spinal cord injury is an increase in the number of communicating channels, called gap junctions, between nerve cells.

These channels play a major role in spreading the damage from the site of injury to areas that would otherwise not be affected. The team has developed and tested small molecules called mimetic peptides that function to block these channels. Using models of spinal cord injury they have shown that delivery of this peptide early after an injury prevents inflammation, protects nerve cells from death and leads to improved locomotion.

Professor Nicholson says: “This is a very exciting breakthrough as currently no reliable treatment exists for acute spinal cord injury. If we can prevent the spread of damage early, people who suffer an injury may not have the same degree of disability and if we can act early enough, there may possibly be no disability at all.”

CatWalk Trust spokesperson Meg Spiers says: “Spinal cord injury is a major cause of disability for the young and active. Support of research and scientists of tomorrow is crucial. This unit offers the facilities for spinal injury researchers nationwide to progress their research to a clinical level.

“CatWalk’s ultimate goal is to find a cure for spinal cord injury, and get people out of wheelchairs and back on their feet.”

Notes:

The Spinal Cord Injury Research Unit will open on Friday 12 August, ahead of the Black Friday Trust Dinner that evening. The dinner is organised by the New Zealand Rugby Players Association, and will host rugby players including the All Blacks to raise funds for spinal injury. One third of all the funds raised at this event will go towards the new research unit.

Every five days, a person suffers a spinal cord injury in New Zealand.

The average age for an accident is 26 years, with a greater proportion of men being affected due to violence and sports related injuries. Rugby, boxing and diving participants are particularly prone to suffer injury.

The CatWalk Trust is a long-term sponsor of the Brain Bee Challenge competition for high school students since 2007.

Source: http://www.voxy.co.nz/health/getting-spinal-injury-victims-back-their-feet/5/97390