Bendtech launches innovative glow rails for aged care

Read article : Bendtech launches innovative glow rails for aged care

Leading Australian tubular stainless steel manufacturer Bendtech introduces the innovative ‘glow in the dark’ grab rail specifically designed for the aged and healthcare segments.
 
Featuring cutting-edge stainless steel technology, engineering and design, the patented tubular grab rails glow in the dark for up to 7 hours. The innovative glow strip technology was designed for the elderly and aged care segments as an alternative to standard stainless steel grab rails in bathrooms and corridors, providing an ideal lighting solution during the night or for power failures.
 
Specialising in designing and manufacturing products for the health and aged care industries, Bendtech CEO and Managing Director Tim Shalders explained that the glow rail technology was designed to increase safety at night or in dimly lit areas. The company focusses on designing and developing quality products that are unique in design and will give the end user peace of mind, support and safety.
 
Given that Bendtech was already custom-making stainless steel products particularly for the Australian health and aged care sector, they saw an opportunity to further assist these industries with the design of the glow rail product.
 
According to Mr Shalders, the glow rail was developed particularly for the elderly, disabled and visually impaired who require grab rails in bathrooms or other areas where support is necessary. Even if power is switched off at night in the bathroom, the glow rails will provide a luminous glow throughout the night that requires no power or electrical source, ensuring ongoing safety and support.
 
The rails store energy when exposed to daylight or lighting, and emit a dim glow for hours on end when lighting is out.
 
Bendtech Production Director and product designer Jason Cerezo explains that the luminous technology is a mix of phosphorescent materials embedded into the rail’s insertions, which allows the grab rails to glow for an extended period of time without the need for added incandescent lighting or power.
 
In addition to the health and aged care segments, the glow rail is also ideal for stairways, corridors, fire exits or public amenities where lighting is low or off.
 
Key features of Bendtech’s glow rails:

• Made of tubular stainless steel
• Glow comes from phosphorescent materials embedded in the rail’s insertions
• Glows for up to seven hours each night
• Removable insertions will last up to 10 years
• Available in different configurations
• Compliant with Australian Standards
• TGA registered

The Brisbane-based Bendtech has been designing and manufacturing innovative stainless steel products for the Australian market for over 30 years with their product range including grab rails, folding shower seats, shower curtain tracks and curtains, modular grab rail systems, shower and bathroom rails, bathroom accessories and back rests as well as fold up, swing-away and floor/ceiling products.

Engineered to ensure maximum safety, the grab rail products are available in satin, polished or powder coated finish.

A Buyer's Guide to Choosing Bathroom Safety Products

Read article : A Buyer's Guide to Choosing Bathroom Safety Products

Safety in the bathroom has to be priority #1. That's where up to 70% of home accidents happen. Outfitting a bathroom for safety doesn't have to be complicated or costly.

Start With Grab Bars And RailsMetal grab bars, attached strategically to walls in the tub and shower area, offer a steadying brace for those who need help getting in and out of the bath and shower and when standing in the shower. Grab bars generally range in length from 12" to 42" and are up to 1-1/2" in diameter. Textured or brushed finishes offer more traction, especially when wet.

Bathtub grab bars and rails that clamp on to the tub itself offer support when getting in and out of the bathtub without the permanence of drilling into walls.

Be sure to read all product descriptions carefully and look for the weight the bar or rail you're considering is able to bear, usually up to 250 pounds. You want to be sure it can support the full weight of the person grabbing onto it. Some bars may only provide help to steady people, but not necessarily support them if they slip and grab hold.

When stability is the goal, look for bars and rails that attach securely; a product that uses suction cups, for example, may only provide some aid rather than full support.

Put Safety Inside The Bath And Shower Next On Your List A wide variety of products are available for people who need to sit down to shower. Theshower chair, seat or bench allows the user to sit at chair height in the shower when unsteady or unable to stand for long periods or when the movement of getting into a tub is too difficult or no longer possible.

The design features you choose should match up with the needs of the user. Choices start with a simple stool design; many allow you to build on that, adding a back and/or arm support as needed.

Bathtub transfer benches, seats and boards allow the user to sit down at one end, positioned outside of the tub, then swing their legs over without having to actually climb over the side to get in.

For walk-in showers, a mobile shower chair that rolls right in is a great option.

One more alternative for narrow tubs where a shower chair will not fit is a shower stool.

No matter which of these products is the right one, look for a design that allows water to drain, meaning less pooling and risk of staining or other signs of wear. Cutouts may be available for resting a handheld shower and for grabbing the chair to adjust it; cutouts in the center of the seat section make personal cleansing easier.

An adjustable leg design allows you to customize a chair or bench for the user's height and allows more than one user to sit comfortably. Always look for sturdy, wide legs with grips on the ends to offer better traction on a wet surface. Shop for styles made with rust-resistant or non-corrosive materials like aluminum, molded plastic or PVC.

Other specifics to check before you buy include the maximum weight it can bear; if the user is over 250 lbs, look for models in bariatric sizes that can usually accommodate up to 400 lbs. Consider the weight of the seat itself if it will have to be moved in and out of the tub; a design that folds is a good option if others are using the same bathroom. And finally, if using in a stall shower with a door closure, measure the space carefully to be sure the chair will fit inside it with the door closed (some prefab showers are very narrow).

Make Easy Adjustments To The Toilet When bending is difficult, either because of a bad back or knee problems, getting on and off the toilet can be a challenge. Simple adjustments can make a huge difference: by raising up the seat, there's less movement needed to sit down. Installing atoilet riser under an existing toilet seat effectively lifts the seat by about 5". Clamp-on or locking raised toilet seats go right on top of the existing toilet, usually without any tools.

Adding arm rails or handles provides that much more support, though may not be necessary if the user already utilizes a walker. As with grab rails and shower chairs, the more support needed, the more securely attached the item should be.

Seats are available with different cushioning, often a personal preference. Choosing a seat with a deep front recess for easier hygiene might be an important consideration.

When support only is needed for getting on and off the toilet, consider a toilet rail. Another option is a toilet safety frame"”think of it as a grab rail that extends around both sides of the toilet. On some models both the height and width can be adjusted for a better fit.

For people who are confined to bed and unable to walk to the bathroom, a bedside commode is a useful option. Many commodes can also be used over a toilet to create a raised seat effect. A lifting commode has a mechanism that uses a person's own body weight to help lift them up. Commode liners make emptying the pail easier.

8 Hidden Hazards Lurking in Your Bathroom

Read article : 8 Hidden Hazards Lurking in Your Bathroom

In 2008, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) reported that 235,000 Americans are admitted to emergency rooms with bathroom related injuries every year. What’s more outstanding is that 14% of people were actually hospitalized.

While some bathroom hazards may be obvious, there are many hidden ones you may not be aware of. I have identified 8 such bathroom hazards, and have provided solutions to ensure you don’t become the next embarrassing statistic.

8 Hidden Bathroom Hazards You May Not Be Aware Of

1. Using the Toilet

The CDC found that 14% of all bathroom related injuries were a direct result of using the toilet. In fact, people over 85 actually suffered over half of their injuries near the toilet.

Solution: Make sure you have a grab rail installed near your toilet.

2. Dirty Shower Heads

In 2009, researchers at The University of Colorado found 30% of shower heads contained the mycobacterium avium which has been linked to tuberculosis. Probably the most horrific case linked to shower heads occurred in 1976 with the fatal outbreak of Legionnaires‘ disease in America.

Solution: As the slime that builds-up inside the shower head can protect germs, make sure you clean it regularly.

Interestingly, the Colorado study found metal shower heads had fewer pathogens than plastic ones; so switch to a metal one and look for one with a filter that you can change regularly.

3. Flushing the Toilet

As one might expect, toilet water will contain bacteria from urine and faeces which can carry e-coli; when you flush a toilet, therefore, tiny droplets can disperse onto your bathroom. This is only an issue for items located close to your toilet, but as this will often include toothbrushes and soap it is not a very attractive thought.

Solution: Always flush with the lid down!

4. Mold, Glorious Mold

Mold produces allergens, irritants and has the potential to cause health problems, with the most common mold found in bathrooms being stachybotrys: a black, sticky fungus which can cause asthma-like symptoms.

It relies on moisture and damp to develop, so poorly ventilated bathrooms can easily become breeding grounds. Given the right climate, mold can rapidly grow in 24-48 hours and you often won’t notice it until it becomes a large problem.

Solution: The solution is simple: no moisture = no mold.

If you have an extractor fan use this while you shower, and for up to 20 minutes after, as this will lower humidity. If you don’t have access to a fan, simply shower with the door slightly open and ensure you leave it wide open for 20 minutes after.

5. Damp Floors

It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to figure out that a wet floor will pose a potential health risk as it will increase the risk of falling. The two biggest causes of rogue wet floors are ill-fitted shower curtains and us, more specifically our wet feet.

Solution: In general, shower curtains are poor for protecting against water splashes; so ditch the curtain and invest in a sturdy bath screen.

6. Self-Inflicted Slippery Surfaces

This hazard is reserved solely for bath users and is a direct result of all the toiletries we use. These can be particularly slippery and can settle at the bottom of your bath, with bath oils being the main culprit.

The problem here is that you often won’t notice how slippery it is until you try to get up. This can prove to be a particularly menacing bathroom hazard for the elderly.

Solution: Install grab rails around your bath to give yourself something to hold onto when getting up.

You should also never step out onto a naked floor: invest in a skid-proof rug and some textured bathroom tiles with an uneven surface. Both of these will work together to provide your feet with something to grip onto.

7. Exiting the Bath

The CDC found that exiting the bath, or shower, causes the most dangers in the bathroom across all age groups. While only 2.2% of injuries involved entering, exiting was the cause 9.8% of injuries.

Solution: As with most tips, all you need to do is install grab rails.

8. Shattering Glass Screens

In 2009 the Consumer Products Safety Commission recorded nearly 2000 complaints made against shower doors which shattered as a result of being incorrectly installed.

Solution: Ensure a professional has fitted your shower door correctly.

Oh, and don’t forget to tell guests not to use the shower door as a leaning post!

Related Articles:

A Brief Guide To Mold, Moisture, and Your Home, The United States Environmental Protection Agency

Bacteria May Lurk On Your Showerhead, WebMD

How clean is your shower head? The peril lurking in your cubicle could be bad for your health, The Daily Mail

Watch Your Step While Washing Up, The New York Times

About the Author: Paul is full time blogger for Splashdirect where he aims to make life easier for the average person through a series of DIY tips and buyer’s guides.

Photo: Jiuck

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Small Bathroom Solution : Walk-in BathTub by MAXX Professional

Read article : Small Bathroom Solution : Walk-in BathTub by MAXX Professional

This walk-in bathtub by MAXX Professional is a really interesting idea especially if you have a small bathroom. It features a safety grab rails, slip resistant floor, and chrome waste with chrome overflow. A contoured seat with an elevated back rest could make your bathing very comfortable and relaxing even in such small bathtub. Besides, the bathtub could be complemented with a whirlpool heater, a chromotherapy light system, and a water heater. With all these features, the walk-in bathtub is a very cool 1.4 m (55-inch) long solution for small bathrooms. Finally maybe most of you focused on how this small wal-in bathtub looks, but you’ve noticed that interesting tile design from the background ?

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Collect this idea

Collect this idea

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Carron Quantum Single Ended Integra Bath Carronite Integrated Twin Grips Panels • £207.79

Read article : Carron Quantum Single Ended Integra Bath Carronite Integrated Twin Grips Panels • £207.79

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£207.79 Buy It Now Sold, FREE Shipping, 14-Day Returns

Seller: bitall (14,755) 99.3%, Location: New Romney, Ships to: GB, Item: 152011945619Condition: New, Sub-Type: Single Ended, Brand: Carron, Material: Acrylic, MPN: Does Not Apply, Length (mm): 1500 / 1600 / 1700 / 1800, Features: Optional End Panel, Type: Baths, Item Type: Bath, Model: Quantum Integra,Details: Shop Categories SHOP HOME Top Sellers Baths Bathroom Furniture Bathroom Suites Shower Doors Shower Trays Toilets Showers Taps Heated Towel Rails Radiator Valves Hot Water Cylinders Plumbing Best Deals View Item Aqualisa Digital Showers View Item Purity Back to Wall Suite View Item Minimalist Vanity Units View Item 1500 Shower Bath Grab a Bargain with these Carron Quantum Single Ended Baths Combining the added safety and security that comes with a gripped bath, with the sleek, modern lines of the Carron Quantum range. The Integra features an integrated grip that has been designed to complement the original Quantum design. Bath supplied without tap holes. Available in a variety of lengths and widths and the option of Carronite reinforcement these baths can last a lifetime. Also available as an option above is the choice of the matching Carron Quantum front and end panels - with the option of Carronite reinforcement. COMPREHENSIVE TESTS HAVE DEMONSTRATED THAT CARRONITE™ BATHS: RETAIN HEAT Will retain heat for approx. 30 minutes longer than a standard acrylic bath. This is based on a starting temperature of 55 degrees Celsius and reducing to 45 degrees Celsius. AMAZINGLY STRONG Are demonstrably stronger than standard acrylic baths. Based on measuring the extent to which a cut section of a bath will bend when a 1kg weight is attached to it. A standard bath with bend to 56mm and the Carronite™ bath will bend to 45mm. INDUSTRY STANDARD These results are the reason that more industry professionals would recommend a Carronite™ bath over any other currently available. UNIQUE DESIGN Have a unique fitting system; this has been designed to cope with the additional weight of the Carronite™ material. Once installed, the bath’s stability and rigidity prevent movement, thus offering the perfect solution to the problem of sealing. HOW DOES CARRONITE™ WORK? The demonstrable strength of a Carronite™ bath comes from a unique triple layer reinforcement system. This additional weight means the bath requires to be fitted with a unique fitting system. The combination of the material itself and the fitting system ensure the rigidity and stability of the bath. ACRYLIC Warm, durable, high gloss, easy clean finish, formed from 5mm acrylic. CARRONITE™ High technology, rigid reinforcement. 18mm BASEBOARD Totally encapsulated for total rigidity Delivery Details This item will be delivered on our own specialised transport. Please ensure you have left us a contact phone number, as we may need to call you to arrange delivery details. Please note - we can only deliver this item to the areas shown on the map below..... AVAILABLE HERE AT A FRACTION OF THE RETAIL PRICE THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING AT ALLBITS THIS PRODUCT IS BRAND NEW, IN STOCK AND SUPPLIED IN ORIGINAL PACKAGING COMPLETE WITH ALL NECESSARY FIXINGS Special Offer View Item Bathroom Furniture Sale Special Offer View Item P Shape Shower Bath Special Offer View Item Back to Wall WC Suite

•  Popularity - Super high amount sold, 42 Sold, 344 Available. N/A Views, Listed 571 days ago.

 Price -  Seller - Over 14,755 items sold. 0.7% negative feedback. Top-Rated Seller! Ships on time with tracking, 0 problems with past sales. Over 14,755 items sold. 0.7% negative feedback. Top-Rated Seller! Ships on time with tracking, 0 problems with past sales. Recent Feedback