Abstract:

A grab bar shape has been presented that appears to provide an effective alternative to knurled finishes. This grab bar has been incorporated into a system that can be easily positioned anywhere in a room to help an ambulatory disabled person rise from a bed or other surface. The problem of lifting nonambulatory elderly people has been addressed by means of a modular mobile lifting system that offers the advantage of overhead lifting at lower cost than traditional movement devices for nonambulatory people. The author suggests that low-technology solutions are worthy of academic effort and that movement devices for elderly people must also address the needs of their formal and informal caregivers.