Prevention of falls in the toilet environment

S.N. Buzink, J.F.M. Molenbroek, R. Bruin, de, E.M. Haagsman, T. Groothuizen

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionAcademic

    Abstract

    Falls are a big concern that can influence the life and wellbeing of elderly people considerably. A research and design project was initiated to develop a solution to prevent falls in the toilet environment. This was done as part of the Friendly Rest Room (FRR) project, which focuses on designing better suiting (semi-)public toilet facilities for elderly people and the handicapped. Various investigations resulted in a set of recommendations for fall preventive measures in the toilet environment as a whole. The largest number of potential hazardous basic toilet actions is performed in the vicinity of the toilet bowl. The conceptual design developed next, offers the user support in that area in an innovative and appropriate way. The design consists of various components; together providing a fine-tuned allin- one support solution with an inviting appeal, representing luxury, serenity and hygiene. The next step to be taken is to perform usability tests with the design as a whole, to verify the ideas and design decisions that lead to the design. Several elementary aspects have been implemented in FRR prototypes. The results of usability tests with these functional FRR prototypes look affirmative and promising.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationProceedings IEA2006: Meeting Diversity in Ergonomics
    EditorsR.N. Pikaar, E.A.P. Koningsveld, P.J.M. Settels
    Place of PublicationAmsterdam
    PublisherElsevier
    Pages4585-4591
    Publication statusPublished - 2006
    Event16th IEA World Congress on Ergonomics - Maastricht, Netherlands
    Duration: 10 Jul 200614 Jul 2006

    Conference

    Conference16th IEA World Congress on Ergonomics
    Country/TerritoryNetherlands
    CityMaastricht
    Period10/07/0614/07/06

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Prevention of falls in the toilet environment'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this