We will continue the improvement of the design of the Hydra-Commode Lifts (Lift). The Lift allows individuals to lower and raise themselves on and off the toilet safely and effectively. The Lift must address further the special needs of individuals with disabilities, and in particular, it must address the needs of older adults with functional limitations due to illness or injury. The Aging of America is obvious. The impact of the changes may not be as obvious as once thought. As NIA sponsored research suggests "there are changes not just in the levels of disability, but in the way people use services once they become disabled. Between 1982 and 1989, older people living in the community relied less on personal help alone, and depended more on using equipment such as walkers, wheelchairs, or other items, either alone or to support personal assistance. For example, there were enormous increases in the use of certain equipment, such as raised toilets (+148%), shower seats and tub stools (+65.9%) and other equipment. At the same time, the use of personal assistance fell by more than 9% for both older men and women. In examining health care cost, it will be important to look at the one-time cost of special equipment versus the recurring cost that comes with personal assistance.National Institute on Aging (NIA)
