Tools for Living Well Toolkit - Canadian Association of Occupational ...

Program Tools
Program Tool 10: What you
should know before you approach
retailers
Key message
Assistive devices can reduce older people’s risk of falling and injuries. Devices such as bath and shower
grab bars, non-slip mats, and bath benches, are important in preventing falls. Hip protectors are effective
in preventing hip fractures in the event of a fall. Increasing the availability and promotion of these
devices in “mainstream” stores is a priority.
What might we expect a retailer to do?
● Retailers have the capacity to sell and promote:
o bath or shower grab bars (range from $20-$80 retail CDN, as of 2004);
o non-slip mats for inside and outside of the bathtub or shower (range from $10-$40 retail
CDN, as of 2004);
o canes (range from $10-$80 retail CDN, as of 2004);
o hip protectors (range from $50-$200 retail CDN, as of 2004);
o bath seats/benches or shower stools (range from $40-$120 retail CDN, as of 2004).
● Retailers have the capacity to educate their customers on:
o selecting the right assistive device for their needs;
o sizing the assistive devices; and
o the proper use of assistive devices.
Why should a retailer be interested?
● Seniors are a growing segment of the consumer market.
o Older customers tend to prefer stores that are close to them because of the convenience, ease
of transportation, or physical limitations that affect their ability to travel.
o Older customers prefer to shop at fewer stores.
o Older customers prefer to shop at general or department stores rather than specialty stores
because of the convenience of “one-stop shopping”.
o Seniors find it difficult to shop at specialty stores (medical supply outlets) for assistive
devices for two reasons: 1) limited hours and 2) remote store locations.
● The targeted devices in this program do not require much space to display and may not require
the retailer to carry much inventory. In some cases, they may be able to have a model on
display, and arrange for delivery from their wholesaler in a day or two.
● By promoting grab bars and other bath safety devices, canes, and hip protectors, a store may:
o expand the market for their business;
o help to reduced health care costs for the community;
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