Bariatrics Care
The bariatrics sector is without doubt the fastest growing area in the health and mobility product market place. It is also an area which encompasses an ever increasing proportion of many western Nation’s populations.
You can find out about the numerous bariatrics products that are available by using the links below (or in the menu to the left), or alternatively you can read on for some general information about this sector of the health and wellbeing medical area.
- Bariatrics aids - main page
- Bariatric mobility scooter
- Bariatric wheelchairs
- Bariatric bathroom - modifying for bariatrics etc
- Stairlift for larger people
- Ramps for access and mobility
- Bariatric beds and medical beds
- Protective bed care
- Walkers and rollators for large people
- Riser and recliner bariatric chair
- Health chairs and bariatric chairs
- Bariatric shoes, orthotics and foot care
- Health monitoring devices
- Dressing aids
- Personal hygiene and grooming aids
- Protective underwear (adult diapers)
- Fall Protectors – fall out mats, hip protectors etc
- Pain relief aids – TENS machines
- Weight management information
- Clothing for larger people
- Travel advice for larger people
- Cushions, paddings and supports
- Modified garden tools
- Bariatric walking stick
- More bariatric information
What does bariatric or bariatrics mean?
Bariatrics is defined as an area of medicine and health that concerns itself with obesity, i.e. individuals who are significantly overweight.
Originally the term was used to encompass a number of treatments and approaches aimed at dieting and losing weight, however today the term has a broader meaning which can be applied to anything connected with the health or lifestyle of people whose size and weight impact on their daily living.
For this reason we describe a large range of products and mobility equipment as being bariatric, or designed with bariatrics in mind. Typical examples of these bariatric products can include larger than normal toilet seats, or mobility scooters with extra wide seating and an increased weight capacity. Many regular health and mobility products can also fall within the scope of bariatrics, simply because they aid or assist mobility. Examples can include lift and tilt chairs, or a stairlift.
Because the bariatric mobility sector has increased so rapidly in recent years, a large number of companies now make variations of their standard products specifically amended and redesigned for bariatric use.
The difference between a standard product and a bariatric one is normally catered for by increasing the size and strength (weight bearing capacity) of the product to accommodate the larger person. This means that in most cases there is no obvious visible difference between, for example, a standard mobility scooter and a bariatric version. The bariatrics scooter will probably be slightly wider, but additional strengthening and stronger suspension will be hidden from view. This is the case with the vast majority of products aimed at this sector of the mobility market.
How can bariatric products help
People who fall into the bariatrics category cover all age, health and activity level groups. In some instances the individual’s size and weight will be constant whilst in others their weight may be something that they are working on trying to reduce. Some people can put on weight as a result of a medical condition, whilst other gain weight as the result of an injury or loss of mobility. In all cases there are bariatric products that can assist with mobility, both within the home and in the outside world.
The big advantage of most bariatrics products is that they help retain or restore a level of mobility and independence that might otherwise be lost. This could assist in maintaining a job, keeping an active social life, or simply by making it possible to move around a home and wash, dress and cook without the need for a carer’s help. Ultimately these products enable normal life and all the day to day activities that we take for granted to continue normally.
Back to Bariatrics main page
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