What We’ve Learned From Occupational Therapists

By Barry Redican, Showerbuddy

The Real Experts in Home Mobility

At Showerbuddy, we’re proud of the equipment we make, but we’re even prouder of how we’ve made it: in conversation with the people who know mobility challenges best. Occupational therapists (OTs) are on the frontline, supporting individuals and families to make safe, workable choices in the home.

Over the years, we’ve worked alongside hundreds of OTs around the world. Their insights have shaped every aspect of our systems, from transfer design to tool-free adjustments. But more than that, they’ve taught us how to keep the person at the centre of everything we do.

What OTs Have Taught Us

1. Every Situation Is Unique

There is no one-size-fits-all in home support. OTs constantly remind us that every home layout, family dynamic, and physical need is different. That’s why flexibility is baked into our product design. From adjustable components to optional accessories, our systems are made to be tailored.

2. Assessment Is Everything

An OT assessment is more than a checklist; it’s about understanding the entire context of someone’s life. We’ve learned that the best equipment decisions come from holistic thinking: how a chair fits in a space, how a transfer affects a carer’s back, how much independence a person has.

3. Confidence Builds Compliance

OTs tell us that users are more likely to stick with a routine when the equipment feels safe and comfortable. That’s why we focus on intuitive operation and ergonomic design , because good outcomes come from regular, confident use.

Why Our Relationship With OTs Matters

Occupational therapists aren’t just recommending equipment. They’re advocating for people. They’re problem-solving in tight spaces, mediating family dynamics, and balancing medical needs with daily life realities.

We see OTs as a critical bridge between users and innovation. When they tell us something isn’t working in the field, we listen. When they highlight a new need or challenge, we look at how we can respond through product development.

Equipment That Reflects Clinical Insight

Here are just a few ways OT collaboration has shaped the Showerbuddy experience:

• Height adjustability that caters to a wide range of user sizes and toilet heights
• Slide transfer systems that reduce the need for manual lifting
• Tilt-in-space models to support pressure relief and comfort
• Commode integration to reduce the number of transfers in a daily routine

These aren’t just product features, they’re clinical insights made tangible.

Supporting OTs in the Field

We also believe in giving back to the OT community. That means:

• Providing comprehensive manuals and training videos
• Offering live product demonstrations for assessments
• Creating equipment that’s easy to assemble, adjust, and clean
• Working with local dealers to ensure fast, informed support

Looking Ahead - Co-Design, Not Just Feedback

We see the future of bathroom mobility as a collaboration. OTs don’t just test our ideas, they help create them. By involving therapists earlier in our design process, we can respond more directly to what real users need.

This partnership is essential. Because no matter how smart a piece of equipment is, it only works if it works in someone’s actual life.

To every OT who’s taken the time to share feedback, test equipment, and advocate for better outcomes, thank you. You’re shaping more than products. You’re shaping possibilities.