December 20, 2013
Zero-Threshold Shower Base, Sturdy Grip Handles, and Easy-to-Use Features Mean Accessible Luxury, Functionality and Safety in the Burgeoning Market for Aging-in-Place Home Modifications
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, ARK. - (December 2013) - A continuing dedication to health and wellness supported by in-depth research of the human body has laid groundwork for Jason International, a leading U.S. manufacturer of hydrotherapy bathtubs, to offer sophisticated products with features that suit the needs and tastes of America's aging homeowners.
Baby Boomers continue to express a desire to "age in place" (stay in their homes as they grow older, rather than move to assisted-living facilities). In response, "universal design" -- creating a home environment that is inherently accessible to older people and others with and without disabilities -- remains an important factor in the construction and renovation of their homes. Current demographic trends indicate that aging homeowners planning to remain in their homes are among the fastest growing segments of the residential remodeling market.
In response to this trend, Jason introduced its TZ3260 Barrier-Free Shower Base, combining luxurious universal design with true accessibility. The TZ3260 offers easy entry into the shower made possible by a high-strength stainless steel grate/linear drain cover recessed into an integral channel across the front of the shower base. The grate is light enough to lift single-handedly and strong enough to hold the weight of a wheelchair. To be of use to a variety of bathers, it is available with an optional seat on the right or left of the base. For a renovator replacing an old bathtub with a shower base, the base is light weight (less than 80 pounds) and measures 60-in. length x 32-in. width x 20-in. height -- dimensions matching the most popular renovation spaces.
Other benefits include the slip-resistant shower floor; Jason's patented Level-Form™ base that requires no grouting, decreasing installation time and expense; its compatibility with a standard two-inch shower drain connection while withstanding a high flow of water from the shower; and an integral tile lip to ensure watertight installation with less tile work.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the leading cause of injury in older adults. Other statistics show that two-thirds of all injuries occur in the bath or shower. To lower the risk of falling in the bathroom, the US Department of Health and Human Services recommends having grab bars inside and outside the bathtub or shower. For comfortable entry and exit from the bath, Jason offers a variety of optional integrated metal and acrylic bath handles suitable for use with their forma®, Designer, or Integrity® Bath Collections and available in an assortment of functional, yet aesthetically pleasing styles.
Designed for bathers who would like an extra grip, Jason's AH100 Universal Design Grip Handle is an award-winning design that fits most Jason baths and helps facilitate ease of entry and exit of the bath. The vertical positioning of the acrylic handle across the bath deck allows it to be securely gripped from the top for safe entry into the bath, as well as from the side of the bath well when exiting. The AH100 Universal Design Grip Handle is installed in the field.
Jason's dedication to comfort for the bather extends even to the design of the bath well itself. Years of consultations with physical therapists resulted in baths that are efficiently and ergonomically fitted to bodies and room spaces. The majority of bathing wells in Jason's product line are sized to the optimum depth of 20½-inches to maintain the ease with which one enters and exits the bath safely -- especially important to older homeowners -- while providing the proper depth for enjoying full submergence in the water.
"As the number of US seniors grows, Jason is dedicated to keeping universal design in mind by developing bath products with features that are functional, easy to use, and reflect timeless luxury," said Jeff Cunningham, Vice President of Engineering.
Jason baths feature soaking, MicroSilk®, AirMasseur®, and whirlpool, as well as combination hydrotherapies. For more information about these and other Jason products, visit www.jasoninternational.com.
About Jason International Jason International, Inc. celebrates more than 30 years of hydrotherapy innovation. Founded in 1982 by Remo C. Jacuzzi and his family, Jason offers a broad line of cutting-edge hydrotherapy bathing products engineered to help bathers achieve their desired health and wellness goals. These include Soaking, MicroSilk®, AirMasseur®, Whirlpool and combination hydrotherapies, all with artful ergonomic designs, quiet operation, and hygienic construction to enhance the therapeutic benefits of bathing and restore mind, body and overall well-being. For more information, contact Tena Dick, Marketing Manager, Jason International, 8328 MacArthur Drive, North Little Rock, Ark. 72118, Ph. 501.771.4477; or visit the Jason International website at www.jasoninternational.com.
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