Safe-Home.com

Question about Grip On Anti=slip Solution as part of a business to safety proof hard surfaced flooring such as ceramic tile, concrete, etc.

Answer: You didn't mention the state or town where you live. My advice is to learn about local requirements for a business and decide if you want a corporation such as a Chapter S. Seeking advice about that from a business attorney and/or local Chamber of Commerce is a great first step. Once you have your business and insurance in place, then it is time to seek out customers who need hard surfaces such as concrete and tile treated to protect their customers and themselves from slip and fall accidents.

The five gallon buckets are probably the most economical way to start. Each bucket treats about 2000 square feet of flooring. Each bucket weighs 50 lbs. When business improves, purchase the  55 gallon drums of Grip On: you can refill the bucket using a pump.  This 55 gallon size will treat about 22,000 square feet of hard surfaces. Ships by truck only: 4 drums can fit on each skid. Approximate shipping cost: $300 per skid with one drum. The shelf life is indefinite: with a good business, you''ll get through this quantity in weeks or days depending upon the square footage you will be covering. The lid of the drum stays on. There are two holes, one 4 inch hole and one 2 inch hole. Purchase a vacuum or hose pump from your local hardware store. (Cost about $15).

What you will need for faster application in addition to the Grip On are:

• a 20 lb cotton mop
• a mop bucket with wringer
• an 18 inch to 24 inch squeegee
• a wet vac to make removal of dirty and clean water faster
• a long extension cord for the wet vac
• a source of clean water
• a good cleaning solution with degreaser. 
• roller ruler to calculate accurately the length and width of areas to be treated in linear feet.
• a calculator to determine the square feet to be treated (or a pencil and paper and the ability to multiply!)

As far as what to charge, you need to calculate the cost of the Grip On and pre-cleaning solution based upon the square footage of the project. Next you need to determine what your hourly wage should be based upon the local economy, your overhead (insurance, etc.), how you will be paid (check or credit card) and if there is another individual or company providing the same service in your area. You may be able to see public bids for local municipal buildings and see what the winning bids were.  Certainly $1.00 a square foot might be reasonable in a more rural area while in New York City a reasonable charge might be $2.50 to $5.00 a square foot.

Remember what you are selling is safety. Insurance rates for restaurants, malls, etc. are based on many factors including accident rates. The fewer claims for slip and fall accidents the lower rates those companies will pay.

Slip/fall accidents are a major problem for employers and customers as well as homeowners. Just think of what happens to those in the Northern states who don't deice their sidewalks and someone falls and breaks a leg! The statistics about insurance liability claims are that slip/fall accidents rank second after auto accidents claims., And slip/fall accidents, paid for by workers compensation claims, have greatly increased over the last 10 years.

As a general rule of law, according to Grip On's attorneys, if an owner or possessor of a premises knows of a potentially dangerous condition, which could cause harm and he or she knows there is a means to prevent that harm, the inference is that the injured party would be more likely to hold that owner liable and have higher damage claims. Insurance companies don't like accident claims: keeping business insurance is important. When a company is canceled for insurance, other insurance companies are less likely to insure or will significantly increase premiums due to the risks they see in the future.

Do make sure that you ask each customer for his/her permission to use you and your company as a reference. I suggest a website for your area where you can have customers rate your service and make comments about the change that Grip On made for their hard surfaced flooring such as ceramic tile, glazed brick, marble, polished stone, terrazzo, river rock, concrete, and quarry tile.

Do remember that porcelain bathtubs are still fixtures in many homes, hotels and motels. Applying Grip On means no more tub mats, stick on plastic "fish", etc.

Among customer who use GripOn are:Dr. Phil's House,McDonalds Restaurants, Trump Properties Exxon/Mobil, Burger King Restaurants, Tanasaka Power Plant ,Cities of New York & New Jersey ,City of Los Angeles ,Bureau of Engraving US Government ,Life Care Centers of America, G.L. Homes, Covenant Care of America, Manor Care Nursing Center, Darcy Hall Nursing Center, Boca Raton Rehabilitation, Spring House Manor, Elks Lodges of Florida, VA Hospitals, Delray Racquet and Country Club, Residents of Century Villages, Pete's Five Star Corporation, Cambridge Investment (Burger King), McDonald's Corporation, Marriott's Hotel and Assisted Living, 7-11 Stores ,Wolfe's Restaurant ,Carlucci's Restaurant Corporation, Billotti's Restaurant Corporation, Pompano Pizza, Onaisas Coney Island, Shopping Center Markets, Outback Steak Hous.

I hope this information has been helpful.

Thank you for the question.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about Protection Plus Briefs Overnight L 40-56 In 64/c

Answer: Medline, the manufacturer, gives this as a measuring guide for the pull up disposable brief. Note: For Sizing, measure hip bone to hipbone over the abdomen. Double the longest measurement. Add 2 inches. When in doubt, purchase the larger size. Example. Hipbone to Hipbone=21 inches. 2x21=42 plus 2=44 inches. So this person would need a size large which is what you chose.

This is the entire catalog for the Medline urinary incontinence products: Medline Incontinence Catalog.

This is in a pdf format so you would need to download the Adobe Acrrobat reader, which is free.

Thank you for your question.

Sincerely,

Barbara

Question about Kirks Soap Liquid Body Wash and Shampoo Sampler

Answer: We believe Kirks is superior because it is made in the USA from 99% natural ingredients, is hypoallergenic, has no animal fats and lathers richly in hard or soft water. Because it lathers so richly, you need a very small amount to use in the bath or shower. Plus the shelf life is 5 years! What you have asked about is the sampler, which is one bottle each of the Kirks castile shampoo and body wash , Kirk's grapefruit ginger scented body wash for citrus lovers, Kirk's mint rosemary body wash , and Kirks classic body wash and shampoo. You can also buy each product individually or mix or match however you choose.

First of all, body washes are now more popular now than soap bars for many reasons. (We still use Kirks Coco Castile soap bars at home, however). These include:

• no slimy soap bars to handle or drop on the shower floor or in the bath tub
• sharing among family members is more sanitary since body washes have a pump
• If you do drop the body wash bottle in the tub, it will float!
• there are many scents available.
• body washes include skin moisturizers
• the "scent" choices are numerous.

Kirks body washes come in several different fragrances. The basis body wash formula is the same: high glycerin, all vegetable oil and hypoallergenic.

For example, the descriptions of the Kirks Classic Body Wash which is a blend of Aloe (conditioning and moisturizing), Chamomile (conditioning, moisturizing and cleansing) and Soapwort (cleansing) in a rich Coconut Oil Body Wash formula

Kirk's Castile Body Wash Benefits:

• Produces Rich, Creamy Lather in ALL Types of Water
• Rinses Quickly & Completely. Leaves No Drying Residue on Your Skin.
• Average Number of Hand Washings Per Bottle: Over 300 per 16 Oz. Bottle.
• A Gentle Bath Soap and Wash for You, Your Dog, or Your Clydesdale.
• Hypoallergenic
• Low pH Formula:9.6 % in 1% solution water.
• Gentle Enough for Baby, Ideal for all Family Members
• Contains No Animal by-Products. Never Tested on Animals .
• 99% natural.
• Shelf Life: 5 Years
• Three fresh scents: Classic Clean (the original), Grapefruit Ginger, and Mint Rosemary.
• Made in the USA.

Kirks Body Wash Soap Ingredients: All of these ingredients listed act as cleansing, soothing, antiseptic and relaxing agents:

• Purified water, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (Derived from Coconut Oil), Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (Derived from Coconut Oil), Cocomide MEA (Derived from Coconut Oil), Glycol Disteararte (Derived from Coconut Oil), Ammonium Xylene Sulfonate, DMDM Hydantoin, Coconut Oil, Aloe, Chamomile, Soapwort and Natural Fragrance.
• NO Artificial Preservatives.
• NO Sodium Lauryl Sulfate.

Thank you for your questions.

Sincerely,

Barbaraa

Question about the Medline Digital Finger Oximeter, Black.

Question: "My mother is 89 years old and has congestive heart failure. She wore a 24 hour oxygen monitor a few weeks ago. The result was a non-portable oxygen unit so she can get supplemental oxygen at night. Her daytime reading was 90% and her night readings averaged 80%. Despite her age, Mom's mind is very good except now from mid-morning on you can see the deterioration. Sometimes her heart races. She says she had her first anxiety attack of her life: Gail and I feel it is that her heart is struggling due to the congestion.  I live over a thousand miles away but will be at her home for the rest of the week. Would this be something that her home care helper could use to help justify with her doctor her need for a portable tank on her wheelchair during the day? She has been told to use oxygen as she needs it! The tank is in the living room where she sleeps in a recliner during the night and naps. Thanks, Your brother Jim.

Answer: Yes, Jim, this unit is what she needs and it should arrive in two days from Medline. This oximeter unit is reasonably priced, easy to use and gives accurate readings. I know you have already contacted her physician about what is happening to Mom.  I've ordered this oximeter that should arrive in another day. When I spoke with Mom two days ago, I knew then something was wrong because she seemed confused. She's been complaining about fatigue for months. I was wrong in believing that this was depression or age. Obviously Mom needed someone to actively be her advocate as her doctor did not see the whole picture.

We do sell several other oximeters which would work equally well. Most are hospital grade units, though. For example,John Bunn DIGI O2 Finger Pulse Oximeter JB02007, the John Bunn DigiOx Finger Pulse Oximeter Model JB02008 which costs a little less than the Medline unit referenced in your question, the Medline Digital Finger Oximeter, Yellow and the Medline Handheld Pulse Oximeter which is personal computer and printer compatible.

This oximeter as other finger pulse oximeters gives SPO2, pulse rate and pulse strength readings. SpO2 numbers give you the amount of oxygen attached to the hemoglobin cells (red blood cells) in your body or the saturation of oxygen in your red blood cells.. Normal is 96%.

I've done more internet reading about what is normal for oxygen levels and will share this with my readers.

HeartFailureSolutions.Com gives this list which covers part of Mom's symptoms:

"Watch for the following signs:

• water retention (especially feet/ ankles)
• shortness of breath/ difficulty breathing
• extreme fatigue
• chest tightness
• mental confusion/ short-term-memory loss
• tingling fingers
• chronic cough
• blue coloring around lips
• waking at night gasping for breath

Your body requires 92% blood oxygen saturation or above.  There is no getting around your oxygen requirement.

If you ignore you rlow oxygen level, you will lose your eye sight, short term memory, and your strength and stamina.  The progressive weakening of your heart muscle will contribute to your heart failure."

Thanks for being there, Jim and Gail. I know Gail went through similar issues about supplemental oxygen for her late mom: she shared that she needed to buy an oximeter to present her case for 24/7 portable oxygen for her mom

Love you!

Sincerely,

Barbara

Question about various choices among incontinent disposable briefs ex. Classic Plus Incontinent Briefs, M/L 27-56" White,120/CS, Protection Plus Contour Brief LGE BLUE45"-58",72/Cs  Incontinent Brief, Air Active, LGE, 47-59 In, 90/CS and Molicare MED/LGE Purple Super Plus Briefs, 27"-56" (56)

Answer: Jill, thanks for your question. What you left out was your father's degree of independence and mobility. The disposable briefs noted above vary from pull-on briefs to those with multiple tapes, some tapes being able to be re-used. If your father is bedridden, the taped incontinent briefs are the better choice.

For sizing, Medline gives these recommendations. Measure hip bone to hipbone over the abdomen. Double the longest measurement. Add 2 inches. When in doubt, purchase the larger size. Example. Hipbone to Hipbone=13 inches. 2x13=26 plus 2=28 inches. So this person would need a size medium..

Here is some information about the briefs listed above:

1. Classic Plus Incontinent Briefs, M/L 27-56" White,120/CS : This is a case of 120 white disposable briefs. These are made for persons with heavy urinary incontinence Molicare Classic Plus incontinent briefs use an odor-neutralizing absorbent core and comfort stretch backing plus anti-leak cuffs. There are dual tapes for easier refastening. 3-part absorbent core gives dryness. Profile design for dignity and comfort.
2. Protection Plus Contour Brief LGE BLUE45"-58",72/Cs:  Protection Plus Disposable Protective Underwear have elastic leg bands, stretch at front and back and are relatively easy to pull on. This is a contoured incontinent brief with extended capacity for overnight use for those who experience heavy wetting. 
3. Incontinent Brief, Air Active, LGE, 47-59 In, 90/CS: This waterproof brief is breathable with large leg openings for accurate sizing and comfort. The 3 part core with Curly Fiber helps maintain skin neutral pH for superior dryness, odor control and skin care. Anti-leak leg cuffs. Stretchable and re-fastenable comfort-fit 2-piece tape system for better fit and comfort.
4. Molicare MED/LGE Purple Super Plus Briefs, 27"-56" (56): Medline Molicare Super Plus Extended Capacity Briefs in medium to large size are overnight protection incontinent briefs. Padded panels plus stretch poly maximize comfort and patient mobility. Secure 3-part absorbent core neutralizes odor. Anti-leak cuffs for containment.

Question about Case of 12 15 oz jars of A & D Ointment and Case of 144 5 gram foil packets of A & D Ointment

Answer: A & D Ointment is a petroleum and lanolin-based ointment that contains both vitamin A and vitamin D.  Mothers use this for diaper rash, both as prevention and to soothe sore skin. It is a great moisturizer for hands and feet or any dry spots on your body.

For example, the bottoms of my feet get very dry in the winter. I used the thick white greasy moisturizer and also plain petroleum jelly. The results were not fast or very good.Then my mom told me how A & D ointment healed some dry, itchy spots she had. So now I cover my feet, primarily the soles and heels with A & D ointment after I get into bed. Then I put on "short" athletic socks and go to sleep. I try to remember to do this after my morning shower and then put on athletic shoes. (Lucky me, I don't have to dress up for work!).  Even if I forget a day or two, my feet are in much better condition than left untreated. You can do the same for dry, cracked hands: put on cotton gloves afterwards or a pair of socks after applying and go to sleep.

A & D has few ingredients besides the vitamins, the lanolin and the petroleum. It is highly unlikely to cause a skin irritation even among the most sensitive persons. Commonly, A & D is used for  treatment and prevention of diaper rash, to temporarily protect minor cuts, scrapes, and burns, to temporarily protect and help relieve chapped, chafed, or cracked skin and lips and to help protect from the drying effects of wind and cold weather. (Yes, you can save on those roll-on sticks for chapped lips with a tube of A & D ointment.

I was surprised with our first sales to tattoo artists. For tattoo artists, nursing homes, hospitals, etc, consider the Larger box of 864 individual foil packets of A & D Ointment.

Thanks for your question.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about how the memory foam lumbar cushion and regular foam lumbar seat cushions differ from the skin protection and positioning seat cushions.

Answer: The lumbar cushions have a cut-out that takes the pressure off tailbones. The memory foam are more firm than the regular foam as memory foam is more dense. These generally sell for $20 to $50, have no attachment strap (just place on the chair and sit on it). In contrast, the Lumex are retailed at over $275, have a gel center layer plus foam layers on top and bottom and have both side wedges for lateral stability and a center pommel for medial thigh support. More important they have a waterproof cover made to reduce shear/friction plus a strap for firm attachment to the chair. The purposes are to provide long-term skin protection and positioning for high-risk patients plus seating comfort.

There are also lumbar support cushions available to give her support in her lumbar region. For example, the memory foam lumbar cushion by Mabis Health Care and the Care Apparel polyurethane foam velour lumbar cushion can give her better back support in her wheelchair.

She probably would be most comfortable with the Lumex seat cushions and either of the lumbar support cushions. Do realize that the Mabis cushion does have a strap for the back of the chair if slippage is a concern.

Thanks for your question. Please contact us if you need more information.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the GF convoluted foam mattress pads

Answer: Thank you for your interesting question. According to G F Health, the density of the 7-4000 mattress topper is given in Indentation Load Deflection (ILD). This pad is 34 ILD which the customer service rep says is firm.

A check on the internet indicates this density is considered a 2.6 visco foam density. Bariatric foam has a 45 ILD rating. To understand what this means, see below. Definitions: Density is based upon the weight of one cubic foot of foam. 2.6 thus means the weight of one cubic foot of this 4 inch foam. Indentation Load Deflection or ILD: the unit of measure to indicate degree of firmness.

One website says the ideal ILD reading for a cushion would be 25 to 50 lbs at 25% ILD reading (the weight an indenter must weigh to compress a 4 inch thick piece of foam to 3 inches) If fifty square inches of 4 inch foam is compressed to 3 inches, that is 25% ILD. If the foam is compressed to 1.4 inches, that is a 65% ILD. For seating comfort, the ideal ILD reading is 25 to 40 pounds at 25%, and 45 to 100 pounds at 65%.

Thanks for your question.

Sincerely, Barbara

Barbara reviews the Medready Pill Dispenser with Keyed Lock. Use this pill box as a senior product or for complicated medication regimens. A combination medication organizer and medication reminder, the pill alarm options include low frequency and high frequency alarms and a flashing red light. Optional modem connection, allows for long distance monitoring. Take medication on time without risk of accidental overdose. Set up an additional pill tray. (note: at 3:25, Barbara meant 240 Volts instead of 240 Watts.)

Question about the effectiveness of Bac Zap Urine Neutralizer Deodorizer, a Bio-Active Urine Neutralizer with Enzymes .

Answer:  This product is made by Brulin, who specialize in products for nursing homes, hospitals, veterinarians, kennels, etc. More detailed information on use is arriving in a day or two as this is a new product for Safe Home Products and is not yet on site in Iowa.  This is what information we have received and was also gleaned from the manufacturer's website:

"Tthis ready-to-use liquid formula attacks uric acid odors immediately with a powerful enzyme digestion process. It is bio-active. Use as is or add it to carpet shampoos and cleaners. This is a popular nursing home and hospital product. Attacks Uric Acid Odors Immediately by a Powerful Enzyme/Digestion Process with Zero Environmental Impact .Specially bred enzyme/bacteria cultures attack and break down the uric acid molecules like nothing else before. It does the job by digesting the source, just the way nature does it...but does it in minutes rather than days or weeks, with zero environmental impact. Destroys malodors by eliminating the source. Vanilla herb fragrance."

I, too, have some issues with dog urine odors from my carpet when the humidity rises. I will update this page after I get the additional information.

Thanks for your question, Lorrie.

Sincerely, Barbara