Regaining independence
How a powered, adjustable mobile shower commode helps Jan with his daily routines.
Meet Jan
For 28-year-old Jan Böhm, life revolved around everyday routines in Münstermaifeld, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany. However, in 2021, everything changed. A sudden infection from rat-bite fever led to paralysis from the neck down, leaving him on artificial respiration and dependent on caregivers for daily tasks.
While Jan can lift his arms slightly and move his hands and fingers, he has no trunk control, meaning he cannot sit upright without support. Adjusting to this new reality was overwhelming, but he remained determined to rebuild his independence.
After a long hospital stay and months of rehabilitation, he set out to find solutions that would allow him to regain control over his daily routine. His search led him to the Alto, a powered, height-adjustable, and tilting shower commode made for individuals with severe physical disabilities.
Easily operated via a hand control, the Alto enables Jan to adjust his sitting position independently, improving comfort, safety, and dignity during hygiene routines. Designed for home care settings, it fits through standard doorways and is compact enough for use in small bathrooms, ensuring both caregiver efficiency and user convenience.
The challenge
Jan's new reality came with significant challenges, particularly when it came to daily hygiene routines. Standard shower commodes were not adjustable, making transfers difficult and increasing his dependence on caregivers.
The lack of independence made daily routines feel frustrating, and communication with his caregivers was also a challenge. Jan needed a solution that would not only enhance his comfort and safety but also allow him to actively participate in his care.
The solution – Jan gets an Alto
After researching his options, Jan came across the Alto online. The powered height and tilt adjustments were exactly what he was looking for. Thanks to support from his employers' liability insurance, he was able to get the Alto and integrate it into his daily routine. With the Alto’s advanced adjustability, Jan now has greater control over his personal care.
The Alto is more than just an aid – it has restored a level of security and control I never thought I'd have again.
How the Alto transformed Jan’s daily life
The Alto has provided life-changing advantages, making hygiene routines easier, safer, and more comfortable:
Greater independence
Despite his physical limitations, Jan can now adjust the Alto’s height and tilt himself using the user-friendly hand control, which is easy to operate, even with limited hand strength. This allows him to make small positional adjustments independently, without waiting for caregiver assistance.
Improved communication with caregivers
Being able to raise the chair allows Jan to maintain eye contact with caregivers at an appropriate level, improving communication during hygiene routines. It also gives him a greater sense of dignity since he can look his caregivers in the eye.
Better hygiene and health
The 5 cm lower pan holder of the Alto provides more space, making intestinal care significantly easier for both Jan and his caregivers. Spinal cord injuries can disrupt nerve signals to the intestines, leading to limited bowel movements. Alto’s design ensures proper positioning, helping to reduce discomfort and prevent complications.
Enhanced safety and ease of use
The Alto’s intuitive hand control gives Jan greater security, allowing him to adjust height and tilt independently. For caregivers, the ergonomic design supports a comfortable working position, with adjustable height and tilt to reduce strain. Its open 360-degree design, rear opening, and seat recess improve accessibility and ease of care.
With the Alto, I no longer feel entirely dependent on others – it allows me to actively participate in my own care.
A step towards freedom
For Jan, independence means more than just daily routines – it means having the freedom to pursue his dreams. With the Alto providing comfort and autonomy, he has already set his sights on his next big goal: a holiday by the sea in Italy.
Jan’s story is a powerful example of how the right assistive equipment can restore dignity, improve quality of life, and provide a renewed sense of freedom for people with severe disabilities.
I never imagined that something as simple as the right shower commode could have such a huge impact on my life. The Alto has made it possible for me to think beyond daily routines and focus on the future.
Etac Alto
Alto is a user-friendly powered shower commode designed for maximum adjustability, safety, and user comfort. Featuring height and tilt adjustments, it enables both caregiver efficiency and greater user independence.