Last month, I worked with my team of advisors to introduce a new stamp of approval: The HomeBoundResources.com “Tammy Tested. Caregiver Approved” Seal of Approval. My motivation for doing this stems from years of frustration investing in expensive products and services that yielded failed expectations.
It is reported that the combined market for U.S. home healthcare products has approached and may have surpassed a $5 billion industry. $5 billion! Products are costly, difficult to obtain and usually don’t offer a money-back guarantee or return policy. Furthermore, while manufacturers have good intentions, the best product designers are ones who have been in the trenches and can empathize with physical challenges of being both the caregiver and the patient.
It’s unfortunate, but manufacturers still are not refining their designs with the end-user in mind. I’ve heard from numerous caregivers who continue to find mistakes made not only in the design of products, but in the overall accessibility. The voice of the caregiver and the patient are not being heard in the healthcare industries that serve the population. Furthermore, each care experience is unique, and individuals still must evaluate products based on their personal range of abilities, affordability and physical requirements. I think this becomes easier with time and experience, but caregivers who are new to their situation don’t have that luxury.
The HomeBoundResources.com Seal of Approval uses some basic methods of evaluation to set a benchmark. Most importantly, by offering the Seal, I hope to raise awareness of Empathic Design and encourage manufacturers to engineer their products with the utmost sensitivity. Based on my experience and in consultation with numerous caregivers and patients across the globe, I developed the following criteria for evaluating a product, and I hope to apply this to services as well:
- Empathic Design o Is the end-user in mind? Has the manufacturer consulted with caregivers and patients to incorporate the attributes that will best serve their customers?
- Demonstrated Use o How widely tested/used is the product by caregivers/patients?
- Functional Quality o What thought went into the materials, construction, and weight?
- Accessibility o While the patient may be the ultimate end-user, the product must consider the caregiver’s role. How easy is this to use? What is the pricing/return policy? Is a demonstration available either in person or on the internet? Will the patient be self-sufficient? How much help is required?
- Aesthetic Quality o Adaptive devices are plentiful, but will the patient take pride in using this product?
- Manufacturer’s Reputation o How is the manufacturer perceived in the care giving community? Do they maintain a Satisfactory rating or better by the Better Business Bureau?
We’re in this together, and the criteria are not cut in stone. As our knowledge increases and new technologies emerge, so too will the criteria for the Seal of Approval. For now, please join me and other caregivers in sending a message to empathetic manufacturers and designers. Make sure the voice of the caregiver and the patient are heard by demanding effective products and services.
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