Case Study - Safe Steps

Challenge

Older Australians often face significant barriers to safe and independent bathing due to common household features such as steps and shower thresholds. These obstacles can increase the risk of injury and reduce independence, often leaving individuals reliant on assistance or requiring costly bathroom modifications. 

There is a growing need for practical, affordable solutions that support ageing in place, improve safety, and ease the burden on carers and health systems—particularly as demand for community-based and home care continues to rise.

Jack Menzies, founder of Freeline Pty Ltd

Our approach

The Safe Steps project brings together Flinders University’s Medical Device Partnering Program (MDPP), Aged Care Research & Industry Innovation Australia (ARIIA), and Freeline Pty Ltd through the ARIIA x MDPP Ideas Incubator.

Developed by occupational therapist Jack Menzies, the solution centres on a Mobile Step-Climbing Shower Commode—an assistive device designed to safely navigate bathroom steps and thresholds.

Through the Incubator, the concept was refined into a working prototype featuring an advanced wheel and propulsion system capable of climbing obstacles, supported by MDPP’s engineering and prototyping expertise and ARIIA’s market research and sector knowledge.

This multidisciplinary approach integrated clinical insight, engineering capability, and market validation, enabling the solution to progress from early concept to a tested, validated prototype suitable for real-world application.

Impact

The Safe Steps innovation has demonstrated strong technical feasibility, market demand, and readiness for further development and commercialisation.

• Enables safer showering and personal care in home environments
• Reduces the need for expensive structural modifications
• Supports smoother transitions from hospital to home care
• Promotes independence, dignity, and quality of life for older people
• Eases pressures on carers and care systems

By addressing a critical gap in home-based care, the project has the potential to deliver a scalable, practical solution that supports safer ageing and more sustainable care outcomes.