Behind MELVIN®

Self-esteem and freedom

Self-esteem and freedom are two basic aspects of a person’s life. Two aspects we all want. Not only sometimes, but throughout our lives. Because with self-esteem and freedom follows quality of life. In any case, if you ask us.

Unfortunately, there are some conditions and events in life which can rob us of our self-esteem and freedom – our ability to be self-reliant. The ability to cope with everyday life on our own without depending on help for, for example, personal care. This is what we must try to solve. It is also the basis for the development of this assistive device .

A need fulfilled

We all have needs of various kinds, but what do they basically consist of? There are probably countless answers to this question. Physiological, psychological as well as practical.

We all have a need to go to the toilet. For this, we need a toilet, and in many cases we consider toilet visits to be something natural. Unfortunately, many people experience challenges on this front. These may be people with various degree of functional disability. People who currently depend on other people to help them. This means, for example, that their freedom may seem taken away, that their intimate space is invaded and that their self-esteem drops.

MELVIN® gives users their personal freedom back. The freedom to be able to go to the toilet the moment the need arises. This way, users are self-reliant and avoid having their personal space violated. Consequently their self-esteem remains unaffected or they regain it in this regard.

The development of MELVIN®

Our innovative assistive device MELVIN is the result of a fruitful collaboration. A collaboration between Melvin ApS, users, Aalborg Municipality and the Centre for Welfare Technology in Aalborg.

The development of MELVIN has been challenging, but exciting. We were confronted with an all new type of task. A task that has required a lot of deliberation and discussion. Both with professionals who several times a day help others with this issue as well as dialogue with people who depend on assistance to put on and off their clothes when visiting the toilet.

The technical design has tipped the scales, as it made the difference between whether the hard development and design work would succeed or not. The question was whether it was possible at all to make the movement needed in a flow and at a pace that were comfortable. Whether the engines in the small and simple design would have sufficient power etc.

Challenges were encountered along the way, which means that the first version of MELVIN® has been taken apart, assembled and tested numerous times. Our engineers and constructors, however, were able to solve each and every challenge. Sometimes in a matter of minutes. Other times over several days. MELVIN® today can help people as intended so they can tackle toilet visits on their own. Without being dependent on caregivers or spouses. And this in a pleasant way. With great confidence and precision.

Caregivers and relatives

MELVIN® is not just an aid that benefits the user. MELVIN® can also be said to take into account both caregivers and relatives. With MELVIN ® both parties can be relieved from the job, allowing them to focus on other nursing and care activities. Caregivers no longer have to worry about delays in relation to scheduled toilet visits or waiting time in relation to urgent visits. And they will not have to be encumbered by poor work posture. This is also applicable to relatives, who often step in when scheduled toilet visits are not appropriate. The relatives will be able to spend the time with the person on care while caregivers will be able to carry out other care duties or could be completely made without in the cases when only needed for putting on and off trousers when visiting the toilet.