About the Invention

Ms. Sarah Levy and her daughter Alexandra have over ten products on the market that they have created for the disabled or frail elderly person. Their products are used in private homes, as well as hospitals and nursing homes. Each was designed to enhance the independence and dignity of the user.

The selection includes: mugs; with easy-grip handles and special covers; bowls and plates, with non-slip edges; thermal domes to keep main dishes warm; utensils that work to cut, peel and grind when held by arthritic hands; a folding tray as well as a beautiful apron that doesn't show liquid spills and replaces the undignified institutional 'bibs'.

Everything about their designs makes life easier for the user. Clothing closures are in front instead of the back. Their dishware maintains food temperature, and looks very elegant. These kinds of design features result from spending time with people to find out what they find most appealing as well as what works best for them.

About the Inventor

Sarah Levy was born in 1949 in Montreal, Quebec. Her only child, Alexandra, was born in 1970, in the same city. Both Sarah and her daughter had experience in sales prior to starting their company. The driving force was Sarah's experience in working with the frail elderly in their homes, as well as in institutions. She found that utensils and dishware used by the frail elderly were not appropriate and believed that their fundamental needs for a pleasant dining experience, independence and dignity were often denied to them. The few products that were on the market at that time were expensive and unattractive.

In 1997, Sarah began talking about attractive aides at an affordable price. Her first challenge was to sell her idea to the banker. She did. The next challenge was to realize her dreams through to production. Her first designs were for a mug and bowl followed by plates two months later and new designs continued thereafter.

Production began in June 1998. Today their products are used in homes, hospitals and nursing homes. Sales are through pharmacies and institutional and retail catalogues. Products are sold under the trade name of Ergo Grip, and Serilex. Sarah said that after high school graduation, she spent many years working for other people. She knew she had initiative and one day she said: "I've had enough." She saw a need that no one was meeting, wanted a business of her own, had the necessary experience and said "so why not." She is now doing what she loves: operating a thriving business and creating products she believes in and that help people. Sarah says, that in addition to the satisfaction and happiness this new venture has brought her, it has also strengthened the relationship between her daughter and herself.