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RICHELIEU PRESS RELEASE

CONTACT: 
Mary Beth Duehr: marybeth@duehrandassociates.com
Holly Berecz: holly@duehrandassociates.com
Duehr & Associates, LLC
1902 Wright Pl, Ste 200
Carlsbad, CA 92008
(760) 918-5622


UpRiser™ by Vital Fjord, from Richelieu, Named Bathroom Safety Product of the Year in 2026 Senior Innovation Awards 

Innovative toilet seat lift recognized for helping restore confidence, dignity, and independence to everyday bathroom routines


(Montreal, Canada, September 28, 2026) Richelieu Hardware is proud to announce that the UpRiser™ by Vital Fjord has been named Bathroom Safety Product of the Year in the inaugural 2026 Senior Innovation Awards. The award recognizes outstanding products, services, and organizations that help improve the health, safety, independence, and overall quality of life of older adults. 

UpRiser was selected from thousands of nominations submitted by established organizations, emerging companies, and industry leaders serving older adults, caregivers, and senior care providers. Entries were evaluated by an independent panel of industry professionals based on quality and execution, practical impact, safety, and reliability, overall benefits, and contribution to the senior care industry.  

“We’re honored that UpRiser is part of the inaugural class of Senior Innovation Award winners,” says Michael Woedd, Chief Commercial Officer with Vital Fjord. “The award underscores the importance of designing accessibility solutions that not only address real needs, but also support independence, comfort, and dignity in the home.” 

UpRiser is a battery-operated toilet seat that lifts users vertically without tilting them forward, allowing their feet to remain grounded throughout the movement. Its discreet design integrates into existing bathrooms without any retrofitting, helping users maintain greater independence, confidence, and dignity in everyday bathroom routines. 

With its Scandinavian-inspired simplicity, UpRiser’s streamlined profile seamlessly integrates into modern bathrooms. Stable construction and ergonomic design provide reliable support, allowing users to operate the lift independently while smooth, easy-to-clean surfaces simplify hygiene. The result is an accessibility solution that supports the changing needs of its users while preserving the comfort, beauty, and character of the bath. 

Learn more about UpRiser™ by Vital Fjord from Richelieu 

About Richelieu
Richelieu is a leading North American importer, manufacturer, and distributor of specialty hardware and complementary products. An agent of change in a dynamic and creative industry, the company offers a broad mix of high-end, quality solutions for kitchens, bathrooms, closets, and cabinet storage. Richelieu’s products, sourced from worldwide manufacturers, serve a wide range of sectors including residential and commercial woodworking, furniture manufacturing, door, window, and hardware retailers, and renovation superstores. 

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Richelieu Hardware Ltd.
7900 Henri Bourassa Blvd. West
Montreal, QC H4S 1V4 Canada
1-866-833-4150 • richelieu.com

