For families and local authorities, ensuring a home can accommodate a patient’s immediate needs on hospital discharge can be costly- in time, effort, and psychologically. If the patient has reduced mobility, how do they access bed and bath once discharged, without major re-organisation of their home, and/or purchase of equipment that may only be needed for a few weeks?

The quick answer is, suggests AAT GB, provision of one of its Class 1 medical device classified stairclimbers. The German-engineered battery-powered kinematic unit can either incorporate a seat, replicating the support of a wheelchair, or be attached to most common types of wheelchair. The unit smoothly powers up and down stairs, safely transferring the patient from one level to another.

Most local authorities already have the kit in Equipment Stores. If a one-off, equipment can be hired for the short-term. If purchased by the local authority, the stairclimber can be taken into stores for subsequent re-issue.

“The Government’s new Hospital Discharge Service: Policy & Operating Model maintains that 45% of patient are requiring up to six weeks’ recovery support from health & social services,” observes AAT Sales Director Peter Wingrave. “One of the most common situations is that because of reduced mobility, the patient cannot get upstairs. Having to move a bed downstairs and alter how the floorspace is then used has a big impact on a patient- and their family, physical in their daily life, and mentally.

“We’ve already had a number of Occupational Therapists approach us, needing a solution to help a patient with reduced mobility return home. A stairclimber enables them to still access their home without the major disruption to rooms and other resident family members- and possible cost- of having to move existing, or buy specialist, furniture.”

AAT’s nationwide team of specialists can work alongside the Occupational Therapist to assess- free of charge- the suitability of a stairclimber for the property, the patient, and their carer(s). AAT can manage the whole process, from specification of any additional accessories if needed, supply of the equipment, and training of the carer who will operate the climber, ensuring a correct and safe solution.

Adds Peter Wingrave, “It’s about best value, not just in monetary terms but mental health & wellbeing too, for everyone involved. A stairclimber minimises the impact on every level.”

To arrange a free assessment, contact AAT via LiveChat on the website www.aatgb.com, fill in the form on the website, email sales@aatgb.com or telephone 01978 821875.