Extract from The OT Magazine

Addressing the impact of reduced mobility on a client and their family can be disruptive to all involved, and on multiple areas of their home- but it need not be. We look at a fast-track solution, that may well already be in your equipment store!

Moving around at home is the biggest problem: almost 7m people- 48% of the British disabled population- say mobility is their biggest issue, making it the biggest single limitation. ⁽¹⁾.

For the client, adapting to a life-limiting condition is hard enough, whether short or long term, without the emotional trauma of having their bed in the lounge, and what if they do not have a downstairs WC?

NO BUILDING WORK

More often than not, the ‘go to’ solution is to assess for major works, an adaptation including the provision of a through-floor lift or stairlift. That inevitably takes time, whilst the appropriate funding stream is authorised and the works approved.

If the mobility limitation is comparatively short term, a matter of weeks or months, then what?

An AAT Sella powered stairclimber is not just a quick fix, but can actually deliver better PROMs and best value in use of financial and other resources.

The AAT Sella has a small turning circle, meaning it can accommodate narrow fights and tight turns. When not in use, it simply folds away.

SINGLE-HANDED CARE

A battery-powered Class 1 Medical Device, the Sella is operated by one person, providing safe and smooth movement of the passenger between level, with minimal effort: https://youtu.be/zoA2uhyFGmQ.

It means a mode of transferring the client up and down stairs is quickly and cost-effectively delivered, without any disruption to the fabric of the home, nor any need to move furniture from one room to another. Familiar life can continue for the whole household.

Even the slightest able-bodied person can easily use it to move even a morbidly obese passenger (up to 135kg). Fully-adjustable speed controls means the operator can set the Sella to whatever speed is comfortable for them, and automatic braking holds on each step for optimum safety and security.

The AAT Sella reduces, or even eliminates, the need to transfer on and off: many people use it as their primary means of transport in place of a wheelchair. An optional universal back with integrated safety harness ensures any passenger is comfortable and secure, even if prone to spasms or seizures.

The rechargeable battery pack is capable of 300 steps from one charge.

BEST VALUE

AAT’s nationwide team means an OT can quickly action an assessment (virtually, remotely or actually). Most local authorities already have at least one AAT stairclimber in stores, so the solution can be delivered quickly and often at almost no cost.  AAT offers a hire facility, for as short a time as a week, to further accelerate the delivery of safe home living. AAT fully trains all operators to ensure they are comfortable using the equipment.

Familiar life and routines can continue almost uninterrupted, safely, within a matter of days.

Find out more, or arrange a free home assessment.

(1)https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/874507/family-resources-survey-2018-19.pdf