How to achieve a step change in getting best value from adaptations

Not just

The Stairclimber People

“As soon as I saw how the Chilli Bean all worked I instantly thought of another client whom I felt would benefit,” explained Rosana.
“The Stairclimber has been such an asset to us as a family. This piece of equipment has allowed my mum to have a better quality of life.”
“We love the Gravity Chair! Stanley is so comfortable in it that he hasn’t sat in any other chair since. He feels safe and supported.”
“Since we’ve been using the Aqua Liberty, this resident actually gets the benefit of her aqua therapy. She is relaxed, and content.”

Title:

How to achieve a step change in getting best value from adaptations

Excerpt:

New reports(1) by Foundations are highlighting that looking at the bigger picture- lifetime costs- actually saves money, makes better use of available funds. AAT GB agrees..

Tags:

best-value, lifetime-costs, mobility, occupational-therapy, stairs, stairway-access

Date:

30/10/2023

Author:

Angela May

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New reports⁽¹⁾ by Foundations are highlighting that looking at the bigger picture- lifetime costs- actually saves money, makes better use of available funds.

AAT GB agrees..

AKA the stairclimber people, AAT has championed the idea for years.

Good choice of equipment, that is well-designed and well-made, means it is more durable and does not need replacing.

An added benefit, often overlooked, is that OT's can often (in appropriate circumstances) re-prescribe (recycle, re-issue) to another client: one initial capital purchase can thus support several people.

AAT says its S-Max stairclimber aka a stair climbing wheelchair is a case in point.

The battery-powered portable Class 1 Medical Device can be used on almost any staircase and by most people- children and adults- with a mobility impairment⁽²⁾.

woman uses stairclimber to move man down stairs

Unlike its alternatives (through-floor lift, stairlift) the best value is enhanced in that it requires no structural survey, installation, nor ‘making good’.

The adaptation provider benefits from savings on time and labour costs. The client and their family- who are already facing upheaval and lifestyle changes- have minimised disruption .

“Foundations states there needs to be more such recycling.

“It makes financial sense. We are doing everything in our power to help: we’ve introduced a scheme whereby we will collect the stairclimber, store it for the social services department or social housing provider, service it, and then support in its re-allocation to its next recipient- all for <£1000, so within the scope of ‘minor works’. And within a matter of days, compared to the weeks or months going the conventional DFG route.”
Peter Wingrave, AAT Director

Many local authorities are already applying the concept, including Leeds City Council, North Yorkshire County Council, Hertfordshire County Council and Essex County Council.

AAT’s S-Max is the #1 selling stairclimber, with thousands now in use nationwide, building on the equipment’s 20+year heritage and impeccable safety record.

Full details of AAT’s support services for adaptations teams can be found here: https://www.aatgb.com/ots/.

(1)https://www.foundations.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/The-cost-benefit-to-the-NHS-arising-from-preventative-housing-interventions.pdf, https://www.foundations.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/HOUSING-ASSOCIATIONS-HOME-ADAPTATIONS-AND-INDEPENDENT-LIVES-v2-small.pdf

(2)Subject to assessment by a trained professional, and that there is a trained care-giver to operate the Device