For one mum, the potential danger in carrying her son up and down stairs is no longer an issue.
She has a revolutionary combination of equipment to help achieve the transfer, safely, for the long term.
Fred(*), now aged 8, has global development delay and epilepsy. As a result, he has no mobility and is totally dependant on adults for all of his transfers.
Getting up and down stairs in the family home is achieved easily, effortlessly and safely, using an AAT S-Max stairclimber.
Regular appraisal by his Occupational Therapy team has meant the equipment has continued to support Fred, even as his requirements have changed.
Class 1 medical device classified, the S-Max https://www.aatgb.com/s-max/ can either incorporate a seat, replicating the support of a wheelchair, or be attached to most common types of wheelchair.
The battery-powered unit smoothly kinetically moves up and down stairs, safely transferring the patient from one level to another- and onward to destination, executing 300 steps from one battery charge.
The rate of movement is completely controlled by the operator, who receives full training from AAT as part of the assessment and provision process.
When not in use, the S-Max can be folded away optimising living space for all members of the household.
Originally prescribed with a car seat when Fred was a toddler, the S-Max has now been fitted with AAT’s innovative Universal Back (https://www.aatgb.com/s-max/#section-154-78) to accommodate growth from a toddler into childhood.
The Universal Back can be precisely adjusted for lateral and vertical, forward and backward support, and even accommodate thoracic asymmetry. Harnessing provides further support if necessary.
Thus, the combination will continue to support Fred as he grows into adulthood.
“It was only meant as a short-term solution, but we’ve had it at least three years already!” comments mum Jane(*).
“The layout of our home and stairs means it was difficult to fit a stairlift or through-floor lift. The stairclimber is really important, particularly as Fred has grown and become too big to carry.
“He has seizures: even if he has one whilst I am moving him up or down the stairs, I know he is safe, I just pause the stairclimber until the fit has passed.
“The stairclimber’s very easy for me to use, I know I can move him safely, and that he is properly supported.”
AAT is the only national provider of stairclimbers and support equipment. Its nationwide team of specialists can work alongside the Occupational Therapist to assess- free of charge, and with appropriate health & safety measures- the suitability of a stairclimber for the property, the client, 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.
To book a free, no obligation assessment click: https://www.aatgb.com/booking-form/
