Research has shown that many of the people actively involved in caring for a disabled child are often unaware of both the consequences of body shape distortion and the fact that it is avoidable(1).
Correct positioning is about keeping someone safe and comfortable, about improving their quality of life. And it matters: protecting the body shape reduces the need for complex care provision. Poor posture affects range of movement, energy levels, breathing, digestion, sleeping. Those all put more pressure on carers.
Getting it right is a hugely complex subject, not helped by lack of research proving the value, and the numerous commissioning organisations involved in the process.
There is the further complicating factor that to deliver any benefit, it has to be right 24 hours a day, every day.
There are key things to consider when starting the process from the end-users perspective i.e. the disabled child and his/her carers.
They need something that provides correct positioning, correct support and allows the child to interact with his/her environment better. They need something that is stable, comfortable and adjustable: what works one hour, one day may not the next!
One of the biggest problems in getting it right lies in that variability.
Almost every type of specialist paediatric seating is, in one way or another, fixed. It may have been manufactured precisely to the child, to deliver the correct postural position.
But that position was correct at that precise, single moment in time…..
That is where vacuum technology comes in. Unique to AAT’s Stabilo range, it empowers the care team to precisely, minutely adjust the seating to maintain correct, comfortable, supported posture at every moment in time- 24/7, 265/year.
Applying vacuum technology to the concept off a bean bag, the exact contours required of the cushion can be fixed, to position the child comfortably and correctly without pressure points.
The “lightbulb moment” of the system is that, as/when needed- whether an hour later, the next day, the next week, the next month- whenever needed, the shape can be quickly and easily adjusted. At home, by the carer.
With the diversity of cushion shapes and sizes, the one system delivers 24-hour care. Manufactured from breathable neoprene, Stabilo cushions simply wipe clean to maintain hygiene if exposed to secretions, spillages etc.
Standard cushions can add stability and comfort to the pelvic or thoracic areas of a wheelchair. They can cushion hips, elbows, wrists, ankles, neck. They can add comfort and support to the head. They can form bean bag seats on the floor. They can be precisely shaped to deliver mattress-sized support during the night. Their structure and fabric means they can add sensory stimulation, even transmitting vibrations.
They can mould so closely to the body to give your child a hug.
Stabilo cushions can even achieve the stability and support for your child to sit next to you on the settee, for a cuddle or to watch TV together….
If that wasn’t enough, if there isn’t a standard shape that meets your specific needs, don’t worry. Whilst we’re big enough to offer nationwide service, we’re small enough to appreciate what matters. We have the manufacturing flexibility and capability to make a bespoke, “one off” cushion for you.
Want to know more? Click the link: https://www.aatgb.com/posture-cushions/
(1)https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/postural-care-services-making-reasonable-adjustments/postural-care-and-people-with-learning-disabilities#fn:3
