With mobility being the second most common health issue among people on the social housing lists(1),scores of Local Authorities are stepping up to manage the risk for people in unsuitable homes- quickly and cost-effectively.
Their chosen solution is AAT’s S-Max Sella stairclimber/stairclimbing wheelchair. The equipment’s popularity is due to the speed with which it can be implemented.
As the Sella is battery powered and portable, there is no delay – inevitable with conventional fixtures- stairlift, through-floor lift- whilst the property is surveyed, and the equipment installed.
Further, Sella brings a unique ability to be re-issued/ re-purposed over its lifespan, thus enabling the numerous people with mobility issues to safely access all areas of their home without the time constraints of a permanent adaptation.
Its design also means that one piece of kit can effect a safe measure to get someone with impaired mobility up, down stairs- whether one flight or several in a townhouse or flat, and can get them out of the home into the wider community environment.
Thus it not only supports the client’s mobility but their mental health- and that of their carer(s).
The whole package means that numerous people can be empowered to access all levels of their home environment for less than £650 a year(2).
“Mobility- including being able to get up and down stairs, in and out of the home- is the second most common long-term issue among households on the social housing register,” observes Peter Wingrave, AAT Director.
“We are seeing more and more Councils not just buying more stairclimbers, but taking advantage of our re-issue capability as a best value solution to fast risk management in so many housing scenarios.
AAT will happily demonstrate how the Sella works to adaptations teams and OTs free of charge.
It also supports OTs with client assesments to the PEOP principle to ensure the stairclimber will be an appropriate prescription for client and carer(s).
And AAT provides full training of the carer(s) to ensure they are comfortable with the equipment and its safe operation.
Full details of AAT’s service for OT teams, and the Sella stairclimber, can be found @ www.aatgb.com.
References:
(1)https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/social-housing-lettings-in-england-april-2023-to-march-2024/
(2)Sella purchase price £4650, re-issue x 3 @ £995/ re-issue= £2985/12 years (lifespan of. Sella) = £636/annum
