Improve health in an ageing society

Small changes, such as provision of equipment, could maintain independence for longer and delay, avoid the use of social care and NHS.

It's even the advice of the Chief Medical Officer^(1). Prescription and implementation of straightforward, compact equipment to enable older people to access their homes safely and remain independent is crucial.

Almost all older people in England (96%) over the age of 55 live in mainstream housing, but that housing often has small room sizes, steep internal stairs, and steps outside.

Most of the houses we will occupy in 2050 are already built, highlighting the need to address existing stock⁽²⁾.

Stairs are the second biggest hazard in our homes, accounting for 1million+ accidents/annum⁽³⁾. Ability to move around our home affects our wellbeing⁽²⁾.^. 

A stairclimbing wheelchair can improve safe access

A stairclimber or stairclimbing wheelchair (AAT’s S-Max) typifies the type of straightforward equipment that can help rectify the access problem. 

It can be attached to most wheelchairs, or supplied with an integral seat. Te stairclimber moves at a rate determined by the operator. It makes dealing with steps and stairs safe and secure. 

The Class 1 Medical Device certified battery-powered kinematic S-Max stairclimbing wheelchair is portable and mobile.

S-Max requires no installation, no need for a structural survey or building works. This means it can make home access safe within a matter of days.

Further, it means the person does not need to transfer at the top or bottom of the stairs or steps, but can remain safe in the S-Max to wherever they need, want to go. 

"empower our ageing society to remain in their homes"

Says Peter Wingrave, AAT Director. “S-Max’s relevance as a piece of equipment to help elderly people remain safe and independent in their homes is proven. With the growing crisis in social care and the NHS, use of S-Max could help reduce both admissions and delays in discharge and empower our ageing society to remain in their homes.”

Full details of S-Max, including how it works video, technical details including the range of accessories available, case studies and testimonials from real-life users, can be found at www.aatgb.com/s-max.

ENDS

references

^{(1) https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65562fcfd03a8d000d07faa4/chief-medical-officers-annual-report-2023-executive-summary-web-accessible.pdf}

^{(2) https://ageing-better.org.uk/resources/role-home-adaptations-improving-later-life}