The Government's new Healthcare Plan aims to transition services from hospital to community and prevent illness rather than treat it.
We are uniquely positioned. Our equipment- the top-selling stairclimbing wheelchair S-Max Sella- is already in almost every local authority social care department and NHS Trust across the UK.
One of the primary causes for delay in hospital discharge is appropriate social care for patients, be it short- or long-term. According to NHS data, modifications to stairs is the first change required to a home.
Mobility is the biggest limitation affecting people in their homes(2). There are 1m+ accidents on stairs every year(3), resulting in 43,000+ hospitalisations(4).
Our S-Max Sella makes stairs safe for almost anyone with impaired mobility, with the help of a carer.
The battery-powered stairclimbing wheelchair is “plug and play”. It requires no structural alteration nor installation. It can cope with almost every common staircase design, even turns and spirals!
Sella reduces risk and manual handling. It can traverse onwards from the flight of stairs into whichever room is the final destination. It can even navigate external steps.
Our unique re-issue capability for the Sella further delivers value. When the original recipient no longer needs the equipment, it can be re-prescribed to another person.
We assess each potential recipient, their carer and their home environment. We personally train the carer(s) in the Sella’s safe operation as part of the process.
No other stair solution has that capability.
“Making stairs safe is one of the biggest obstacles to all involved in social care- be it effecting efficient hospital discharge or preventing hospital admission in the first place,” says Peter Wingrave, AAT Director.
“We ar perfectly positioned to be the first call in addressing this. We have presence within social care equipment stores, a nationwide team and speed of resolution. All it takes is a telephone call…”
Full details of AAT’s S-Max Sella and its re-issue can be found @ https://www.aatgb.com/ots/ or call 01327 340083.
REFERENCES:
(2) https://www.statista.com/statistics/449279/disability-prevalence-impairment-united-kingdom-uk/
(3) https://bregroup.com/press-releases/bre-report-finds-poor-housing-is-costing-nhs-1-4bn-a-year/
(4) https://www.rospa.com/campaigns-and-fundraising/current-campaigns/safer-stairs
By specifying an AAT S-Max stairclimber aka stair climbing wheelchair, Occupational Therapists can expediate fast, safe techniques that meet the client’s needs, manage their risk, and extend their horizons beyond one level of the home. They can go up, down stairs inside, and up, down steps to access their garden or wider environment.
Crucially, S-Max eliminates the need- and delay- caused by waiting for a surveyor to assess the structure’s capability of supporting the adaptation, and a contractor to install it- inherent with the conventional alternative of a stairlift or through-floor lift.
Under the control of the carer (1), the portable, mobile S-Max stair climbing wheelchair unit empowers the client to be smoothly and safely moved between levels and beyond.
S-Max as standard can accommodate almost all staircase designs: narrow, curved, angular flights, and people of all ages, sizes.
The standard S-Max can be fitted to most wheelchairs. Its counterpart S-Max Sella features an integrated seat. Whichever version is prescribed, overall client safety is improved, reducing the number of transfers needed each day. The risk of injury or a fall is reduced.
As the S-Max is not fixed to the stairway, it facilitates movement of the client not just up and down the staircase. It empowers them to easily move to other rooms within the home without an additional transfer.
Thus one unit can be used to solve transfer in multi-storey homes, out into the garden, onto the drive.
Its diversity means additional adaptation works eg ramps could be avoided.
When not in use, it folds compactly away.
Access to and use of the home by other members of the household is not impaired.
“The recent report ‘Finding Ways to Say Yes’(2) highlighted that lack of skilled professionals in the adaptation pipeline (such as surveyors, contractors) is a significant contributory factor in delay. Avoid that need and you instantly accelerate the delivery process.
"It makes sense to at least consider alternatives, that are safe, proven, to achieve the same end result. We all know that issues with stairs is one of the most common reasons for adaptation. Specifying an S-Max is therefore a logical route to manage risk, a way to say ‘yes’.”
Peter Wingrave, AAT Director
Since being established two decades ago, AAT has provided thousands of stairclimbers to social housing providers/ local authorities across the country. The equipment has an impeccable safety record. Full details of our S-Max, its service and support in adaptation delivery, can be found on our website www.aatgb.com/s-max/, which includes a quick fill form for a free, no obligation assessment.
References:
(1)AAT provides full training as part of the provision package
(2)https://www.foundations.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/HOUSING-ASSOCIATIONS-AND-HOME-ADAPTATIONS-small.pdf
The involuntary movements that are a main symptom of the disease were getting worse. This was making it unsafe for the 55-year old to use the stairlift fitted in his Gateshead home.
His local council (Metropolitan Borough of Gateshed) in partnership with AAT GB- the stairclimber people- has devised a safe, cost-efficient solution.
Prescription of AAT’s Sella stairclimber, and training of the five personal assistants involved in Stephen’s daily care, means that Stephen can now safely, quickly and easily get up and down stairs- and through to bedroom, bathroom or lounge.
The stairclimber smoothly and easily manoeuvres Stephen. It even overcomes the obstacle of the old stairlift still in place!
AAT’s Sella is Class 1 Medical Device certified.
The battery-powered kinematic machine can execute 300 steps from a single charge of the battery, at a speed set to suit each of Stephen’s care team.
When not in use, it simply folds away.
“We all think it is brilliant!”
“We were a bit wary at first, but once we were shown how to use it, and adjust the speed to suit what we are comfortable with, we all love it, even Dad.
With the various harness straps, we know Dad is safe during the transfer, with no risk of him catching his legs even in chorea. I can’t imagine life without it.”
says Stephen’s daughter and care manager Hayley Thompson-Kail.
Since being introduced some 20 years ago, AAT’s stairclimbers have become the industry leader. With their impeccable safety record, thousands are now in use nationwide, in private and social housing, care homes, ambulances and hospitals.
You can find out more about the Sella stairclimber here: https://www.aatgb.com/s-max-sella/.
The solution is re-issue of a stairclimber.
At less than£1500, it often eliminates any need for means testing or the too-often lengthy process of grant funding.
It’s a solution that can be delivered within days, not the weeks- or even months- of alternative options. It quickly, and safely, empowers clients to live life more, without any material or physical disruption to the home.
North Yorkshire County Council is just one to appreciate the benefit of AAT stairclimbers, with their infinite potential for re-issue.
Pam Backshell lives in a first floor flat, and suffers from arthritis, osteoporosis, sclerosis of the liver and COPD. Her reduced mobilty meant the only way she could get out of the flat, into fresh air and the wider community was by undignified and unhygienic bottom-shuffling down the stairs.
Her daughter Charlotte was worried and wanted to find a better way. Research on the internet and discussions with Pam’s Occupational Therapist led to an answer: a stairclimber. The battery-powered, seated kinematic device smoothly climbs and descends any number of steps to safely carry its passenger- in this case Pam- to and from her flat and beyond. It is steered and controlled by Charlotte or other members of her support network , enabling Pam to enjoy life with dignity.
North Yorkshire County Council already had an AAT S-Max stairclimber in its equipment stock. This has been re-issued to Pam, meaning her mobility has been restored for no extra capital cost to the Authority.
The only outlay has been the re-issue costs of under £1000. This includes the cost of AAT’s professionals to support and assess Pam and her care team to set the stairclimber up correctly and ensure everyone is comfortable with it and safe when using it, to service the unit, and train Charlotte and the care team in safe operation of the stairclimber.
“The stairclimber’s been a real problem-solver. It means so much to us. The stairclimber is so quick and easy to use, it’s just a couple of buttons to operate. It has been a life-saver.: it was so dangerous how we used to get mum out and back home. This way is much more dignified.”
Charlotte Backshell
Easy to use, with an impeccable safety record, the AAT S-Max can evolve with the client as their priorities and needs change. If the S-Max, is accessorised with a Universal Back the kit is perfectly set up to adapt and safely support any user with the flexibility to supports and harnessing as needed without any additional equipment., further optimising re-issue potential.
Find out more about re-issue of stairclimbers here: https://www.aatgb.com/take-steps-to-deliver-adaptations-for-under-1000/
Our 30+% growth for 2021/22, up against both the previous year and exceeding pre-Covid levels, is stimulating new, wider opportunities: we are now looking to expand our field sales and technical support teams by some 50%.
“Customer service, and specifically the speed with which we respond to requests for our input, is fundamental to our business- and our success.We have built the company over the past 20 years on our ability to be with the client within 15 working days, and expedite a safe resolution to the barrier of stairs that minimises risk potentially almost immediately (subject to T&Cs, stores stock), and often for less than £1000! This is compared to £multi-thousand cost and delay of the weeks- or even months- of alternative options.
Peter Wingrave AAT Director
“Our team is working at optimum capacity to continue to deliver that high level of customer satisfaction. But we know we can be even better, especially as demand continues to grow, hence our decision to increase the support team so significantly.”
Details of our range of equipment and support for Occupational Therapists can be found on here: www.aatgb.com.
Anyone interested in joining the expanding field teams can email Peter Wingrave (peter.wingrave@aatgb.com) with their CV.
The impact of stairs on people’s ability to be safely discharged from hospital or to continue to live independently in their homes is widely acknowledged.
How to make it easier?
The process can be significantly accelerated with purchase of just one accessory- AAT’s unique Universal Back.
Fitted to any AAT S-Max stairclimber- which is Class 1 Medical device certified and already to hand in local authorities across the country- the Back can quickly ensure any reduced mobility user- young or old, large or small- can be safely transferred between floors.
It means the home and its wider environment- be it a house or flat- is instantly made accessible without any physical alteration.
There is no disruption to family life, whether from moving a bed downstairs for the recovery period nor the physical impact of installing larger, permanent fixtures (stairlift, through-floor lift).
The potential for re-issue of equipment is extended. There is none of the financial or emotional cost of “making good”.
For the recipient the Universal Back’s adjustable height and width supports provide stability and security even if they have asymmetry.
Optional head rests, thoracic supports, thigh supports, chest harness, and posture cushions enable precise specification if needed, without impingement on the ability of the S-Max to be operated.
For the care-giver the S-Max is easy to operate, even by a petite carer moving an obese adult. It can safely transfer any user up to 135kg/ 21st.
The S-Max can accommodate almost any staircase configuration, even half-landings, turns, and narrow flights.
The care-giver has complete control over the speed of climb or descent, and can even pause in mid-transfer if necessary.
A high centre of gravity delivers a feeling a security for the operator.
Lightness of weight makes it easy to handle and manouevre.
The battery pack can power up to 300 steps/charge and is easy to remove and recharge.
When not in use, the stairclimber folds compactly away.
“The S-Max and Universal Back combination means, that the potential risk of stairs to the client can, where appropriate, be safely supported within a matter of days.
"It means only one version needs to be held in stock in equipment stores; intervention is expediated accurately and in a timely fashion. It’s about optimum safety and minimising risk for everyone involved.”
Peter Wingrave, AAT Director
As part of the offering, AAT supports healthcare professionals in assessment of the suitability of the equipment, sets it up for each user, and trains the care-giver in the S-Max’s safe operation. It can service the equipment whether in long-term use by the recipient or when returned to stores before re-issue.
Full details of the S-Max and Universal Back can be found @ https://www.aatgb.com/s-max/, where you can also book a free, no obligation assessment.
The health and wellbeing of a stroke victim, and her family, has been transformed by an unusual prescription.
The Kaviraj family live in East London, in a block of flats with no lift.
When Mrs Kaviraj suffered a stroke five years ago, she was left disabled and unable to walk.
As a result, she could not get out and was confined to the home. Her main carers- her elderly husband and daughter- were becoming increasingly worried about her mental health & wellbeing, which in turn affected their health.
Mrs Kaviraj’s lead physiotherapist knew of AAT and its range of stairclimbers and suggested one may benefit the family. An S-Max stairclimber https://www.aatgb.com/s-max/ was funded and provided via the local authority.
Five years on, the machine- in essence adding climbing motion to a wheelchair- is still in almost daily use. It safely and reliably transfers Mrs Kaviraj up and down the stairs and out, having been serviced each year to maintain its performance.
“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, and helped her wellbeing. But it has also helped with the wellbeing of us, her carers, too. it means we all feel there is a real sense of freedom.
“You can't put a price on this sort of liberation. This will definitely help anyone who values wellbeing and freedom.
“As for the maintenance - AAT is brilliant. We've had the equipment for some time, and it really is maintained very well. You never feel as though you're a burden and have always been met with considerate staff and a level of expertise that is outstanding. Believe me, this makes a difference when you're juggling lots.” Chandrika Kaviraj
Class 1 medical device classified, the battery-powered stairclimber smoothly kinetically moves up and down stairs, safely transferring its passenger from one level to another, executing 300 steps from one battery charge. Options include a frame fitted to a wheelchair, or a stand-alone uniot complete with seat. The rate of movement is completely controlled by the person operating it, who received full training from AAT as part of the assessment and provision process. The stairclimber’s high balance point, lightness of wright and manoeuvrability mean it requires little effort to control and steer. When not in use, the stairclimber can be folded away optimising living space.
AAT has a comprehensive range of options which include wheeled, tracked, power packs, stairclimbers that attach to a wheelchair or incorporate an integral seat, and that can accommodate tight and/or turning staircases.
AAT offers free, no obligation assessment (privately or in conjunction with the healthcare professional) so users and operators can be sure the machine will be appropriate for them. It also fully trains the operator to ensure optimal safety. To date, with a 15-year history and more than 3000 stairclimbers in use across the country, the equipment has a 100% safety record.
Find out more and book you free, no obligation assessment here: http://www.aatgb.com/stairclimbers.
