Because of a brain tumour, spinal fractures and osteoporosis, Mat Laban could not stand, walk nor weight bear.
One of his pleasures in life was a bath.
But the size and configuration of the family home in Bradford made it impossible for him to have that enjoyment any more.
Thanks to S-Max, Mat was able to safely and easily navigate the steps outside, feel the sun on his face, and enjoy fresh air—precious moments at the end of his life.
The transformation was made possible through close collaboration between Mat’s partner Jenny, the family’s Occupational Therapist, and AAT.
Using the S-Max in its Sella variant (with integral seat), Jenny could safely take Mat upstairs to relax in the bath in the way he loved- with a cup of coffee and a biscuit.
They weren't confined indoors any more!
Jenny used S-Max to take Mat over the front door’s raised threshold, down the stone steps to the pavement where he could transfer him to his wheelchair. This not only reduced the physical strain on Jenny but also significantly improved both their mental wellbeing.
When Mat’s condition worsened so external transfer was becoming difficult for Jenny, we stepped in again. We adapted S-Max to work with Mat's wheelchair, by removing the seat and adding brackets.
Jenny no longer had to lift Mat from stairclimber to wheelchair to go out and about.
And, as the Council already had the appropriate AAT accessories in its equipment stores, no additional funding was required.
“Mat was like the Duracell bunny- he just kept going. His legacy will be that our experience can help show other people facing a similar situation that with the right support and equipment, you do not have to be confined to the downstairs of your home,” says Jenny.
“I always say every day’s a school day: we’re always learning! Until you’re in that position, you’ve no idea what’s out there.
"The stairclimber was an absolute life saver, an amazing piece of equipment. It gave us some independence. Without that piece of equipment Mat and I would have had no way of leaving the house together.”
AAT’s S-Max Sella is unique in inter-floor transfer devices in that it is not confined to the stairway, and that one machine can both include an integral seat or attach to a wheelchair. Thus it provides a cost-effective and safe solution where stairs and steps are a barrier to daily life.
It requires no installation.
S-Max reduces transfers for the passenger and operator.
We personally assesses the passenger, operator and home environment to determine the suitability prior, including what accessories may be needed to ensure a safe, comfortable transfer process. AAT also personally trains the care giver(s) in S-Max’s safe operation.
Also uniquely, when the recipient no longer needs it, S-Max can be taken back into stores and re-issued/prescribed to another. It equates to less than £800/year(1) to gives multiple people and their families improved accessibility.
Full details of S-Max, including video of Matt and Jenny traversing their outside steps and how to book a free no obligation assessment, can be found @
