The good practice guidance recommends that as soon as possible after admission, the care boards consider the home environment so any issues can be addressed in advance of the patient’s return.
Any intervention needs to be timely, safe and person-centred. Latest data shows that waiting for community equipment/adaptation to the home is often the reason why people are still in hospital(1).
Utilising AAT’s package, the board can effect a proven, safe means of making the home accessible to the patient when reduced mobility is influencing their discharge.
There is no need to re-organise current living arrangements/furniture nor install any fixtures.
When the patient no longer needs the S-Max stairclimber (stairclimbing wheelchair), AAT will take it back, service it, then re-issue to the next patient who needs help with stairs even if just for a few weeks(2).
Risk management and best value are achieved.
“It’s a win:win option,” says AAT Director Peter Wingrave. “We can visit the patient’s home, assess and train their care supporters and set up the S-Max Sella to the patient’s specific needs within days of being instructed. The S-Max is portable and compact, and battery operated. So there’s no disruption to the home, and it folds away when not is use. When no longer needed, we’ll collect it, service it, and re-issue to the next person who needs mobility support around their home to enable their discharge.
“Because our team is fully trained in assessment our re-issue package takes the pressure off the teams involved in community rehabilitation and almost eliminates the inherent delays arising from funding streams (eg DFG).”
Class 1 Medical Device certified, AAT’s S-Max Sella stairclimber (stairclimbing wheelchair) delivers on all the key aspects of a therapy-led intervention.
In the 20 years it has been prescribed in the health and care sector, it has proven its relevance in 90+% of cases, enabling the recipient to be safely moved up, down stairs and onwards.
The unit can be adjusted to suit each person: even the most petite carer can safely use it, even with a bariatric passenger.
Fitted with AAT’s unique Universal Seating System, the Sella can be set up to achieve the security and support each individual needs, from child to elderly dementia sufferer.
Full details of the discharge service can eb found on AATs website- https://www.aatgb.com/ots/.
References:
(1) https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/discharge-delays-acute-data/
(2)subject to terms and conditions, and assessment of the home and users.
