Case study: have AAT cushions, will travel…

We enable Colin to explore the world despite his Cerebral Palsy and complex needs

Colin McDonnell, 28, has Glutaric Aciduria Type 1, a rare condition that can cause difficulty moving, spasms, jerking, rigidity and decreased muscle tone and muscle weakness, which was misdiagnosed as Cerebral Palsy. His condition means he has complex physical needs, with severe generalised dystonia and scoliosis. As a result, he is totally dependent on his carers and his wheelchair. The youngest of six children, he lives in Leeds. 

Through the William Merritt Centre in Leeds, an assessment for our infinitely variable Stabilo vacuum posture cushions was arranged, to facilitate Colin’s ability to fully participate in wider family activities, including foreign holidays. 

Our Stabilo cushions are essentially mouldable beanbags, that are precisely shaped to support without pressure, and the moulded shape fixed be removal of the air inside.

The cushions can be infinitely and easily altered, at home, by the care team, and with no additional cost (unlike fixed moulded systems). A range of standard shapes and sizes are available, but we have the capability to create one-off, bespoke cushions.

Colin details his experience:

“I was so excited that there was something that might let me be able to go on holiday, to fly to foreign destinations, but what about my high tone and postural needs?

 "We quickly eliminated some of the options that would not be suitable for me. Gareth (AAT’s Sales Manager)  was very patient, but we did it!

"The Comfortable Plus Duo [a combination seat with corset back, modelled headrest and lateral supports https://www.aatgb.com/comfortable-plus-duo/ worked for my back giving me trunk and head.

"Gareth was able to make the Grande mattress-sized cushion [https://www.aatgb.com/grande/] bespoke, making it long enough to come up the sides, for my pelvis and make a pommel. He could offer us a solution that we were all happy with.

" I wanted to go to Disney World, but Mum said that was too far, I chose Fuerteventura for a trial run. The Comfortable Plus worked a treat! I felt supported and comfortable. I even had a nap, and was asking when we could book for the US before we even landed back in the UK.

"When in Fuerteventura I didn’t have to just watch everyone enjoying the beach: we put my Comfortable Plus on a beach wheelchair so I was able to join in.

"The Comfortable Plus has opened so many experiences beyond the wonderful holiday.

"The family gets very excited when they see snow and go straight for the sledges.  My sisters knock a few pieces of wood together, add the Stabilo cushions and off I go….

"I am not sure what is next, the cushions have opened up so many possibilities, 

"As they say, ‘Watch this Space!’ The world here I come!”

If you think our cushions could enable you to participate more in life, we provide free, no obligation assessments. Book yours here:https://www.aatgb.com/posture-cushions/

How to deal with “common parts”- particularly stairways, and who is responsible for funding alterations- without it adversely impacting other tenants in the building?

Social housing landlords face a growing problem.

The majority of their tenants:

- have a long term impairment

- do not have the adaptations they need⁽¹⁾

- housing stock is increasingly (35+% and growing⁽²⁾) flats.

We have an answer that offers best value for all involved.

Where appropriate, provision of a stairclimber enables the impaired person to get out of their home, up and down stairs safely, with dignity, without any permanent fixture that obstructs the stairway for other users.

In essence, a portable kinematic, battery-powered device that ascends or descends steps, at a rate set and controlled by the operator, our stairclimber will execute 300 steps from one charge.

Versions include integral seats, clip-to-wheelchair, and tracked. It can be accessorised to provide safeguarded, personalised correct postural support.

When not in use, it folds compactly away.

A stairclimber delivers compliance with the Equality Act Section 36.

It can also eliminate the need for DFG funding. It can enable the Housing Association to safeguard and mobilise tenants within a matter of days, whether for the short- or long-term, and manage the risk of their accessing all areas of their home and the community.

Use of the equipment means the tenant is no longer trapped in their flat, or on one level of their house. It also means no other residents are restricted in their use of the stairs.

It also addresses efficient evacuation with changes to the Building Safety Act coming into force in 2023.

As an added benefit, when the original tenant no longer needs it, the stairclimber can be allocated to another tenant anywhere else within the Association’s stock, without any need for structural modifications or making good.

Further, as part of the offering, we can train a nominated person within the Association to undertake the stairclimber issue process or manage it on the Association’s behalf. We will service the equipment in line with LOLER requirements.

“Stairs are one of the most common areas that require adaptation.

"But 35+% of social rented households are flats, with all the issues of enabling ALL tenants to safely get in and out of their homes- and the building.

"Our stairclimbers are proven in 90+% of cases in which we are involved to be the answer to overcoming the barrier of stairs, managing risk, improving safety, and enhancing dignity and independence. 

"They are proven to have an impeccable safety record, and, with thousands of units already in use by local authorities across the country, a trusted, safe, unintrusive option."

Peter Wingrave, AAT Director

For a demonstration of the equipment, or free, no obligation review of a tenant’s suitability by one of our assessment managers, click the link: https://www.aatgb.com/mobility-stairclimbers/, email

sales@aatgb.com or telephone 01978 821875.

ENDS

References:

• https://www.foundations.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/HOUSING-ASSOCIATIONS-HOME-ADAPTATIONS-AND-INDEPENDENT-LIVES-v2-small.pdf
• https://www.statista.com/statistics/286443/england-number-of-social-rented-households/

For anyone who needs help to sit or stand especially when using the WC, there is now a new option that covers virtually every consideration.

safe and dignified independence in the bathroom

The Osprey Toilet Raiser https://www.aatgb.com/osprey-toilet-raiser/has been purpose-designed to encompass optimal variations.

Height adjustable, it will fit round most WCs, including Geberit’s Mera wash and dry toilet. It can even be accessorised into a commode!

The Raiser is simply positioned over the WC and adjusted to the correct height to accommodate both the WC and the user; designed for optimal stability, there is no need to screw to the floor.

It is certified safe to use within a bathroom but can easily be used in the bedroom as a bedside sit/stand commode.

Easy to use

Simple push-button operation means most people can understand and operate it; if you have reduced manual strength, then voice activation is available as an option.

An emergency call button can also be added if needed. 

When triggered, the battery-powered Toiler Raiser fluidly and gently raises or lowers you over the WC or commode. Each battery charge will power up to 100 lifts: an integrated battery level indicator ensures the risk of being left without power is minimised.

The Toiler Raiser has a user safe weight limit of 30st/190kg.

Use a riser recliner? This is the WC equivalent!

“If you use an AAT Sit n Stand or a riser recliner chair, chances are you will find the Toilet Raiser a benefit to your daily life,” comments AAT Director Peter Wingrave. “It provides the stability and strength to help you on and off the WC without you having to rely on someone to support you, giving you back your dignity and independence in a very intimate daily occupation.”