According to RCOT, delays in providing community equipment are now a major factor in delayed discharge. 74% of equipment providers report discharge delays linked to unavailable equipment. NHS data says dealing with stairs is the first change required to the home and help with stairs is among the top three most common home adaptations(1).
At AAT GB, we are pioneering ways for OTs to take steps, address long waits and discharge delays resulting from inefficiencies in community equipment recycling/redistribution.
We were the first in the sector- and the only ones with national capability- to create a bespoke package to optimise recycling and redistribution of community equipment.
The result is our re-issue programme for our top-selling mobility stairclimber.
Class 1 Medical Device certified, our S-Max Sella stairclimbing wheelchair is battery-powered and completely portable.
It makes traversing stairs- and onward- safe and easy, without any need for disruptive equipment installation/fixing.
There is no disturbance to your client’s home environment, nor the family’s routine, dignity and privacy.
Our Sella stairclimbers are in almost all local authorities' community equipment inventory.
So our scheme means someone can be discharged from hospital, or their home environment made safe, quickly and cost-effectively: the package costs <£1500.
Under the scheme, we support OTs with an in-depth PEOP assessment of client, carer(s) and the home environment, service and set up the mobility stairclimbing wheelchair to the client’s requirements then personally train the care team in the equipment’s safe use.
Mark Roberts, AAT Director- “Re-issue of our Sella stairclimber means someone with reduced mobility is enabled to get home, or remain in their home, safely.
"The Director of Practice and Innovation at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, Karin Orman, said: ‘Access to the right equipment is not a luxury, it’s essential for people to be safe in hospital and at home. Not having the right equipment can put people at serious risk of harm.'
“Our re-issue package spares that risk, and does so fast and cost-effectively, helping make the most of already stretched financial resources.”
Full details of our re-issue package and services for OTs can be found here: http://www.aatgb.com/ots/
The Government’s NHS reset drive to address NHS waiting lists means more has to be done to resolve bed-blocking which now represents the bed capacity of 26 hospitals, a study reveals(1).
According to NHS data(2), dealing with stairs at home is the primary cause of delay in hospital discharge.
We've already put in place an innovative strategy to facilitate a solution: our stairclimber re-issue capability provides a safe and cost-efficient answer, that can be achieved within a matter of days.
When the original recipient no longer needs the stairclimber, it can be re-allocated to someone else, subject to appropriate assessment.
Because the stairclimber is free-standing and portable, there is none of the delay inherent with alternative stairway access methods, which require structural surveys, installation etc.
We are the UK’s largest supplier of stairclimbers to the NHS and local authorities, with thousands of units already ‘on the books’ within the health and social care sector.
And we have developed a unique Universal Seating System that ensures almost every user- young or old- can be safely and corrected supported when using the stairclimber without the need to purchase additional accessories.
Thus we're the only company currently capable of expediting such a rapid best value solution.
“We welcome the Government’s commitment to resolving hospital waiting lists,” says Peter Wingrave AAT Director.
“But it is obvious that, in order to get more people through the hospital system, beds need to be freed up. Anything that can be done to support that surely must be given serious consideration.”
Full details of our re-issue package can be found here:
https://www.aatgb.com/take-steps-to-deliver-adaptations-for-under-650/ .
References:
(2)https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/care-services-equipment-and-care-homes/home-adaptations/
Teenager George Merry has quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy. He struggles to sit unaided and tends to stretch and extend his body. His family have always found it difficult to ensure he is seated correctly and comfortably unless he is in his wheelchair.
Discovering an innovative foam positioning system- AAT’s Gravity Chair- has changed that.
Indeed, mum Karen and George’s siblings made use of the Gravity Chair when George wasn’t using it!
The Gravity Chair looks like a gaming chair but is purpose-designed to support people with complex motor and sensory issues, learning difficulties, autism, ADHD and more.
The deep, inclined seat provides a low centre of gravity providing a natural, stable and comfortable position.
High arm rests support the elbows forward; this helps reduce muscle tension in the shoulders and enables fine motor control activities. Snug lateral supports help maintain seated symmetry.
The structure of the seat accommodates the occupant’s muscle contortion without risk. It helps ease discomfort from spasm and involuntary movement.
Gravity Chair provides a safe and non-restrictive seating option to ease deformities and contractures. An optional tilt wedge can finitely adjust inclination of the Chair to individual user needs.
Comments Karen: “Because Gravity Chair looks like a gamer chair, my 17 year old would enjoy using it to play his Xbox on! I’ve tried it too: it was more comfortable than I expected and provided good support for my lower back.
“However, of course Gravity Chair does offer a lot more than that.
“George really enjoyed sitting in the chair and was extending himself as much as possible, because he is cheeky like that! The angled wedge that comes with the chair meant we were able to tilt it. This gave George the ability to still extend himself but gave him the space- and stability- to do so.”
Find out more about the Gravity Chair Foam Positioning System, and how to book a free, no obligation assessment by visiting https://www.aatgb.com/gravity-chair/.
The “devastating” impact of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s has been eased and made safer for Julie Murray and her son Harry.
Her husband and partner of 35+ years Robert was diagnosed in 2016. She has watched his decline from a proud, always immaculate man into someone who is now non verbal, double incontinent and cannot stand.
His deterioration meant she and her son Harry were finding it harder and harder to safely support Robert to get upstairs, especially to go to the toilet.
Their Occupational Therapist, Laura Kelly from Doncaster City Council, was horrified when she saw that Harry was having to carry his father on his back to get Robert upstairs. The danger of trying to transfer Robert, as a dead weight, into a wheelchair at the top of the stairs made choice of a stairlift both impractical and risky.
Prescription of AAT’s S-Max Sella stairclimber eliminated all that risk and could be quickly achieved by re-issuing one already within the Council’s Equipment Stores: no delay whilst DFG funding was processed. Requiring no installation, we just needed a couple of hours to train Julie and Harry in the S-Max Sella’s safe operation.
Once Robert is safely sat on the stairclimber, Julie and Harry can easily move him, at whatever speed they feel comfortable. They go up and down the stairs and onto whichever room they are aiming for- lounge, bathroom, bedroom. There is no need for them to transfer Robert at the top of the stairs.
The battery-powered S-Max Sella is Class 1 Medical Device certified. It moves Robert over 300 steps from a single charge, at a consistent rate controlled by Julie or Harry. S-Max's unique ComfortStep feature delivers a smooth, comfortable climb or descent. This automatically adjusts to variation in riser height, gently braking on the edge of each riser to facilitate the process for the operator.
“The S-Max has changed our lives! The Sella is brilliant, perfect and the people at AAT give good service. It has meant I can keep Robert’s routine, life, as normal as possible, getting him up to bed. With only having one toilet at the time, upstairs, the Sella meant I can get him there in time. And even with a wetroom downstairs now, the Sella is still in daily use, getting Robert up in the morning and to bed at night.”
“It’s made daily life so much safer: it was so dangerous Harry carrying his dad on his back up the stairs, especially as we have two little dogs that would follow him! It was almost impossible for me to move Robert if Harry wasn’t there. The S-Max has been a life saver.”
Julie Murray
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/.
AAT’s top-selling battery-powered, mobile Class 1 Medical device the S-Max stairclimber/ stairclimbing wheelchair requires no installation or structural fixing nor modification.
Thus- as specified in the DFG Guidance section 2.30(1)- its provision can be covered by minor adaptations from social services. The time and delay involved in applying for Disabled Facilities Grant funding is eliminated.
The S-Max expediates a person-centred approach, enabling the client to remain at home without disruption to daily/family life.
Prescribing an AAT S-Max potentially expediates a dual-purpose safe transfer/fall prevention option.
The solution has even better use of budgets: with thousands already sold to local authorities over the past 20 years, there may be one already in Community Equipment Stores. This can be re-issued within days.
The battery-powered S-Max smoothly and kinematically ascends and descends steps and stairs. It can be fitted to a wheelchair or be supplied with an integral seat (the S-Max Sella).
It can handle most staircase designs, and complete 300 steps from a single charge. The rate of ascent/descent is set by the operator (care giver), via AAT’s innovative ComfortStep technology, including an energy stop function.
A range of accessories, including AAT’s pioneering Universal Back, means the S-Max can be configured for almost every client from small infant to obese adult with due care and support for their particular physical or mental disability.
The unit itself has full adjustability so it can be quickly set up to exactly suit each operator, making it particularly suitable for clients with several members in the care team.
Full details of the S-Max, and the tool to book a free no obligation assessment ca be found on AAT’s website @https://www.aatgb.com/mobility-stairclimbers/.
(1) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/disabled-facilities-grant-dfg-delivery-guidance-for-local-authorities-in-england/disabled-facilities-grant-dfg-delivery-guidance-for-local-authorities-in-england
Anyone involved in the day-to-day care of a child with physical, mental disability knows life becomes more difficult as they grow and can no longer be safely carried up and down stairs. It puts the child and the care team at risk.
Occupational therapists can make it safe quickly and efficiently with AAT’s top-selling S-Max stairclimber.
The battery-powered kinematic machine safely and smoothly transfers the child between levels in the home, and onward to wherever they need to be- bedroom, bathroom, lounge….
It delivers fall prevention and safe transfer without structural alteration or disruption to daily life for the household.
The S-Max can be attached to a wheelchair, avoiding any need to physically manoeuvre between equipment. Alternatively, AAT’s Class 1 medical device certified S-Max Sella variant features an integral seat.
The high balance point and PowerStep feature means the smallest carer can easily operate and control the S-Max, even pausing, stopping en-route if needed. When not in use, it folds compactly away.
AAT’s range of accessories enable the S-Max to accommodate the child’s safety and postural support as he or she grows or their needs change: options address seating and harnessing requirements from head to toe.
The one piece of equipment offers a universal solution, that can be used with children of all ages.
And it can be quickly re-issued to other clients when no longer needed by the original recipient.
The S-Max provides a timely, cost-effective preventative solution. The equipment manages the risk of possible falls or injuries. It helps the family to live life without impacting or limiting living space.
And, when not in use, it folds compactly away, making the most of often limited living space.
As it is not fixed, it can even help get the child down steps into the garden.
This also means it can fit into a car boot, enabling the child to participate in life beyond the home.
“To our knowledge, there is no better, faster single option to be able to prescribe a safe way overcome the problem of safely transferring up and down stairs for a child with a disability,”
Peter Wingrave, AAT Director
More details of AAT’s S-Max and range of accessories, plus the ability to book a free, no obligation assessment, can be found here: www.aatgb.com/s-max.
Hip stabilisation and correction without pressure is often difficult to address for physiotherapists and occupational therapists, requiring complex prescription of a combination of postural support cushions.
The introduction of Base Doro https://www.aatgb.com/base-doro-2/ eliminates that complexity.
It delivers a single cushion with prominent pommel provides posterior and lateral support on any chair or wheelchair.
The innovative vacuum technology within the cushion means it is infinitely variable and adjustable, enabling exact, pressure-free support for the whole pelvis.
The strategic pommel enables abduction of the legs. Side lateral panels that extend beyond the hip girdle help stabilise and correct the whole pelvis.
An integral neoprene strap provides complimentary safety when in use.
The stability and security for the user can also encourage torso movement during daily activities, thus helping increase strength for some musculoskeletal conditions.
Base Doro can be precisely set up for each person, and quickly and easily adjusted as needed. Based on the beanbag concept, a pump removes air to fix the cushion to the exact configuration of each user and hold them without pressure.
Any progressive change- however slight- required to maintain support and comfort can be undertaken at home, by the care-giver (with appropriate qualified training). There is no need for lengthy and costly re-moulding.
Available in four sizes, Base Doro can be used with all clients from child to adult.
The cushion’s technologically-advanced breatheable neoprene cover can be wiped clean to maintain hygiene; its integral elasticity has the flexibility to “immerse” the buttocks without friction.
A hand pump is supplied as standard. Optional accessories include an electric pump, mounting strap and flexible foam-padded cover.
“Base Doro takes seated support to a new level. To our knowledge, nothing else gives, in just one cushion, the degree of support, and infinite variability to each person (client or patient). It will make postural seating prescription much simpler, easier- and cost-effective- for Occupational Therapists. Just one cushion can turn almost any chair into a postural chair and ensure appropriate support for wheelchair users. It delivers transferrable comfort.”
Peter Wingrave, Director AAT GB
Base Doro compliments the range of vacuum posture cushions already available from AAT, including the Comfortable Plus Duo seat and back support, Chilli Bean seat and Grande mattress.
Free no obligation assessments for Base Doro, any or all of the range of vacuum posture cushions, and AAT’s complete range of daily living aids can be booked here: https://www.aatgb.com/base-doro-2/
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.
As the Occupational Therapist, you have to deal with all the liaison between numerous manufacturers, suppliers, the client and the care-giver.
For the client and their care-giver, it can involve having to explain, time and again, to all those different third parties.
That often exacerbates an already stressful situation as they adjust to a life-changing condition.
Then, as times goes on and the situation changes, the whole process has to be repeated.
It takes time, and causes you stress as you juggle everything, compounded at present by everyone involved playing “catch-up” after the pandemic.
One way to address all those issues in one is to utilise manufacturer expertise, especially if more than one product is offered.
The manufacturer knows its equipment inside out, and therefore its relevance to answering a client need.
We at AAT offer free, no obligation assessments, initially and subsequently.
Thus we support you in prescribing a best value solution, that empowers your client to do the things they want to do, or that gives their care-giver the tools to support those objectives.
Did you know that in our portfolio we have:
For you that means one phone call. One point of contact, for you and your client. A myriad solutions, with the capability to be adjusted as needs change, and/or replaced. You can organise the original being re-issued to another client.
We promise to respond rapidly. We will provide detailed assessment notes, in a format you can cut and paste into your application and clinical reasoning.
We will train the client and care-giver how to use the equipment. We'll take time to ensure they are comfortable using it. After all, we all know the evidence that a piece of equipment that a client does not like nor accept will not be used.
“It’s been a huge relief that we’ve not had to keep explaining the problems we’re trying to address. Even the OT team has changed.
“ AAT has been the one constant, that knows, understands and has been able to deliver something that makes daily life so much more comfortable and safe for us all. What works for my son one day may not the next the flexibility of the AAT kit, and its ease of adjustment, which WE can do, makes a world of difference to our daily life.”
Give that relief to your clients. Use the online form to contact us now: https://www.aatgb.com/booking-form/.
