AAT takes customer service seriously: it knows its equipment is essential for families to live daily life.
For the past two years, the Ortons have used an AAT S-Max Sella stairclimber, supplied by their local authority as part of a wider adaptation, to ensure getting Arthur up and down stairs was safe. Their son Arthur was brain damaged as a baby, leaving him non-mobile and non-verbal.
The battery-powered device features kinematic wheels front and back that raise and lower to ascend or descend at a pace set by the carer, an integral seat, and adjustable control handles.
Arthur’s parents can thus alter the height of the handles to their individual preference, depending who is using the piece of technology.
When mum couldn’t change the height setting one morning, they contacted AAT. Within 48 hours, the replacement part was at their home and the engineer had fitted it, all backed up by update phone calls so the Ortons knew what was happening.
Said Michael Orton:
“The AAT team really went the extra miles to help us out . Although I contacted the service manager at the wrong end of the country, the severity of the situation was understood and scaled appropriately.”
Since being introduced some 20 years ago, AAT’s S-Max Sella has become the industry leader.
With its impeccable safety record, thousands are now in use nationwide, in private and social housing, care homes, ambulances and hospitals.
AAT also offers unrivalled customer support, including detailed assessment to ensure the unit will meet the need, LOLER standard carer training, and a range of service options.
For providers (such as local authorities, healthcare Trusts and housing associations), AAT will offers a management facility, whereby it will deliver and set up the stairclimber for each user, then when they no longer need it, take it back, service it, store it, and manage the re-allocation process to another user.
As a result, AAT is now the chosen, proven, national partner for stairway access and more.
When you choose AAT to support you, you choose a team of professionals who have your ambitions at their heart.
You choose a partner, not just a provider. And its customer service goes above and beyond.
Not only does AAT provide the level of service as standard that the Orton family experienced, it supports OTs, users and carers throughout the process. We always spend all the time it takes training carers on a 1:1 in person basis, making sure they are confident using our equipment.
Why choose AAT:
- The A team: our team is dedicated to improving daily life- for healthcare professionals, carers and individuals. Since 2001 our commitment has been professional, our approach personal.
- Solutions that evolve with you: we work with you, for you. A solution that will evolve with you and life’s changes. And if we think any of our products aren’t the right solution, we’ll say so.
- Innovation that leads the market: our stairclimbers were the first of their kind in the UK. And we haven’t stopped innovating, Every product we offer is designed to answer the real world daily problems faced by people with impairments AND for those that care for them.
- Sitting comfortably? It’s a certainty! Comfort and safety are the priorities to us- for all involved, in all aspects of daily life, at home and abroad.
The “go to” choice: AAT products are now in almost every Council and NHS Trust in the country. We’re trusted for our ethical, professional response. For our speed of response. For the best value results we achieve. For our care.
You can find out more about the Sella stairclimber here: https://www.aatgb.com/s-max-sella/
and about AAT’s support for healthcare/ adaptations professionals here: https://www.aatgb.com/ots/
AAT has always been committed to putting client safety first.
It is why we don't rely on a set of printed instructions, or a training video, whenever we provide one of our market-leading stairclimbers (stairclimbing wheelchairs).
It is why we have an impeccable safety record, stretching back over 20 years.
One of our team personally visits to formally train users of its equipment.
We spend as long as is necessary with each user to ensure they understand the process and are comfortable using the stairclimber.
The personal training applies whether a new purchase, or a re-issue/re-prescription.
The “hands-on” approach means any questions or issues are instantly addressed. It optimises safety.
Indeed, we have refused to provide the stairclimber if we felt the user was not competent or comfortable, or the environment was unsuitable!
“We have a duty of care, and I believe a moral obligation, to everyone involved in the sales process, to ensure we have done everything within our power to make stairway access easy and safe- for the passenger and the stairclimber operator. It’s about doing the job right.
"Client safety is paramount. The fact that we have not had a single negligence claim throughout our 20-year history is testament to that commitments” says Peter Wingrave, AAT Director.
Our stairclimbers are battery-powered devices that help people with impairments safely and comfortably navigate stairs with the support of a carer.
They are the most popular choice of stairclimbing wheelchair throughout the UK, chosen by almost every local authority in the country.
Why choose a stairclimber from AAT
- No installation, no structural changes—just plug and play.
- Effortless stair navigation: AAT powered stairclimbers handle single steps or full flights with ease- even tight turns and spirals!
- Comfort and safety built in. Our stairclimbing wheelchair range prioritises comfort and safety for users and carers—at home and beyond. We have an impeccable safety record stretching back two decades.
- Support that goes the distance: our free no obligation assessment considers all aspects- home environment, user and ‘operator’. We personally set your stairclimbing wheelchair up for you and spend all the time you need to ensure you are comfortable using it. In the rare event it won’t work, we’ll say so.
- Reliable after care: our team of highly trained engineers can service it on site annually and speedily effect any issues in the rare event you have a problem.
Key features:
- Adjustable to each user
- Completely portable
- Range of accessories for optimum comfort and security
- Re-chargeable battery- each charge delivers up to 390 steps(1)
To find out more about our range of stairclimbers and to. book your free no obligation assessment, visit http://www.aatgb.com/mobility-stairclimbers/.
(1)https://www.rospa.com/campaigns-and-fundraising/current-campaigns/safer-stairs
S-Max stairclimber (http://www.aatgb.com/s-max/) can deliver safe stairway access within days (where relevant and suitable).
It works as a permanent solution or managing risk in the short term whilst funding for an alternative adaptation is arranged.
Battery-powered S-Max carries the disabled person up, down stairs safely and smoothly. The process is controlled by the carer
S-Max’s design and function means there is no installation/attachment to the building fabric.
S-Max can complete the stairway navigation and continue onward, eliminating transfer at the top or bottom of the flight.
Critically in these days of budget constraint and delay, when the S-Max is no longer needed by the original recipient, OTs can re-issue/ re-prescribe it to another.
Our re-issue- including a full PEOP assessment, servicing of the stairclimber, setting it up for the new user and training of their carer(s)- costs <£1500. It helps overcome the delay in panel funding decisions.
Peter Wingrave AAT Director explains:
“The latest data available shows more than two-thirds of Councils exceeded the required 12 months for DFG-funded adaptations.
Even equipment that only requires panel funding is taking longer than usual because of delays in the decision making process.
“Taking advantage of our unique re-issue facility means that risk is managed, quickly and cost-effectively.
“Councils are constantly being urged to think outside the box to address the continuing adaptation delay.
"The success of our re-issue programme is proving this re-prescription approach is a proven, best value way to achieve safe home access quickly.”
Full details of our re-issue are explained here: https://www.aatgb.com/ots/. or...
Re- issue explained:
One AAT stairclimber, numerous clients supported.
Because our stairclimbers are not fixed equipment, they can be easily re-prescribed (re-issued) to another client when the original recipient no longer needs it.
It means the risk of navigating stairs with reduced mobility is eliminated.
Whether a short-term answer whilst a larger, more permanent adaptation is delivered, or a long-term solution, your client’s home environment is made safe.
As part of the process, we support you in a full PEOP assessment (and if for whatever reason it’s not suitable, we’ll say so!). We service your existing stairclimber. We personally set it up for your client. We personally train their carer(s)1.
All for <£15002
Best value achieved: with the average AAT stairclimber having a 12 year lifespan, the total cost including the initial purchase and re-issue to on average 3 different people works out at <£800/year3. Stairs made safe for multiple clients.
No delay.
No “making good” inherent with alternative stair transfer solutions.
The middle-aged client joined the home after a spell in hospital: underweight and fragile, she needed additional skeletal support and 1:1 care. Meadow View- part of Emh Care & Support- could provide the high quality round-the-clock attention she required.
The home’s nurses responsible for the lady were struggling to find a way to keep her comfortable and safe in bed. They raised the issue with the home’s Occupational Therapist, who suggested AAT’s Grande mattress with Treat-Eezi cover.
The staff utilise the cushion's vacuum technology to contoured the mattress-sized bean bag exactly as needed. The process gives the lady with a secure yet comfortable position without pressure points.
The vacuum principle removes any air in the cushion, thereby fixing the moulded shape. Staff do not need to regularly replumping or adjust the lady nor the cushion. If she needs a slight adjustment to the shape or firmness, staff can quickly and easily alter the cushion contour and rigidity to suit.
If needed, the cushion can even be moulded to create abduction and adduction wedges, or an asymmetrical body position- all by the care-givers, within minutes.
The additional Teat-Eezi overlay helps maintain blood flow and gives an extra layer of protection against the risk of ulcers.
Meadow View Manager Gillian Kent comments, “The Grande gives support to her overall body structure, yet is soft and comfortable.
"Our team find it’s easy to reform when she is supine. They can ensure her continued relief and security when she’s lying in her bed.
"It has really helped her overall daily and nightly relaxation.”
Find out more about AAT’s Grande vacuum posture cushions here: https://www.aatgb.com/grande/
Local Councils and NHS Trusts are finding the number of, and wait time for, adaptations continues to grow. Stairs are the second most common hazard in the home(1) and one of the major barriers to both keeping people safe and home, and discharging them from hospital.
AAT has a solution: its Universal Seat System and brand-leading S-Max Sella stairclimber.
The combination means healthcare professionals can optimise use of budgets- usually without even requiring DFG funding- to deliver a safe stairway transfer solution within days. They do it by recycling (re-issuing) the equipment.
Because the equipment is not fixed to the structure of the home, it is easy to re-prescribe from one recipient to another.
The addition of the Universal Seat System means the Sella can be easily set up to ensure almost every potential user is safe and supported when using the Sella, irrespective of their physical and/or mental impairment.
It is achieved without the need to purchase extra accessories. No other stairway transfer system offers such flexibility.
And AAT will also support the assessment process, to ensure the relevance of the solution for the person, the occupation and the environment, and personally train the carer in the Sella’s safe operation.
Says Peter Wingrave, AAT Director:
“We have numerous examples of community equipment services (eg Nottinghamshire & Nottingham City) now buying not just additional Sella stairclimbers, but Universal Seat Systems, to have in equipment stores ready to go, so they can quickly deliver a solution for a client.
"It means local Councils and NHS Trusts can keep people safe at home. They can be discharged from hospital.
“Even if it is a short-term solution whilst a larger and/or more permanent adaptation is undertaken, our Sella/Universal Seat System and re-issue capability gives a highly cost-effective and fast way to manage the potential risk of someone falling on the stairs: a genuine adaptation without delay.”
Full details of the Sella and Universal Seat System can be found @ http://www.aatgb.com/s-max-sella/
where healthcare professionals can also book a free, no obligation client assessment or team demonstration session.
Reference:
(1)https://bregroup.com/press-releases/bre-report-finds-poor-housing-is-costing-nhs-1-4bn-a-year/
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 @
Children with severe and complex motor, mental and sensory impairments already event from the calming effect of Gravity Chair.
Knowing the effect of colour on behaviour, we have now added that sensory dimension to the equation. You can buy Gravity Chair in grey, blue, green or pink!
Gravity Chair's stable and safe positioning naturally “hugs” the child encouraging a stable seating position without any harnessing.
Gravity Chair reduces muscle tension whilst accommodating muscle contortion and spasm.
We have chosen the colours specifically as they are recognised as having a calming effect and helping to improve focus: good benefits for children with autism, ADHD, Cerebral Palsy and other similar conditions.
Parents too sometimes prefer colour, adding a strategic element to the home or school environment without overstimulation.
Clare Mason, Children’s Occupational Therapist @ Sefton Carers Centre/ Alderhey is just one fan of Gravity Chair.
Clare says: “Often it is the first time that parents have seen their child sit and settle in one place for any length of time. It enables them to sit and focus on toys they like or books etc.
“Children who require supportive seating spend many hours strapped in functional seats and wheelchairs using harnesses or chest straps. Gravity Chair gives them seating away from all that, keeping them safe and supported without restraint, encouraging them to engage. Itis in my experience always positively received by the children and their parents.”
Adds AAT Director Peter Wingrave: “Adding colours into the mix of benefits that Gravity Chair brings further encourages the positive feelings that children experience when using the chair. It adds another sensory, sub-conscious dimension to their comfort and relaxation.”
Full details of the Gravity Chair foam positioning system can be found @ https://www.aatgb.com/gravity-chair/.
Reference
(1)https://www.disabledliving.co.uk/blog/colours-vs-people-with-special-needs/
The Council's achieved a green alternative to social care by allocating AAT’s Sella stairclimbers (stairclimbing wheelchairs), where appropriate, to clients needing help with stairs.
The Department used grant funding from the Council’s Green Investment Fund to purchase four Sella’s to provide an alternative to major adaptations that reduces the carbon impact of building.
In this way it has achieved a green alternative in social care provision.
Stairclimbers are mobile, portable devices- unlike conventional stair solutions such as stairlifts or through-floor lifts which require structural surveys, installation and building works. No building work is required.
The Department can re-issue-re-cycle the Class 1 Medical Device to another person when the original recipient no longer equires it. There are no building works to ‘make good’. The equipment's green credentials- and best value capital outlay- are enhanced.
To further extend the capability of the stairclimbers, the Department has also bought three of our unique Universal Seating System.
The Seating System combines back, seat, lateral and foot supports with safety harness. It ensures each user is completely supported and safe when being transferred up and down stairs.
Sarah Hole, Children’s Senior Practitioner Occupational Therapist for the Integrated Community Equipment Loan Service Clinical Team Nottinghamshire and Nottingham City Partnership, says:
“We historically have purchased AAT stairclimbers for use, where appropriate, with children and adults who have impaired mobility. The fact that they can be deployed quickly, with none of the impact of building work, makes them a useful alternative to major adaptations. It especially helps as budgets are under pressure and there is a drive to become carbon net zero.”
Dr Cate Bennett, Principal Occupational Therapist, Adult Social Care and Health at Nottinghamshire County Council, adds:
“The Principal Occupational Therapy role focuses on leading the quality assurance of occupational therapy practice, service development and improvement. It has a strategic and operational focus, and covers work within our organisation, and externally where it furthers the development of social care and occupational therapy.”
Mobilty is the biggest disability in the UK(2). Stairs are the second most common hazard in the home(3, and one of the three most common adaptations.
Our stairclimber re-issue capability(1) is unique in the inter-floor transfer sector, and is rapidly gaining momentum among local authorities nationwide as a cost-effective and quick way to keep people safe and in their own homes by managing the risk of stairs.
REFERENCES:
(1)https://www.aatgb.com/taking-steps-to-reduce-adaptation-delay-for-650-recycle/
(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/
Chloe, 19, cannot walk because of her condition. She relies on a dynamic stand device- an Innowalk- for aerobic exercise and joint mobility. But she struggled to sit comfortably and gain the full benefit of the equipment because of her spine curvature.
Physiotherapist Lisa Clapp, from Reach Rehab Physiotherapy, works with Chloe and knew of our Comfortable Plus Duo adjustable posture cushion.
Lisa proposed it as an option- subject to assessment.
Comfortable Plus Duo is essentially a bean bag that can be fixed into shape to support and stabilise the head and torso without pressure points, thereby effectively reducing the risk of pressure sores.
Once moulded to the contours required, air within is extracted via pump to fix the “beans” into shape. The process means it can be quickly and easily adjusted, at home, to accommodate finite adjustments to comfort, whether on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.
Comfortable Duo Plus can be similarly moulded to provide the required stabilisation to hips and pelvis. It even allows formation of a pommel.
Chloe is supported and comfortable when using the Innowalk with her Comfortable Plus Duo. She can use it for longer, and with greater ease, enhancing her mobility, circulation and aerobic exercise.
We trained Chloe’s mother Donna in how to shape and adjust the cushion and fix it to the correct contours without pressure points. Donna can ensure the cushion always perfectly supports Chloe, with a process that takes just a few moments.
Says mum Donna:
“The Comfortable Plus Duo has been a game changer! Chloe loves it, which makes her physical therapy easier and improves her mental health. It keeps its shape so well too: I don’t have to alter the shape very often at all.”
Added Lisa:
“AAT’s Comfortable Plus Duo has been pivotal in Chloe being able to obtain the benefit of her Innowalk. We can precisely adjust it to support her back and hips, with the right degree of firmness to hold her, comfortably, in the correct position.”
More information about Comfortable Plus Duo can be found at https://www.aatgb.com/comfortable-plus-duo
Further reading:
https://www.aatgb.com/how-to-make-sitting-comfortable-plus
https://www.aatgb.com/moulding-to-guest-needs-delivers-holiday-happiness/
Help with stairs and steps is one of the top three most common home adaptations people need to their home(2)..
Our innovative S-Max Sella stairclimbing wheelchair (stairclimber) is unique in that, unlike the conventional alternatives, it addresses BOTH internal stairs and external steps when adapting a home.
Sella means that Occupational Therapists need prescribe only ONE piece of equipment to enable someone to access all levels of the home- inside AND out. They can use it for either or both scenarios.
OTs can re-cycle/re-issue it to another client when their original client no longer needs it- unlike the alternative conventional solutions.
We have put in place a specific service for social care providers to enhance that flexibility, whereby we manage the whole process for the OT.
That includes:
- assessment of the potential recipient
-assessment of their home environment to validate the suitability of the equipment
-training of the recipient’s carer
-stock-holding, servicing and commissioning of the equipment between each home adaptation.
Our package works out at less than £650/yea (3) over the 15 years’ average lifespan of the Sella helping numerous people in need of stair and step support in the process.
Director Peter Wingrave says:
“The Government’s package of support as part of its Plan for Change acknowledges the two-edged sword of the need to take preventative steps that help people remain in their homes, out of hospital and that we have an ageing society."
“Our package of support provides a best value option to address one of the most common changes required to a home. There may be extra Government funding in the pot, but it makes sense to optimise the value of every £. That way, more people can be helped to stay in their own homes.”
Full details of our S-Max Sella and package for social care providers can be found here: https://www.aatgb.com/ots/.
You may also like:
https://www.aatgb.com/taking-steps-to-reduce-adaptation-delay-for-650-recycle/https://www.aatgb.com/cradle-to-grave-evolution-simplifies-speed-and-safety-on-stairs/
