Falls and manual handling are among the most common personal injury claims lodged against Councils(2), the bill for which now tops £100m(3).
Minimising risk is therefore a growing priority.
Thus, AAT has developed its recycling (re-issue) package, whereby its stairclimbers already purchased by the Local Authority can be re-allocated and in use within a matter of days.
That the stairclimber can be collected from stores or the previous user and taken direct to the new potential client.
This removes the delay of arranging for the client to travel to a demonstration site for a stairlift or similar device, further accelerates the speed with which the risk is managed.
No other stairway access system can be delivered so cost-effectively, so fast, AAT believes.
AAT’s recycling scheme can be utilised by almost every Local Authority in the UK, as almost all have kit in stock among in its equipment.
“With budgets under so much pressure, every opportunity to make every £ work as hard as possible must be taken,” says Peter Wingrave, AAT Director.
“It’s not just about the money. It is about quality of life- and safety- for the vast number of client awaiting adaptations to their homes.
"It is about supporting OTs and adaptations teams to effect a solution- whether short or long-term- quickly. It is about helping their- and their clients’- mental health & wellbeing.”
Leeds City Council is one Authority already making use of AAT’s recycling scheme, to the extent AAT manages the Councils’ stairclimber stock too.
Says Leeds City Council Occupational Therapy Team Manager Jane Fisher: “Funds and time are under pressure now more than ever. This means we can quickly empower clients to still be able to access all levels of their home, with the peace of mind that the right kit is being supplied, maintained and serviced, and in full working order.”
Full details of AAT’s re-issue facility can be found here:
https://www.aatgb.com/taking-steps-to-reduce-adaptation-delay-for-650-recycle/.
ENDS
References:
(1)https://bregroup.com/press-releases/bre-report-finds-poor-housing-is-costing-nhs-1-4bn-a-year/
(2)https://www.legalexpert.co.uk/top-10-councils-personal-injury-compensation/
(3)https://www.taxpayersalliance.com/bill_for_council_compensation_payments_tops_100_million
The lightweight adjustable system comprises a central, flexible backpiece and infinitely adjustable full torso cushion, that fit any bath and any user.
It's quick and easy to secure the base into position, and to remove.
You can easily attach the cushion to the backpiece and mould to the precise requirements of the one you care for. The cushion holds its shape and supports them correctly and comfortably whilst they bathe without your intervention.
Because the cushion is separate and its form infinitely adjustable at home, postural support and comfort is not confined to the bath.
Aqua Liberty's cushion can be used almost anywhere that one sits! In a wheelchair, chair, settee, canoe, sailing boat, aeroplane….
No other bathing support system offers that versatility.
The versatility in terms of postural support and correction from head to pelvis also means less specialist equipment is needed to be prescribed or purchased: just one cushion can be used for numerous activities/occupations.
Thus it delivers best value.
“Looking after someone who is disabled usually means lots of different pieces of equipment, lots of cost,” says Peter Wingrave, AAT Director.
“Aqua Liberty breaks the mould: one, versatile piece of equipment that serves an array of functions- great value for money.”
We are so confident in Aqua Liberty that we offer a free, no obligation assessment. Book now here: https://www.aatgb.com/aqua-liberty/.
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/
We are already ahead of the game, with the development of our innovative re-issue package.
Our re-issue package centres around our top-selling S-Max Sella stairclimber (stairclimbing wheelchair), supported by an efficient assessment programme executed by our team to ensure that not only is the home environment suitable for the equipment, but the clients involved are confident with its use, and the care giver(s) fully trained in its safe operation.
We endeavour to deliver a 10-day turnaround from initial inquiry to fulfilment(3).
The versatility of the Sella unit- with its height adjustability to suit the operator, raft of accessories to ensure the passenger is safe and supported irrespective of their size and capability and portability- means one unit can be prescribed to meet the needs of numerous different clients over its lifespan.
Because the Sella is a mobile, portable device, there is none of the delay inherent in equipment fixed to the structure of the home, nor cost of making good when no longer required.
It offers best value in that stair safety is achieved for <£650/annum(4), whether as short-term risk management until a larger, permanent adaptation is delivered, or as a long-term solution.
And scores of DFG professionals across the country are already appreciating the versatility of the offering, using it to achieve fast risk management of clients needing help with stairs- the first change required to a home(2).
“Many local authorities are increasing their stockholding of our Sella stairclimbers as an efficient way of fulfilling the four pathways proposed by Foundations- triaging cases by complexity, tailoring for people and homes, using resources smartly and letting technology support,” says Peter Wingrave, AAT Director. “Our re-issue programme is unique for OTs and adaptations professionals to effect a fast, efficient and safe solution for stairs. Its growing take-up is proving its versatility and practicality to make homes safe for people with mobility issues.”
Full details of AAT’s re-issue package can be found here:
https://www.aatgb.com/take-steps-to-deliver-adaptations-for-under-1000/ .
ENDS
References:
(2)https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/care-services-equipment-and-care-homes/home-adaptations/
(3)subject to equipment availability and T&Cs
(4)Sella purchase price £4650, re-issue x 3 @ £995/ re-issue= £2985/12 years (lifespan of. Sella) = £636/annum
The transformation is the outcome of the approach adopted by Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust Occupational Therapist Andrea Williams, who turned to us.
Now, for the first time in two years, Sarah can not just get out of her bedroom, but outside too!
Andrea realised an S-Max Sella stairclimber could be the solution to stopping Sarah being bed bound.
It would give Sarah the means to safely navigate the staircase with its two turns in the Grade II listed two-storey house.
What's more, it could get her outside too!
When we demonstrated S-Max Sella and how it would work in their home, Sarah and her husband James asked Andrea to prescribe it for them.
Husband James, operates and controls the Sella, after training from us.
He uses the portable, battery-powered Sella to safely transfer Sarah up and down the stairs and on to whichever room she wants to go.
It even steps across the raised threshold of the door to outside and the garden!
“Even getting from her bed to a reclining chair tires Sarah out,” explains James. “With the stairclimber, we only have one transfer.
"One of Sarah’s goals was to spend time outside. She was blown away with the stairclimber: it was the first time in almost two years she had been downstairs, let alone out into the garden!
"The stairclimber’s so versatile, it easily dealt with the lip on the door to the patio.”
Adds Andrea, “Being listed meant it would be difficult to adapt the house to accommodate a stairlift or through-floor lift.
"The effort of transferring from bed to wheelchair to stairlift then off the stairlift would exhaust Sarah.
"A stairlift may have been able to get her up and downstairs, but she’d still be confined to the house.
"I am so pleased it’s made such a difference to them both.”
We are the UK’s leading supplier of stairclimbers, with the Sella being the #1 seller.
Strong yet lightweight and completely portable, Sella features a perfect balance point and PowerStep feature which means the smallest carer can easily operate and control the unit. They can even pause or stop en-route if needed.
When not in use, it folds compactly away.
There's no need for installation, home adaptation nor impingement on the stairway or part of the home for other members of the household
Our range of accessories enable the Sella to accommodate every passenger’s safety and postural support: options address seating and harnessing requirements from head to toe.
More details of AAT’s Sella and range of accessories, plus the ability to book a free, no obligation assessment, can be found here: https://www.aatgb.com/s-max-sella/.
If limited in mobility, long periods sat can at least cause discomfort, at worst lead to pressure sores, muscle atrophy, weight gain.
Yet simple prescription of an infinitely variable, vacuum posture cushion- our Comfortable Plus Duo- can easily eliminate discomfort in almost every seated activity at home. It even supports in the bath(1)!
Comfortable Plus Duo can open the door to trying a raft of activities- aquatherapy, sailing, canoeing, swinging, zip lining, ski-boarding, sand buggying, sledging to name a few.
It can shape to fit seats on your travels- whether car, plane, boat.
Essentially a bean bag that can be fixed into shape to support and stabilise the head and torso without pressure points, Comfortable Plus Duo effectively reduces the risk of pressure sores.
Once moulded to the contours required, extract the air inside via pump to fix the “beans” into shape.
The process means it can be quickly and easily adjusted, at home by a trained carer, to accommodate finite adjustments to comfort. It can be done whether needed- on a daily, weekly or monthly basis- or longer!
Comfortable Duo Plus can be similarly moulded to provide the required stabilisation to hips and pelvis. It even allows formation of a pommel.
Made from an advanced neoprene material, Comfortable Plus Duo is waterproof and can be wiped clean to address spills or maintain hygiene.
Importantly, it is also breathable, so no over-heating, sweaty patches if sat for a while in one position.
“Comfortable Plus Duo is a revolution in postural support systems,” says Peter Wingrave, AAT GB Director.
“Anyone who cares for or works with children and adults with physical limitations knows that what suits in terms of positioning one day may not work the next.
"The infinite, at home variability of Comfortable Plus Duo and its flexibility in accommodating almost every seated environment make it an appropriate, reasonable proposition for any healthcare professional needing postural seating for clients with physical or mental disabilities, for any activity.
“The fact it has infinite seating support uses beyond purely sitting at home is an added bonus: it enables wider participation in life and extends a client’s scope of experiences, helping their overall health and wellbeing.”
AAT’s nationwide team of sales managers are trained to support healthcare professionals in undertaking postural assessments, free of charge and with no obligation.
As part of the purchase process AAT will train care-givers in appropriate adjustment of Comfortable Plus Duo.
As the system can be wiped clean, it can be taken into equipment stores if/when no longer needed, and re-issued.
This delivers further positive amortisation and optimisation of care budgets.
To find out more about Comfortable Plus Duo, and book a free, no obligation assessment, click the link: https://www.aatgb.com/comfortable-plus-duo/
ENDS
(1) https://www.independentliving.co.uk/advice/too-much-sitting-down
Born 10 weeks prematurely, India Harvey has Cerebral Palsy, impacting her mental and physical capabilities.
Doctors told mum Denise: “you’ve just got to give her the best life you can”.
Denise has taken that to heart, thoroughly looking into all the equipment options available, working closely with India’s Occupational Therapist.
Denise’s research led her to AAT and ultimately our Chilli Bean infinitely remouldable bean seat.
Funded by Newlife, the charity for disabled children, a Chilli Bean has been purchased for India, replacing her existing fixed mould PPod positioning support chair.
Unlike fixed mould seating, the family can infinitely re-shape our Chilli Bean, at home.
Chilli Bean uses innovative vacuum technology, whereby the air between the beans is removed to whatever degree is required to achieve the desired shape and level of firmness and rigidity.
The process allows exact moulding of the seat to form lateral support, pommels etc to correctly support India without pressure points and the exact degree of firmness India is comfortable with.
India’s comfort and support is therefore a constant.
India’s quality of life has significantly improved.
Denise can move the Chilli Bean wherever she needs, for India to be sat and supported without the restriction of a harness.
Mum and daughter can sit and read a book together.
What's more, Chilli Bean is breathable and wipeable.
“That intimate time is so special, and means so much,” says Denise. “We couldn’t achieve that flexibility with the PPod. India prefers the Chilli Bean too because we can adjust the firmness just right for her: she doesn’t like a hard seat.
"It’s so quick and easy to adjust the Chilli Bean, and the pump is small and compact- we don’t have to stow away lots of ancillaries.
“I originally asked AAT about its Gravity Chair foam positioning seat, but once we sat India in it, we didn’t think it supported her properly. AAT’s Dan suggested Chilli Bean as we could exactly adjust it ourselves to India: it’s proved to be perfect!”
Further details about Chilli Bean can be found here https://www.aatgb.com/chilli-bean/.
Click the link to learn more including the ability to book a FREE, NO OBLIGATION demo/assessment.
Chilli Bean is just one in our range of infinitely adjustable posture cushions that cover almost every conceivable activity- not only daily things including sitting, sleeping, bathing, but the wonderful too!
Check out the gallery sections here: https://www.aatgb.com/posture-cushions/
The NHS Confederation report Unlocking Prevention in Integrated Care Systems(1) highlights the burden of proving for value for money and return on investment (ROI). Where reduced mobility and risk of falls are issues, there is a proven solution.
A solution that can help reduce the 43,000 patients hospitalised as a result of falls on stairs each year (RoSPA).
AAT GB, the #1 in stairclimbing wheelchairs, says its unique re-issue capability delivers guaranteed ROI- 12 years of patient care & support for less than the cost of 2 standard hospital bed days/year(2).
Its market-leading position means it has the sheer number of stairclimbers available to NHS Trusts and local authorities to efficiently effect re-issue, whereby when one patient no longer needs the equipment, it can be re-prescribed to another.
Importantly, the process takes days, as opposed to the weeks, months of alternative stairway access/inter-floor options. The portable, mobile S-Max Sella requires no structural survey nor installation. It can be funded via conventional equipment channels without the need for Disabled Facilities Grant application.
The speed with which the intervention can be deployed also means the risk of falling on steps or stairs is efficiently managed, fulfilling the shift towards prevention and community based integrated care.
To further facilitate ROI, AAT offers a complete support package covering patient assessment, re-issue, and stock management.
“Optimisation of the stairclimber stock within the care services clearly demonstrates value for money and effective return on investment,” says Peter Wingrave AAT Director. “Importantly, we have a 20+ years’ track record of effecting safe stairway transfer and are increasingly becoming the front line option to prevent falls on stairs and potential hospital admission. Our stairclimbers also help people remain in their homes, without the need for either moving into a care home, the provision of home care to support inter-level movement, the cost and disruption to daily life of a more permanent fixture or adaptation, or moving home.”
Details of the S-Max and AAT’s service can be found @ www.aatgb.com.
ENDS
References:
(1)https://www.nhsconfed.org/system/files/2024-10/Unlocking-prevention-in-ICSs-Report_0.pdf
(2)capital cost of an S-Max Sella including re-issue to three patients over lifespan of 12 years = £637 pa. Cost/hospital bed/day £345:
(3)(https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2023-03-14/165361)
Under the package, AAT provides:
- free, no obligation professional assessment
- free setting up of the S-Max Sella to client’s and carers’ specific needs
- free training of the care team
- equipment management including service & maintenance
- re-issue for <£1000
Out-sourcing offering means that clients young and old achieve stair safety, for a Local Authority/DFG outlay of <£700/year(*), using AAT’s battery-powered portable S-Max Sella stairclimber/stairclimbing wheelchair.
It guarantees the client quickly receives the correct equipment, fully working, serviced and maintained, set up to their individual requirements, and with the carer(s) properly trained. It also releases service and administration capacity within Equipment Stores.
Leeds City Council is just one already making use of AAT’s out-sourcing.
“The service we have received has been extremely positive,” says Leeds City Council Occupational Therapy Team Manager Jane Fisher.
“Funds and time are under pressure now more than ever. This means we can quickly empower clients to still be able to access all levels of their home, with the peace of mind that the right kit is being supplied, maintained and serviced, and in full working order.
"It takes a pressure off the already busy stores team, and enables effective delegation and employment of specialised resources so we can make best use of our time and expertise.”
“It’s about balancing cost and value,” adds AAT Technical Director Gareth Brown. “The arrangement means we save the Council money overall, and its residents get better value.
“The Council can make best use of available resources at the equipment stores. As we hold and maintain the kit, we know exactly what stairclimbers and accessories the Council has available, so, having assessed the client, can advise on what is needed, then deliver to and train the user- all within a matter of days of receiving the initial call from the Occupational Therapy team.
"If specific accessories are needed, we know what is in stock, or what the Council needs to purchase, so there is no unnecessary duplication.”
To find out how to take advantage of the out-sourcing package, contact sales@aatgb.com or telephone 01978 821875.
(*) S-Max Sella purchase price £4650, re-issue x 3 @ £1000/re-issue =£3000/ 12 years (average working lifespan of a Sella)= £637/annum.
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.
