A revolution is taking place in how safe access on stairs can be addressed.
Already the UK’s #1 provider of safe stairway access with our market-leading S-Max Sella, we are now at prototype stage for the latest incarnation of our revolutionary Universal Back- a clip-on version.
Universal Back Clip-On means the battery-powered portable Sella stairclimber/ stair climbing wheelchair system can easily adapt to each user- now and in the future- without any additional support accessories.
AND the entire unit can be easily folded away, making the most of living space for the rest of the family.
We believe the development will revolutionise fast, effective prescription for stairway access. The S-Max Sella/ Universal Back Clip-On will become the ‘go to’ option.
“It genuinely delivers a ‘cradle to grave’ answer,” says Peter Wingrave, AAT Director. “That single combination can manage the risk of safe stair access/transfer for almost every client with mobility impairments. It has the adjustability to precisely and comfortably support almost every user, from infant to geriatric.
“The implications and potential are vast. Its prescription can facilitate a short-term solution to discharge someone from hospital. It can be a long-term method of making someone’s home safe and avoid their requiring a costly and disruptive home adaptation or going into care. And it has the in-built flexibility to quickly and easily evolve with them over time.
“We have growing numbers of disabled children. We have growing numbers of elderly with all their associated conditions- arthritis, MND, Parkinsons- which impact their stability and mobility. We have a lack of suitable accessible housing. S-Max Sella was already a game-changer with its relevance in recycling/re-issue. The Universal Back Clip-On takes that to a new level, enabling one core piece of kit to help many people over its life, with the integral adaptability to change with them.”
The prototype – unveiled at Kids2Adultz- will enable Occupational Therapists and adaptations professionals to physically see the concept in action before the final product is launched in the coming months.
The prototype will be just one of the exciting developments for daily life with special needs kids and adults that AAT will have at Kids2Adultz. Others include the unique Aqua Liberty supported bathing system, and the new accessories just introduced for the Gravity Chair foam positioning system.
It's a great way to take steps to reduce delay when you adapt a home.
As someone involved in delivery of adaptations- be it to facilitate hospital discharge, to prevent someone having to move into residential care, your aim is to empower them to live as independently as possible.
You want to deliver appropriate home care- knows about the continuing pressure to reduce home adaptation delay.
We have a fast, cost-efficient and non-disruptive solution, whether as a short-term or long-term measure.
Recyling of a stairclimber could be the answer.
Of course it is not the answer in every case.
However, where appropriate, by adopting the concept you could make a significant inroad into the backlog of adaptations. You reduce delay when adapting a home.
You can facilitate people to be discharged or enabling them to continue to live better and safely at home, in the home they love.
This is about making best use of resources within our Councils, of helping you the Occupational Therapists help your clients.
Indeed, whenever we support OTs in client assessments for stairclimbers, we now submit two quotes: one for a new unit, one for a re-issue.
Those involved in delivering adaptations have the choice to make a difference.
Take the step.
Make a difference.
References:
(1)Assuming the Store stairclimber without any additional accessories is used
(2)Stairlifts can on the whole only be recycled to homes with straight stairways
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https://www.aatgb.com/how-to-manage-the-risk-of-stairs-without-spending-000s/
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.
Their quality of life is affected by the functionality of their equipment.
Hence why we developed our gold star service package.
Recommended to be carried out at annual intervals- and depending on circumstances, a legal duty of care obligation(1)- the service mirrors that of a car.
We check all key features are working correctly- batteries, motor, braking mechanism, speed regulator, controls, grip adjustability, safety straps etc.
We exceed the legal LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) requirements in that we don’t just inspect, we carry out a thorough systematic check, measure and where necessary adjust or replace.
We don’t just do this with the safety-critical components, but all aspects of our stairclimber, to ensure a consistently safe and comfortable transfer experience.
And for your further peace of mind, we offer a choice of contracts, whether a one-off service or rolling annual programme.
So you can relax and live life, and leave the “heavy lifting” of remembering, scheduling and executing to us. With the peace of mind that participation in daily life- safely- is covered.
To discuss your servicing requirements and book yours call 01978 821875 or email sales@aatgb.com.
To find out more about the S-Max, click here: https://www.aatgb.com/s-max-sella/
(1)The small print….
If you’re a private, unpaid individual, it gives you assurance and peace of mind.
If you are paid to care, the equipment owner has a legal obligation to have the stairclimber serviced. If you prescribed a stairclimber for a public body, that organisation has a duty of care to have the equipment serviced by an authorised competent person.
Only AAT GB is authorised to service the S-Max range of stairclimbers.
Rapid response reached new heights for owner of Inspirations care home in Wolverhampton, Trisha Hayward.
As a result, her service users were assured of a safe, comfortable, sociable festive season.
The elevator within the three-storey, 16-bedroomed home broke down in the run up to Christmas.
The part needed would take weeks to arrive. Trisha had evac chairs in place to address urgent staircase transfer from the upper floors. She felt a better option for both residents and staff was needed, bearing in mind the length of time the lift would be out of action.
An internet search led her to AAT GB- the stairclimber people.
Within 48 hours of her initial contact, AAT had visited Trisha, demonstrated the equipment, fulfilled her order and trained members of her care team to LOLER standards in the safe operation of AAT’s innovative S-Max Sella stairclimber.
The battery-powered unit comprises a motorised stepping wheel system on a lightweight but strong frame with integral seat.
It uses kinematic technology to smoothly move up and down stairs, enabling a member of Trisha’s team to single-handedly safely transfer the service user (up to 120kg/ 18+st) from one level to another- and onward to destination, executing 300 steps from one battery charge.
The rate of movement is completely controlled by the member of staff. When not in use, the S-Max Sella can be folded away. To further manage user safety, Trisha chose the optional safety harness to be added to the Sella.
“The evac chair is heavy for my staff to use, and bumpy, uncomfortable for my service users. I needed a better solution. The AAT equipment is amazing.
"My staff were very impressed too: they don’t have to lift anything, just push a button!
“AAT were amazing with the speed they responded to my enquiry, delivered the machine and trained my staff. We’ve got eight trained already, and another four will be trained after Christmas.
"It means all my service users will be able to join in activities, over Christmas and beyond, and access their bedrooms, in comfort and safety. And I’ll have peace of mind over their safe, comfortable movement between floors for the long term- AAT will also service the stairclimber.”
Trish Hayward
“We are unique as a stairclimber company in that we operate nationally and carry a core level of stock. That commitment to care providers, be it a care home, healthcare establishment or an individual in private or social housing, means we can expediate an extremely rapid answer to their daily mobility needs. We can manage, limit risk, in comfort and safety, and can do so within hours, days- not the weeks of alternative options.”
Peter Wingrave, AAT Director
To find out more and book a free, no obligation assessment of the Class 1 Medical Device- rated S-Max Sella click: https://www.aatgb.com/booking-form/
As winter looms with its inevitable increased pressure on the NHS, we are launching a new initiative to help ambulance crews deal with call-outs, faster and more safely.
Traditionally, especially with bariatric or severely impaired patients, two crews are required at the call to safely transfer the patient from home to ambulance to hospital. AAT’s innovative C-Max ambulance stairclimber means just one crew member (depending on operating protocols) can execute the transfer, safely without effort and with no need to move the patient from the stairclimber to other means of conveyance.
Thus it releases available crews for other calls, and therefore delay. It also reduces loading and strain on staff, significantly cutting work-related injuries and sickness and consequent costs.
Further, as part of the initiative, AAT will train a nominated team leader, who can then teach all other crew members and new recruits in the Trust in the equipment’s safe operation.
“The business case for using a stairclimber in ambulances is irrefutable. Numerous Services have already adopted the C-Max and are seeing proven, tangible improvements in both customer satisfaction, improved passenger safety during transfer, and staff health & wellbeing. Indeed, users have themselves described our equipment as an ‘uplifting solution to a weighty problem’.”
Peter Wingrave, AAT Director
“The new stairclimbers will not only help our team to support people with limited mobility, but more importantly will allow us to be to offer a higher level of service for people across Torbay and South Devon which means the world to me. This type of equipment helps our organisation continue to provide quality care to the people of Torbay and South Devon.”
Louis Nicholls, Patient Transport Officer at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, whose League of Friends purchased 2no C-Max stairclimbersnfor the Trust’s Patient Transport Services
The battery operated C-Max unit is capable of safely and smoothly moving a patient up to 230kg (36st). It can ascend and descent steps and stairs, including narrow and/or turned flights, and continue the journey with no need to further transfer the patient into the ambulance and then into hospital. The in-vehicle CEN-approved rear impact securing system enables the patient to remain in the stairclimber during the journey, minimising transfers.
Accessories including holding devices for oxygen tanks and a Universal Back to ensure every patient can be supported and secured during the transfer process are available. When not in use, the C-Max U2 folds to stow compactly away, optimising space.
To demonstrate how the AAT C-Max works, and help potential customers understand the business case, we've produced a short video available on YouTube (https://youtu.be/Wt8MBNzbEZA ).
Full details of the equipment supply and training initiative are also available here: https://www.aatgb.com/c-max-u2 .
Anyone involved in delivery of home adaptations knows too well how beset with pressure their work life is.
The backlog of assessments amplified by Covid, the whole adaptations/Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) process, minimising hospital admissions and accelerating hospital discharge are just some of the contributory factors.
Part of the problem lies in that, with the morass of boxes to tick in terms of paperwork, we sometimes forget the underlying ethos of DFG.
It is to make life better for the person, to enable them to live as independently as possible in their home environment for as long as reasonably practicable.
It is PERSON centred. That includes the impact of any adaptation on the rest of the household.
There is a ground swell of new options that can alleviate the pressure. The opportunity now exists requiring a combined team approach, where everyone within the Better Care Fund administrative structure- especially the Local Authority, NHS Trusts and Clinical Commissioning Groups- can make a conscious review of the way they work.
Key tools to utilise are:
The Guidance(1) has simplified the adaptations process in that it breaks it down into four elements under which a Grant can be given. It optimises discretionary powers (Regulatory Reform Orders aka RROs). It provides guidance on how to prioritise delivery.
To give an example, a parent is struggling to carry their growing disabled child up the stairs. The child cannot walk upstairs unaided.
The issue has a substantial effect on their daily life: adaptation is necessary, appropriate, reasonable and practicable. Under section B68 of the Guidance, the urgent works i.e to reduce the significant risk to parent and child should be addressed first to avoid delay.
The Tool takes what is widely practised in A&E departments and applies it to adaptations.
It breaks the initial client contact down into four key questions, with a “traffic light” system as to whether any third party assessment is needed.
It is worth remembering that although the client may need an OT or similar assessment because the need is complex, the solution may not be!
To reiterate our example of the parent struggling to carry their growing disabled child up the stairs, the child cannot walk upstairs unaided therefore a carer is needed. Under the Triage Tool an OT/Trusted Assessor is required.
Yet the solution could be as simple as provision of a stairclimber- something that may well be available in equipment stores, that does not require a surveyor to assess the physical fabric of the home as there are no building works/ structural fixings, alterations, something that is comparatively low cost if purchase is required so could be done under an RRO.
It is increasingly accepted that manufacturers can play a vital role in accelerating delivery of adaptations. Indeed, many Local Authorities are as a matter of course now involving manufacturers in the assessment process whether via a formal tender agreement or more informal called in as required…
It makes sense to do so.
Manufacturers are experts in their particular area and can support and advise the OT in the daily living practicalities of the client and their home environment, clinical assessment and Grant application process.
Stairclimbers(2) are mobile units that safely transfer the client up and down stairs.
They provide a swiftly available, low cost alternative to the accepted inter-floor transfer methods (stairlift, through-floor lift) as they can be delivered within days with no need to install or undertake any structural alteration. If nothing else, they can provide an expedient short-term solution to minimise risk but are often chosen by clients as a permanent solution(3).
They have an unrivalled safety record. They minimise risk in the potentially dangerous process of getting up and down stairs. They minimise transfers. They require no installation or physical alteration to the home. They do not impede other members of the household’s use of the home. They eliminate the need to re-arrange the home, moving beds downstairs etc. Should the client move house, the stairclimber can easily be transferred alongside. They enable the client to go beyond their home, into the garden or down front steps into their community. They can be re-issued to other clients when no longer needed by the initial recipient.
At AAT we will- free of charge and obligation- assess the client either alongside or in place of the OT (within 10 working days of contact), prepare a detailed report including photographs for the OT to integrate into the submission to the grants officer, supply the stairclimber to the client, set it up to their precise needs, and train the caregiver in its use. We can revisit to adjust over the years as the client’s needs change. We can service the machine on an annual basis.
We are already successfully providing this service throughout the UK mainland with individual within RROs
Click the link to book your free, no obligation assessment now: https://www.aatgb.com/mobility-stairclimbers/
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