“Short term” solution for safe transfer becomes the preferred option
A
“quick fix”, temporary measure to enable the parents of a young woman with severe disabilities has turned into their preferred option.
The through-floor lift in the Doncaster home of the Ellis family
repeatedly broke down, eventually being condemned. Without it, father Peter found it almost impossible to safely carry his daughter Rhian up and down stairs: the family home is small, with a tight, curved staircase, and Rhian’s condition means she has uncontrolled muscle spasms.
He contacted the family’s Occupational Therapist, who by chance had just attended a presentation on stairclimbers. The design of the staircase in the family home meant it was not practical to install a stairlift. Replacing the through-floor lift would take time. Yet a means of enabling the family to safely transfer Rhian was necessary. A quick telephone call to Britain’s #1 stairclimber provider AAT meant that within hours, the Ellis’ problem was resolved. AAT provided a stairclimber the same day, solving the immediate issue. As space was at a premium in the home, and the stairclimber could be folded away when not in use, the family chose to keep it instead of going through the process of a replacement through-floor lift.
“The stairclimber is so easy, and Rhian feels safe in it, she is very
routine-orientated, ” explains Peter Ellis. “AAT trained me and my wife, so either of us can use it on our own. For safeguarding, we have a harness attached so Rhian is secure even if she has a seizure during the transfer process (she suffers from epilepsy too). “We’ve had the stairclimber eight years now! The design of the
staircase means it’s not practical to fit a stairlift, and to be honest, we prefer the stairclimber to the through-floor lift we had, as it frees up space which is in short supply anyway. “The design of the stairclimber, with arms that swing out of the way to aid transfer, also makes moving Rhian from it to her specialist hospital bed much easier for us. It reduces the strain on us physically, and reduces the number of transfers, as we can just slide her across. Before, we had to transfer her from the through-floor lift to an H hoist and then from the hoist to bed.” Gareth Brown, AAT’s Technical Director and NE Regional Manager, who expediated the Ellis’ situation, added, “Speed was essential to find a practical solution for the family. As the Council did not have a stock stairclimber available, we hired them a demonstration model initially and ordered one in for them. Stairclimbers tend to be viewed as a short-term solution, but this one has certainly proven they can be a practical long-term solution too: the Ellis’ have had it eight years now!” AAT’s Sella stairclimber provides a smooth method of transferring someone with reduced mobility up and down stairs or steps. Looking like a compact wheelchair, its battery pack powers the German-engineered Class 1 medical device smoothly up and down the flight, at whatever speed the operator feels comfortable. The battery is rechargeable, with each charge providing power for up to 300 steps. Provision of a stairclimber means someone with mobility issues can be transferred up and down stairs without the physical or structural changes to the building fabric inherent in alternative vertical transfers. Thus needs can be met quickly, eliminating the delay typical with an adaptation. A range of accessories means the Sella can be tailored to individual requirements and support, although the new Universal Back with integrated back, forward and lateral supports be adjusted to each user, facilitating re- issue from equipment stores.
The Sella (
https://www.aatgb.com/s-max-sella/) is just one of the range of stairclimbers available from AAT, Britain’s only truly national provider. Options include bariatric and ambulance versions, and separate power packs for fitting to conventional unpowered wheelchairs. AAT is also expert in vacuum and foam postural support systems. Full details can be obtained via the website
www.aatgb.com- including LiveChat- or by email (
sales@aatgb.com) or telephone (01978 821875).
32 Ability Needs Magazine
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