Prior to contacting Wealden Rehab, our client had been using a shower chair previously assessed for him. Due to changes in his condition and support requirements, the existing equipment was no longer suitable or safe and as a result, he was bed-bound feeling very low.
He was experiencing anxiety and fear of falling during transfers, as he leans heavily to his right side and requires full support from care staff and a hoist for all transfers. His postural needs were complex, necessitating specialized equipment to ensure safety and comfort.
Collaboration with Assessment & Adjustments
During the initial assessment conducted by the local authority OT team, the lead OT and Adam, our Product Advisor, the client trialled a standard RAZ AT600. It quickly became evident that the basic model would not fully meet his requirements. Key adjustments identified included:
- Lateral support on the right side to address postural leaning
- Hip support to position our client centrally in the chair
- Footrest adjustments to support his feet comfortably
These modifications were essential to ensure the client could use the chair safely and confidently. We worked closely with the supplier, OT, and MF to identify a suitable solution. Adam proposed potential adjustments, and Wealden Rehab configured the shower chair for a trial assessment before final purchase.
During the trial, the client was seated in a much more stable and supported position compared to his previous equipment. Adam adjusted the footrests for optimal support. The OT team assisted with transferring our client from room to room to assess manoeuvrability.
It was determined that a larger lateral support would further enhance his posture. As this would require a custom part from RAZ, we proceeded with processing the main chair order and planned the custom lateral support as a separate quote to minimize delays. Additionally, a full-length footplate was recommended for long-term comfort and stability.
Conclusion
With the RAZ AT600 configured to our client's needs:
- He now has safe, reliable access to his shower and lounge/recliner chair.
- He is no longer confined to bed, positively impacting his mental health and overall wellbeing.
- Transfers are safer for both cleint and his care team, reducing anxiety and risk of falls.
The tailored adjustments and careful assessment have ensured that he can now maintain independence and dignity during daily hygiene routines, while giving his carers the confidence to support him safely.