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NO. 9
ISSUE 2015
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SPECI
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Handl
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Check out the brand new AT Today website –
www.ATtoday.co.uk
Solite_AT Banner_Apr 15.pdf
1
10/04/2015
14:41
With solutions for every clinical need and budget,
Sidhil has the pressure care answer.
...making it better
Acclaim
Pro
Acclaim
VE
T. 01422 233 000 / E. [email protected]
>>Visit our website: www.sidhil.com
Softrest
Solite Zoned
Contour
www.drivemedical.co.uk
The Product Portfolio Continues To Grow
Drive’s expanding range of
products now includes the
Specialised Orthotic Services
(SOS) range of specialised seating
and mobility products along with
rehabilitation products to aid
mobility and daily living.
The established Drive Casa range of products including
Profiling CasaBeds, Casaflex Mattresses and CasaLift Hoists
continue to prove popular since their inclusion into the range.
Drive Medical’s bathing division includes Aquajoy
and Mountway, both are established brands that
can be relied upon within the Bathlift market.
The Drive Medical group incorporates Welland Medical,
one of the largest UK manufacturers of Healthcare
Equipment and Mobility Aids.
Drive Medical are an established supplier to the social
care sector, we produce an excellent range of high quality
and cost effective healthcare equipment.
Telephone : 0116 276 1440 | Fax : 0116 276 4449 | Email: [email protected]
NEW
welcome
Catalogue
Welcome to the latest issue of AT Today, bringing you news about the latest
developments in the world of assistive technology.
The big news this time round is that AT Today has a new website which will be
carrying much more information on products and research and development in
the future. You’ll also be able to see the latest job opportunities in the sector too.
Request your
free copy today
Why not take a look – www.attoday.co.uk
www.attoday.co.uk
Engage
Stronger together
AT Today is a BHTA Engage publication. BHTA Engage is the commercial arm of the BHTA
(British Healthcare Trades Association) which represents almost 500 companies employing
over 17,000 people that make or sell healthcare and assistive technology products.
Editor
Advertising Enquiries
Calvin Barnett
01933 278086
[email protected]
Ed, Jayne or Sue
01536 317000
[email protected]
Robotic
Glove
development
Page 6
Over 2500 aids for
daily living
Over 400 new products
Exclusive NRS designs
In this
issue...
Slimmer & lighter
Therapy cat
initiative
Page 16
Free product advice
service managed by our
team of Occupational
Therapists
New stairs
solution
contact us to receive your free
Page 22
NRS Healthcare Catalogue
0845 121 8111
[email protected]
nrshealthcare.co.uk/prof
ATtoday
www.attoday.co.uk
Proportional head
control system
NowTechnologies has introduced what
it describes as an ‘innovative, all-in-one
wheelchair control solution’.
The company says that GyroSet is currently
the only product commercially available
that achieves proportional head control for
wheelchairs, crucial for users with tetraplegia.
GyroSet includes drive stabilisation and
environment control and navigation features. A
large set of compatible controllers are available,
such as touchpads, gel based sensors, ring
mice and the GyroSet headset which constantly
measures the head’s spatial position and
recognizes motion gestures, while tracking eyeblinking. It connects wirelessly to the joystick.
For more details, go to http://nowtech.hu
New module
maintains drive
direction
Curtiss-Wright Corporation has introduced the R-net Gyro Module from PG
Drives Technology.
According to the company, the new R-net Gyro Module adds an extra dimension
to controlling a wheelchair by maintaining the desired drive direction irrespective
of the external forces acting on the wheelchair. The company says that highspeed, front-wheel-drive type wheelchairs will benefit most from the addition of the
module, but that the technology also offers vastly improved drive performance on
rear-wheel-drive models when used with switch-type specialty controls.
The Gyro Module can effectively eliminate a condition known as fish-tailing,
when there is a tendency for a wheelchair to veer to one side or the other when
driving in a straight line.
For more details, call 01425 271444 or visit the website at www.cw-industrial.com
Donation shapes future of care
AKW, the adaptable kitchen and bathroom supplier, has donated products from
its range to a new training facility which will assist Health and Society students
at the University of Worcester.
Located on the University’s campus, the Community Living Environment
has been renovated to provide simulation facilities and is fully equipped
with specialist equipment for independent living. The occupational therapy
facility is aimed to replicate real-life situations and fulfill an essential regulatory
requirement in the development of competent healthcare graduates.
Products donated include a fully accessible and custom-designed kitchen
with rise and fall units for wheelchair users, along with two complete adaptable
bathrooms.
For more information on AKW products visit www.akw-ltd.co.uk
4
5
A high
And an industry first from Ergolet
5 year warranty
Ergolet is proud to announce
a 5 year warranty period for
our Luna IPx4 ceiling lift. This
is an industry first.
Years ahead
of the competition
Because of our
complete confidence
in Luna’s reliable
performance and
proven track record,
we can now offer
our customers an
outstanding 5 year
product warranty.
Luna IPx4: Unique in more ways than one.
5 year warranty does
not apply to batteries, strap or
hand control.
Now with an exceptional 5 year warranty.
5 year warranty is also valid for
all IPX4 Luna models sold in 2014.
5 year warranty is conditional on annual
service and inspection being performed by an
authorised service technician and the annual
service date registered, as stated in the Luna IPx4
user guide.
Ergolet , Taarnborgvej 12C , 4220 Korsoer , Denmark; tel. +45 70 27 37 20; email: [email protected], www.ergolet.com
ATtoday
www.attoday.co.uk
Lending sight
through an app
Be My Eyes connects blind people with
sighted helpers through a smartphone app.
Through a direct video call the app
gives blind people the opportunity to ask
a sighted volunteer for help, for tasks that
requires normal vision. The blind person
‘lends’ the helper’s eyes all through his or
her smartphone. The sighted helper is able
to see and describe what the blind person is
showing the sighted helper by filming with the
video camera in the smartphone.
For more details, visit www.bemyeyes.org
Robotic Glove for
stroke patents
Researchers at the University of Hertfordshire and a team of European partners
have developed a prototype of a robotic glove which stroke sufferers can use in
their own home to support rehabilitation.
Over the past three years the team developed two prototype robotic gloves,
which facilitate repetitive movement and exercise of the hand and wrist. The
device also records the patient’s performance and sends this to a therapist for
tailoring treatment remotely and arranging follow-up.
The €4,643,983 project called SCRIPT (Supervised Care and Rehabilitation
Involving Personal Tele-robotics) aims to provide an educational, motivational
and engaging interaction, making a more positive therapy session for the patient,
while providing feedback to them and their health care professionals.
The project website is at http://scriptproject.eu
6
Stairlift ranges to
suit most homes
Robotic supported
training for spinal
patients
The UK’s
largest range
of stairlift
solutions
An investigation by researchers in Germany and
Japan has demonstrated significant mobility
improvements in spinal injury patients after training
with the aid of a harness carrying a portion of their
weight and a robotic hybrid assistive limb (HAL)
exoskeleton designed by Cyberdyne, Inc. from
Japan.
Researchers monitored eight patients who had
all reached a chronic state in their condition so
that further improvement was unlikely. They had 90
minute physiotherapy sessions 5 times a week for
90 days, including treadmill training using the HAL
exoskeleton. Electrodes placed on the muscles
monitor potential differences, allowing the HAL
to read these muscle signals and respond with support from the motorised
exoskeleton. In addition around 50% of the patients’ weight was supported by a
harness to prevent toe dragging or knee buckling.
At the beginning of the study only three patients were able to walk for six
minutes, whereas by the end all could.
report, adding. “Evaluation in larger clinical trials is required”.
For more information, go to http://www.city.kawasaki.jp/en/
category/132-5-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0.html
New Dropfoot
option
The DMO E-step from DM Orthotics combines Dynamic
Movement Orthoses (DMO) and Functional Electrical
Stimulation (FES) technology to aid the management of adult
and child Dropfoot.
The DMO E-step is a hybrid neuro-stimulation unit, which
improves users walking gait, whilst providing greater ankle
stability. DM Orthotics have been working in partnership with
Southampton University’s, Rod Lane to develop this latest
innovation.
The DMO E-step combines DM Orthotics’ DMO Dorsiflex
Sock, which provides active dorsiflexion to people with
low muscle tone, with a neuromuscular stimulator. The
stimulator offers a number of benefits including a
wireless footswitch and motion sensor utilising
Bluetooth technology, which monitors the
movement of the user’s leg swing, to
determine when it should activate itself in
order to produce a more natural walking pattern.
For more details, call 01209 219205 or visit www.dmorthotics.com
Give us a call
to find out more
about one or all
of our ranges
Stairlifts
0845 225 3121
www.handicare.co.uk
ATtoday
www.attoday.co.uk
Research projects
awarded £5.3 million
New spoon for
shaky hands
A new design of spoon is going into
production after receiving donations from four
private backers.
The S’up Spoon was developed in
conjunction with Grant Douglas by Glasgowbased consultancy 4c Design3. The spoon
head has a deeper cavity to hold contents
more securely and reduce spillage. The
designers say that the sleek contours and
matte black finishing ensure the product is in
no way singled out as an assistive device.
You can see more about the product
at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJUU0YALm4
8
A prosthetic hand controlled by the nervous system, robotic clothing to help
people with walking, and biosensors to monitor how patients use equipment or
exercise during rehabilitation are the focus of three research projects awarded
£5.3 million by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
(EPSRC).
The three research projects are led by Newcastle University, the University of
Bristol and the University of Warwick working with 15 other university partners.
The Newcastle-led team will develop a prosthetic hand which will give users a
sense of feedback. The team will build fingertip sensors to give the prosthesis a
realistic sense of touch, including pressure, shear and temperature. In addition,
a ‘virtual hand’ will provide information on the sense of the hand’s position and
movement, known as proprioception. Finally, the system will translate the signals
to a form the brain understands and stimulate the nervous system to help the
user control the hand.
Research teams will also develop soft robotic clothing – for example, smart
trousers could help vulnerable people avoid falls by supporting them whilst
walking, give people added bionic strength to move between sitting and standing
positions, and help people climb stairs.
More about the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council at www.epsrc.ac.uk
Dr Kianoush Nazapour, Newcastle University with
prosthetic hand. Credit: Newcastle University
Moving & Handling
and Bathing Solutions
Holistic assessment
needed for MS
From micro
to major moves
we offer moving
and handling
solutions to
support the
carer and client
People with multiple sclerosis (MS) need to be holistically assessed when being
offered an electric wheelchair, a study at Brunel University London has found.
The unique study of 91 wheelchair users, each severely affected by MS, found
that 15% of the trial group had problematic pain, showing the need for a much
more professional assessment. It also noted that chairs with a tilt-in-space (TIS)
function had the potential to relieve some of the pain should they replace older
wheelchairs without TIS.
Overall, 30% of the study group had health conditions prone to aggravation by
constant sitting – sores, clots, osteoporosis and severe swelling.
By looking at people with advanced MS, the study also highlighted 10 health
problems including fractures, stroke, amputation and chronic joint pain that
would benefit from a medical evaluation in addition to the usual assessment by a
multi-professional team of therapists and engineers.
For more information, go to:
http://informahealthcare.com/doi/full/10.3109/09638288.2014.949356
Give us a call
to find out more
about one or all
of our ranges
Moving & Handling
and Bathing Solutions
0845 271 1107
www.handicare.co.uk
ATtoday
www.attoday.co.uk
Intelligent, carbon
fibre brace
A new leg brace has been launched in the UK
to help people living with partial paralysis, spinal
injury, post-stroke and post-polio syndrome
walk naturally again. The C-Brace, from
Ottobock, is the only exoskeleton of its kind.
The intelligent, carbon fibre brace uses a builtin microprocessor and sensors which allows
the knee to control all aspects of the walking
cycle and can be worn on either one or both
legs.
The C-Brace can help people who have
limited control of their leg/s to walk naturally,
cycle, walk down stairs and descend slopes at
a normal walking speed.
For more details, visit the website at www.ottobock.co.uk
Automatic drug
dispenser proves
effective
Sixteen elderly people in a Norwegian municipality have been testing an automatic
drug dispenser at home in their living rooms. Results include increased feelings of
empowerment, time saved by the home care services, and fewer medication errors.
Users who tested the automatic drug dispensers ranged in age from 68 to 96
and exhibited a variety of disabilities such as paralysis, reduced motor function
and visual and cognitive impairments.
“Users with a stable psyche and only moderate cognitive impairment report
a greater feeling of freedom when medication visits are stopped”, says SINTEF
researcher Ingrid Svagård. “In contrast, others feel that visits from municipal
home care workers provide them with a sense of security, and feel insecure when
they stop”, she says.
Electronic drug dispensers are just one component of the multi-faceted
concept known as “welfare technology”. The idea behind such initiatives is to
improve quality of life for the elderly and make health care services more efficient.
More about SINTEF at www.sintef.no
Drug free pain relief alternative
Offering a drug-free alternative to pain relief, Niagara Healthcare’s Cyclo-Therapy
system has been adopted at all twelve of the UK’s spinal cord injury centres.
Following a successful trial of the therapy at the NHS London Spinal Cord Injury
Centre at the Royal National Orthopaedic NHS Trust (RNOH), the portable hand held
units and circulation stimulation pads that deliver the Cyclo-Therapy have been donated
to all NHS spinal cord injury centres across the UK, with Occupational Therapists at
each centre having been trained on how to use both devices.
Cyclo-Therapy works on a three-dimensional “cycloidal vibration” giving a gentle and
relaxing experience while stimulating the blood flow and muscles.
To find out more call 0800 0370 211 or visit the website at www.niagaratherapy.co.uk
10
Powered and manual
Mobility aids
Manual or
powered, indoor
or out we have a
comprehensive
range of walkers,
wheelchairs and
scooters
Robo-Seal helping
dementia patients
A robotic baby seal is bringing love and affection into the confused and often
frustrated lives of dementia patients.
‘Paro’ has been purchased by the University of Brighton to test its effects on
patients and so far the seal pup is proving beneficial, and not just to patients:
Families are seeing smiles and happiness in the faces of their loved ones, a
source of great relief for many.
Paro costs £4,000 and has built-in sensors to react to sound and touch.
The artificial intelligence allows it to “learn” and respond to names patients give
it – Clarence and Snowball are two favourites. It reacts to being stroked and
spoken to. It wriggles, turns to the patient, opens its big eyes and lets out a cute,
appealing squeak. Even ward staff find Paro difficult to resist and often stroke
him as they pass by.
Its Japanese creater, Takanori Shibata, selected a harp seal because of its
benign looks and he designed it to make it obvious even to vulnerable people
that Paro is not real but made from synthetic fur and circuits – there are audible
robotic noises when it moves its head or flippers.
For more information on the research go to www.brighton.ac.uk/healthresearch/research-projects/the-paro-project.aspx
Give us a call
to find out more
about one or all
of our ranges
Mobility
0845 0745 945
www.handicare.co.uk
Moving &
HANDLING
New website for
Ergolet
Ergolet has a new web site featuring product
videos in English and Danish.
The easy to navigate site has downloadable
product brochures and user guides. Featured
are the new Mobile Flex portable gantry system.
Available in two versions, 2 post, which is height
and width adjustable and a 4 post portable x/y
system with a maximum footprint of 4m x 4m.
Both systems have a SWL of 275Kg.
The new website is at www.ergolet.com
New product saves
Caregivers backs
The new Sea from ArjoHuntleigh is a lightweight, ergonomic board with a centre
pivot point that allows caregivers to safely get patients from a supine position to
seated at the edge of the bed.
Seba reduces the lift load for caregivers by up to 80% and ensures a healthy
working posture throughout the lift process.
More information at www.arjohuntleigh.com.
Make the Smart™ choice...
P
Maximised Product Lifetime
Oxford’s unique Smart™ Monitor control system records a lift cycle only
when the equivalent work of a full up/down lift is completed at maximum
safe working load.
P
Simple Service & Maintenance
P
Improved Patient Safety
Smart™ Monitor
All data is readable from the on-board display screen, avoiding the
need for data cables and PC connectivity and a built in service counter
ensures you never miss a service.
By ensuring your lift is kept in optimum condition, patient safety is at
the heart of this technology. The Smart™ Monitor records attempted lift
overloads, alerting the user and service engineer to potential misuse.
To find out more, contact Joerns healthcare
0844 811 1156 or send an email to
[email protected]
on
Joerns.co.uk
Moving &
HANDLING
New beds deal
benefits patients
An innovative deal with medical suppliers Medstrom to supply more than 1,000
new beds is helping University College London Hospitals (UCLH) to drive down
the risk of patients developing pressure ulcers.
UCLH set a target of reducing pressure ulcers by 50 per cent in 2014-15, and
is on track to meet that goal. A raft of measures has contributed to that success,
including an increase in the number of beds available to wards and a reduction in
delivery time brought about by the new contract. Medstrom is also supplying the
latest mattresses, patient trolleys and associated products as well as providing a
maintenance service.
The seven year contract, signed in 2014, was driven by the UCLH
Procurement team with input from Nursing, Finance, Medical Physics and IT, and
saves staff time while giving a better service for patients. The contract also saves
money compared to previous arrangements for maintenance and additional hire
costs for products such as low beds and bariatric beds.
The website for the company is at www.medstrom.co.uk
At the heart of healthcare
If you’re looking for products or
services to maintain a client’s
independence – or that of a
relative or friend – then
finding a BHTA member is
the first step. They’ve got the
right expertise to give you
the right advice to find the
right product.
Our members – almost 500 companies
employing over 17,000 people – make or
sell assistive technology products that
help people live more independently.
Every BHTA member signs up to our
Code of Practice, overseen by the Trading
Standards Institute. This shows their
commitment to high levels of customer
care that go above and beyond their legal
obligations, giving you confidence.
Find a BHTA member
www.bhta.com
25th and 26th Nov 2015 NEC Birmingham
theotshow.com
MORE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS BAR NONE AT
THE LARGEST GATHERING OF OT’S IN THE COUNTRY!
Delivering over 4,000 OT’s and case managers working across NHS, community
and the private sector there is no better platform to present, promote and
educate Occupational Therapists on your products and services.
Occupational Therapy Show 2014 visitor breakdown*
LIM
STA ITED
AV N
BO AIL DS
OK ABL
NO E
W
95% said they met
suppliers or learnt about
products that they had
not had the time to
learn about previously
77% said the
Occupational Therapy
Show was important or
very important to their
job and profession
75% said they
had sole, joint or
advisory influence on
purchasing authority
64% have less than 2
hours or no time at all
to see sales reps at their
place of work
55% of visitors have
either already placed
an order or plan to
place an order in the
next 12 months
Multi-Billion UK Disability
Market
55%
*Source: independent post show research by Explori
4,000+
W
E
N 2015
OT professionals
are expected to
attend Occupational
Therapy Show 2015
3,261
Delegates in 2014 were
Occupational Therapists and
Case Managers including Lead,
Head and Band 6 or 7 OTs
+50%
increase in
attendance
growth from 2013
Paediatric Trail
If you have a Paediatric product or service then you can take part in
the Occupational Therapy Shows Paediatric Trail and drive Paediatric
OTs directly to your stand. Take advantage of this targeted marketing
campaign from the start of the visitor promotional campaign, right through until the
show starts highlighting all the education, products and services available to this specially targeted groups of
OT’s. This will give you, the exhibitor, even more opportunities to talk to OTs within this specialism and raise your
profile amongst your target market. This opportunity is completely free to any exhibiting company targeting
paediatric OT’s. To take part call Carmela on 020 7348 5767 or call Panayiota on 020 7348 4909 or
email [email protected]
R
FO
WANT TO EXHIBIT AT OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY SHOW 2015?
Call Carmela on 0207 348 5767 or Panayiota on 0207 348 4909 for more information or to book your stand
ATtoday
www.attoday.co.uk
Comfort
wheelchair
with unique
innovations
Robotic therapy
cat
JustoCat is a robotic therapy cat developed
and scientifically evaluated in cooperation
between robotics researchers and health
care researchers at Mälardalen University in
Sweden. The product innovators believe that
many people have memories of spending time
with cats and linked this to the reminiscence
method – to use memories from the past.
JustoCat breathes, purrs and meows. Tests
and research demonstrates positive results
from the users, as well as patients and caregivers.
The goal of JustoCat is to enrich the daily
lives of people with dementia. It can provide
increased psychological, physical and social
well-being, says Lars Asplund, creator of
JustoCat. A preliminary study made by the
researcher Marcus Persson at Mälardalen
University also shows the positive impact of
the psychosocial work environment for health
care personnel.
JustoCat is now available on the European
market, both for sale and through leasing from
Robyn Robotics AB. For more information,
contact Lars Asplund, CEO at [email protected]
16
By changing seat and back angles and adjusting the elevating leg supports on
the Etac Prio, you can vary body position and pressure points.
When the back is reclined, the dynamic pelvic support releases the tension,
giving the user a relaxed reclined position. The head support follows the same
dynamic principle: It moves slightly backwards when raising the wheelchair user
to an upright position, which gives the user freedom to move the head.
And, thanks to the Comfort Tilt Lock, there is no risk in unintentionally leaving
the user in too upright a position as the tilt lock automatically stops the tilt at a
pre-set angle, ensuring a relaxed and safe position.
For more information, call 0121 561 2222 or visit the website at www.etac.com
Care Beds Ltd
24 hours a day 7 days a week
Sales or Rental 0800 879 9289
www.nightingalebeds.co.uk
Olympia Expandable Width
Electric Profiling Bariatric Bed
Olympia Xlow Electric
Profiling Hospital Bed
Xpress Extra Wide Easily
Transported Medical Bed
Looking for a rollator that
suits your client’s needs?
Volaris S7 Rollators are a high end, durable and stylish rollator
range that stand the test of time, providing flexible support
that is adaptable to each user.
Quality: with patented VABS parking enabled brakes,
lightweight aluminium and a sturdy X frame construction, we
are confident to provide a minimum 2 year guarantee.
Adaptability: all rollators have customisable seat and handle
height, a foldable frame, and have an assistive accessories
range available.
Specialism: the range includes rollators specialised for
outdoor terrain, small indoor spaces, and indoor/outdoor
hybrids. The range comes in standard, XL, low, and XL low
sizes to suit each user.
Call: 0113 3720080 Email: [email protected]
Visit: www.doability.co.uk
Champion fo
Hannah Cockroft, MBE
or a Champion
New küschall Champion
is the rigid, active chair that
folds. It's lightweight and
compact offering excellent
performance with style.
More performance
More adjustments
More colours
Available in: Aluminium • Titanium • Carbon
Discover your own küschall Champion today!
T: 01656 776262
@Think_Mobility
www.invacare.co.uk
Children’s
EQUIPMENT
Rebound therapy
boost
Dolphin Mobility is supplying a number of hoists
which are being used as part of a rebound
therapy programme at SEN schools.
Across the UK more and more SEN schools
are introducing rebound therapy as part of their
daily activities.
At the Lady Zia Wernher School in Luton, the
company installed a Handi-Move mobile pool lift
over a sunken trampoline to ensure all children,
regardless of their disability, would be able to
access the equipment.
The Handi-Move mobile pool lift is made
from stainless steel and has a superb range of
movement, making it ideal for hoisting people
from their wheelchair to ground level – as with
a sunken trampoline – or into a pool where the
water line is below the edge. The safe working
load is 135 kg.
For more information on Dolphins products,
call 0800 980 0126 or visit the website at www.dolphinlifts.co.uk
Bringing smiles to
children’s faces
The new Multi Sensory Interactive Inflatable, affectionately known as Musii, is
bringing smiles to the faces of children with learning difficulties and physical
disabilities. The innovative, inflatable device has a number of spires which an
individual child or group of children can push, press and experiment with to
generate a range of sounds. Beneath the cones’ smooth white surface is a
complex audiovisual system which uses sensors to control a musical scale and
colour changing LED light modules to provide visual stimulation.
The invention is the brainchild of inflatable sculpture artists Pete Hamilton, Luke
Egan and techie Lex Cousins who stumbled across the idea whilst designing a
sculpture that could change colour when people walked past it. Soon after they
started experimenting with proximity sensors, the artists discovered the beam
did not pass through cloth and needed to be pressed to work. After an eureka
moment, the team realised the potential it would have for children with special
needs and learning difficulties.
Director Luke Egan said: “We soon realised that this would be a great toy for
kids and way for people with limited mobility to be able to play music. Soon after
that we contacted some local special needs schools and after they showed
some interest in the concept we began testing the system in their play sessions
and gaining professional feedback from the practitioners. We saw for ourselves
how kids with a wide range of disabilities who were using it reacted. It was a very
moving experience for us watching the joy, intrigue and excitement that Musii
brought those kids.”
Now installed in in the interactive kids zone at Birmingham international and a
range of schools, Musii
has been vigorously
tested, requires no
training to use and is
available for purchase
in the UK.
To find out more
information, visit the
website at www.musii.co.uk or
call 07769 662829
20
ATtoday
www.attoday.co.uk
The ‘Little Book
of Seating’
Chair manufacturer
Kirton has recently
introduced the ‘Little
Book of Seating’
– a pocket-sized
guide for OTs and
other healthcare
professionals.
The book, which
contains all sorts
of helpful hints
and tips, has been
developed in
conjunction with the
company’s OT Ambassador, Ellie Burcher.
The contents includes advice on a number
of things including pressure care, how to
assess correctly and how to produce a seating
care plan.
To view the Little Book of Seating visit www.kirton-healthcare.co.uk.
22
New stairs
solution launches
this year
The AssiStep is a new product that is being launched in Norway and Sweden in
2015. The AssiStep has a handle that users slide in front of them while ascending
and descending the stairs. It locks if they lose their balance or need some extra
support. The handle slides along a special handrail, and uses a patented locking
mechanism.
It can be installed on either straight or curved stairs and is designed as a
modular solution, so that it can be fitted to most stairs without being tailor-made.
The product was developed at the Norwegian university of science and
technology, in collaboration with the Norwegian Parkinson’s Union and Minoko
Design.
The company is looking for partners to work with in the UK. The website is at
www.assistep.com
NAEP National Annual Conference 2015
Attend this event to discover the latest ‘post-election’
views and opinions from our Conference Chair Roy Lilley
together with those of eminent keynote speakers and
panellists who will be discussing and debating the current
and forthcoming developments together with the impact
of the Care Act that will take us into the future.
To view the full conference programme please visit the
NAEP website (www.naep.org.uk) and follow the links for
the NAEP National Annual Conference 2015.
Delegate bookings
now open!!
Visit www.naep.org.uk
and follow the links for
conference
NAEP National Annual Conference 2015
16th & 17th June 2015
Chesford Grange Conference Centre & Hotel, Kenilworth, Warwickshire
CP_advert_A5:Layout 1 09/04/2015 19:31 Page 1
NB
S
hygiene beyond expectation
Accessible toilets. Changing lives.
Everyone uses a toilet – up to
8 times a day!
It is a human right – and Code of Practice under
BS8300:2009 – regardless of ability, to have access to
appropriate toilet and sanitary accomodation at home,
at work, and at play.
For more than 50 years, Clos-o-Mat has worked to
provide innovative healthcare products for the less able.
Today the objective remains as strong – to create a
better life for people with disabilities, at home, at work
and at play.
For more information on accessible toilets, please visit our website.
www.clos-o-mat.com
Creating a well functioning washroom, bathroom or
wetroom is a complex task.
Therefore, the Clos-o-Mat range ensures that the
products can be adjusted to suit any user and any usersituation.
Tel: 0800 374 076 Email: [email protected]
design • manufacture • supply • install • ser vice • recycle
ATtoday
www.attoday.co.uk
Gym video workout
The Active Hands Gym Workout video,
presented by Wheelchair Athlete Rob Smith,
takes people step by step through various
exercises designed to strengthen the upper
body.
The exercises are split into four sections:
free-weights, weight machines, cable and
pulley machines, and TRX-system.
Shot in a regular gym, it shows how, using
the Active Hands gripping aid range, people
can perform a variety of exercises to build
strength, increase stamina, improve balance
and prevent injury.
The video, which has been seen over 4,000
times, can be viewed at https://www.youtube.
com/watch?v=S9vQZ79r1CQ
New identity
for 100 year old
company
As it approaches its 100th year, RSL Steeper will
now be known simply as Steeper. The provider
of orthotic, prosthetic and assistive technology
products has re-launched with a new identity.
There’s a new strapline too – creating life’s
turning points, together. The company says that
the rebrand is the result of extensive research
and workshops with employees, customers,
clinicians and distributors and brings together
all divisions of the company together under a
unified and consistent identity.
For more information, visit www.steepergroup.com
24
Easy clean
commode chair
Vernacare has developed a new commode chair - introducing a robust, easyclean design - to help reduce the risk of Healthcare Associated Infections
(HCAIs).
The VernaChair can
be steam cleaned and
withstands the thermal
disinfection conditions
used to clean commodes.
The commode features
castors enclosed in a
protective shield to help
prevent debris collection
and an easy-clean
removable footrest.
In Europe alone, it is
estimated that around 4.5
million episodes of HCAIs
are reported each year,
with the cost to the UK
NHS now widely believed
to be in excess of £1bn
annually.
For further information
visit the website at www.vernacare.com
Swedish walkers in UK
TR Equipment has formed an alliance
with Gate, another Swedish company
and has an exclusive arrangement to
distribute the Gate range of products
in the UK.
The company says that, apart from
being an excellent aid for getting
patients up and about, the Gate
Stand-Tall Walker range is also a
valuable rehabilitation tool keeping
the patient’s muscles and alimentary
canal active. Proper support makes
it easier for patients with weak legs
to walk, and some can even manage
without the support of healthcare
personnel.
For more information, visit the
website at www.trequipment.co.uk
Powered toilet
lifts reduce falls
LiftSeat provides the world’s leading range of powered toilet lifts
that are proven to reduce falls and increase patient and carer safety.
Like a rise and recline chair in your living room, the LiftSeat toilet lift
smoothly lowers you from a standing position and raises you back
up from a sitting position so you can safely use the toilet on your
own either in the bathroom or bedside as a powered commode.
The LiftSeat HOME features...
• an easy-to-use, two-button controller
• height adjustable free standing unit guaranteed to fit your toilet
• comes with a commode bucket for use bedside as a powered
commode
• battery and mains power as standard
• 23st/145kgs SWL (Home Plus version 32st/203kgs)
• no assembly required – just
remove your existing toilet seat
Call: 0800 043 9358 Email: [email protected]
Visit: www.liftseat.co.uk
Telecare &
COMMUNICATIONS
SOS phone as loud
as a road drill
The new M8000 Super Mobile Phone has an
Emergency Button, a Voice Assisted Operating
system with a large keypad and screen, and is
very, very loud.
The SOS button at the rear will help in
an emergency, dialling up to 5 pre-selected
numbers until somebody answers, as well as 3
quick dial buttons for frequently used numbers.
The one touch 2megapixel camera/
camcorder allows users to send text and
pictures. Calls can be up to 80 times louder
than regular phones with a powerful vibrating
alert, and a ringtone that can sound as loud as
a road drill!
For more information, call 0800 032 1301 or
visit www.hearingdirect.com
Spanish solution
to keeping in
touch
Spanish company SAI Wireless has developed the MiMov telecare solution,
aimed at keeping vulnerable people connected to their caregivers and loved ones
whilst retaining their independence.
The range features a range of mobile devices for users and online platforms
and apps for caregivers to detect emergencies and monitor vulnerable users.
End users have the choice of two devices in the MiMov range; the simplified
MiMov Device or the more advanced MiMov Smart. The MiMov Device is an easy
to use mobile phone with four buttons which have preconfigured numbers set by
caregivers, allowing the users to contact carers, friends and family members at
the touch of a button. The MiMov Smart is a smartphone designed specifically to
be used by vulnerable persons. The smartphone comes with the MedicMe app,
a 4.5 inch screen and large numbers and letters for those suffering from visual
impairment. Importantly, both the MiMov Device and the MiMov Smart have SOS
buttons, which when pressed initiates a sequence of calls and SMS messages to
the users support network automatically.
There is an online platform which is used to configure both mobile devices
and access the location and monitoring services. The web interface is controlled
by the person responsible for the overall care of the user and can be accessed
via desktops or portable devices such as smartphone and tablets. The system
allows for detailed monitoring, including whitelisting incoming numbers,
measuring the battery life of the user’s device and creating geo-fence security
areas that alert both the user and the support network should the user leave the
specified area in real time.
The website is at www.mimov.com
26
SOS Angel
provides
reassurance
My SOS Family has
created a simple system
to ensure vulnerable
people are able to
send emergency SOS
messages at the
touch of a button to a
network of individuals.
The SOS Angel is an
essential mobile phone
personal assistance
alarm pendant with
GPS tracking and an
SOS button capable
of alerting an unlimited
network of people that
the owner requires help.
Whilst the SOS Angel
is able to perform
advanced functionality,
the company has
focused on making the
device as simple as
possible for users.
The GPS allows for
the wearer to be located with a Google Map link and also
allows family members, friends and carers to talk through it to
emergency services or others in the support network.
For suffers of illnesses such as dementia and for the elderly
who are mobile but can require help quickly, the ability to build
a comprehensive support network for people is essential,
whilst the ease of use is important for wearers to have the
confidence to remain independent.
Find out more at http://www.mysosfamily.com
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
Telecare &
COMMUNICATIONS
Mobile phones
back to basics
As mobile phones become increasingly complex, one company is bucking the
trend and focusing on taking mobile communications back to basics for seniors,
people suffering with disabilities or learning difficulties.
OwnFone is the brainchild of young inventor Tom Sunderland who developed a
simplified, easy to use mobile phone whilst studying at university.
Users choose between four, eight or twelve contacts to register onto the
phone and decide from words, images or 3D buttons such as braille or texture
for the buttons.
Sarah Watts, Sales Director of OwnFone, said: “Programmed numbers are
held in our cloud rather than the phone, so you can’t delete a number or call
someone by mistake. The only numbers you can dial are the ones that are
registered. We find people with dementia remember faces a lot longer than they
remember names, so the image buttons are very useful. For seniors and those
who find it difficult to dial numbers, all they have to do is press one button to
communicate.”
To learn more about OwnFone visit www.ownfone.com
Interactive music products available in UK
Beamz Interactive, Inc. has signed an agreement with RSL Steeper Ltd, for the UK company to promote and supply the Beamz
Care Facility bundled solution specifically configured for use within UK residential care facilities through its Assistive Technology
Division.
Beamz has created state-of-the-art interactive laser controller
technology and in its first application, the company has developed
an innovative new music technology that brings music to literally
everyone in a way that was previously not possible. It allows
people that have no musical background or training to play and
enjoy music within minutes.
The Beamz Care facility model is compatible with multiple
platforms (PC, Mac and Apple iOS) and is supplied with 65 songs.
For more information on Beamz, go to www.thebeamz.com
For more information on RSL Steeper, go to www.rslsteeper.com
28
The Healthcare and Assistive Technology
Society is the professional body for individual
practitioners in assistive technology
3Installers
3 Technicians
3Fitters
3 Anyone who assesses
3Sales team
or advises on products.
3Customer services
Every member of the Society is committed to a
Code of Conduct and to keeping their knowledge
and skills up to date.
www.hatsoc.org
www.dlf-data.org.uk
Supporting staff, giving customers confidence
Are you using the UK’s
leading source of equipment
information and advice for
older and disabled people?
• Over 11,000 products
listed in-depth
• Used to support 25,000
telephone enquiries annually
• The data source powering
www.livingmadeeasy.org.uk
targeting 1 million visitors
in 2015
For further information. please phone
Janet Seward on 020 7432 8011 or
email [email protected]
DLF-Data Advert 1-15.indd 1
Reg Charity No. 290069
4/13/2015 4:23:15 PM
Pressure
CARE
State of art chair
from Careflex
Probe senses
wound care issues
A high-tech ally has just entered the battle
against pressure sores. The device, developed
jointly by the Veterans Affairs Center for
Innovation and Niskayuna, NY-based GE Global
Research, is a handheld probe that combines
motion analysis, thermal profiling, 3D object
reconstruction, and vapor detection. The goal of
this effort is to provide a single medical sensing
device to assess and monitor the progression
of pressure ulcers, or bed sores, formed during
hospital stays.
The new device has built-in analytics software
to analyse data for informed decision-making
about patient treatment and is currently is
undergoing pilot testing.
Additional features said to be included on
the new probe include a thermal sensor that
measures the temperature profile within and
around the ulcer and an RGB sensor that can
help characterise the visual colour and texture
pattern of the ulcer, providing quantitative
analysis of the wound tissue composition.
(Source: GE Global Research)
30
CareFlex has introduced a new, state-of-the-art Level 4 chair, the SmartSeatPro.
The SmartSeatPro is a highly adjustable, modular seating system for clients
with complex postural and pressure management needs. It has been designed
to give healthcare professionals maximum adaptability to optimise posture,
function and comfort for their
clients.
The level of flexibility
offered by the four part
back-rest ensures the
SmartSeatPro can be
readily configured to suit
individual needs, aiding
pelvic stability as well as
trunk and head alignment.
The individual backrest components can be
quickly and easily adjusted
to ensure that a range
of postural asymmetries
such as kyphosis, lordosis
and scoliosis, can be fully
supported, stabilised and,
where possible, corrected
from the sacrum to the cervical
spine.
The unique multi-adjustable
back has three upper back-rest
components which can be altered
in height, depth, angle, offset and
rotated to suit the user’s needs.
Each of these upper elements
include built-in adjustable wings which
can be individually positioned to contour
the seat back to the user’s shape.
For more information, call 0800
018 6440 or visit the website at
www.careflex.co.uk
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Ezy-As Compression
Garment Donning –
Single Handed
There are many reasons why people need to wear compression
garments. For some, it will be because they are having surgery;
either on the day of the operation or for weeks afterwards. Many
athletes also don compression socks to improve circulation,
help prevent muscle soreness and aid muscle recovery. Others
need compression garments to manage chronic condition
such as Oedema, Varicose Veins, Deep Vein Thrombosis,
Lymphoedema or Phlebitis.
However, anyone who wears compression garments know
how difficult they can be to don and doff. Many people who rely
on them day-to-day simply don't have the strength or range of
motion to be able to apply their own garments easily.
Moore (UK) Ltd is the official UK Ezy-As™, Sock-eez™ and
EZY-Glove™ distributor, supplying a range of market-leading
compression stocking/garment applicators used for donning
and doffing. Specifically designed to reduce the pain and effort
in applying garments to arms and legs, Ezy- As™, Sock-eez™
and EZY Glove™ products significantly reduce the time taken in
fitting/removing compression garments – instead of minutes, it
can take just seconds.
These applicators can be used by individuals or their carers
and unlike many other competitors' applicators, Ezy-As does
not directly touch the skin, thereby reducing the risk of pulling
on fragile skin or disturbing dressings.
There is an area where Moore (UK) needs your help as
donning with two hands is not easy, with one, either due to
amputation, stroke or other medical
conditions it is nigh impossible. If you
live in the Cambridge/Suffolk/Essex
areas I would be interested in seeking
your help in making a new prototype
into a working solution for single
handed application.
Please contact Paul Moore on
01440 706132 or email [email protected]
MOORE (UK) LTD
Meets ALL your
compression needs
Ezy-As - Compression
Garment Donning/Doffing
Ezy-Glove - Compression Garment
Donning Super Grip Glove
Sock-eez Doffing Aid
Compression Every Day
Wear/Travel Socks (Class I)
Medalin Lymphodema
Fuller Fitting Socks
(Multi Colours/Sizes)
Medalin Diabetic Socks
(Multi Colours/Sizes)
Moore (UK) Ltd offers a full range of devices
to meet your compression garment needs
and everyday wear socks for diabetics, lymphodema, maternity, sports, travel etc. visit
website for full details
Contact Paul Moore on 01440 706132
or email [email protected]
www.mooreuk.co.uk
Pressure
CARE
Latest innovation
in pressure care
According to Park House Healthcare, the
Gel-Kool product range demonstrates the
latest innovation in pressure area care, which
combines gel infused visco-elastic foam with
a sodium hypochlorite
resistant cover. The range
consists of Gel-Kool / GelKool +high specification
foam mattresses and
a Gel-Kool Cushion to
provide a 24/7 solution.
Call 0845 0600 333.
The website is at www.parkhouse-hc.com
Smart bandage
detects pressure
ulcer damage
Engineers at the University of California are
developing a new type of bandage. Researchers
have created a new ‘smart bandage’ that uses
electrical currents to detect early tissue damage
from pressure ulcers, or bedsores, before
they can be seen by human eyes - and while
recovery is still possible.
“By the time you see signs of a bedsore on
the surface of the skin, it’s usually too late,” said
Dr. Michael Harrison, a professor of surgery at
UCSF and a co-investigator of the study. “This
bandage could provide an easy early-warning
system that would allow intervention before the
injury is permanent. If you can detect bedsores
early on, the solution is easy. Just take the
pressure off.”
He added: “The genius of this device is that
it’s looking at the electrical properties of the
tissue to assess damage. We currently have no
other way to do that in clinical practice.”
32
TLC helps
prevent injuries
BES Healthcare has introduced the TLC (Touch-free Life Care) system to help
reduce preventable injuries. With falls and pressure ulcers becoming a growing
concern and cost to the NHS, the remote patient monitoring TLC system aims to
prevent these incidents whilst remaining unobtrusive and non-invasive.
The system has a TLC sensor mat, which when placed under a mattress turns
the bed into a smart bed. The mat continuously detects heart rate, breathing
rate, motion and presence; transmitting all the data to the TLC cloud-based
platform. Caregivers are then able to can receive health data and alerts to their
PC’s or mobile devices about their patients.
According to the company, the data collected can be used to review long
term trend data for sleep patterns, resting heart, breathing rate and sleep quality
to identify adverse changes in patient’s health early on. The system can let
healthcare professionals and
caregivers monitor a group
of up to 60 people, allowing
patients to be monitored within
their own homes or in a care
setting without being disturbed.
Currently being used as
part of a pilot programme
by Blackburn with Darwen
Council, a recent trial report
published by Goodmark
Medical, distributors of TLC
in the US, revealed that the
TLC reduced the incidence of
pressure ulcers by 85.4%
To find out more about the
pilot programme contact BES
at +44 (0) 1179 666 761 or
[email protected]
Stainless Steel construction.
Removable magnetically
attached cushions.
Sealed seams and no Velcro!
Infection
Control
Innovation
by Primacare
A range of comfortable seating where
easy cleaning and infection control is paramount
iC Enabler Lite SS
iC Hydra-TIS
iC Riser Porter
iThe Enabler Lite SS is
a manually adjustable
rehabilitation chair for
sitting and portering.
The iC Hydra-TIS is an
adjustable comfortable
rehabilitation chair for
use in hospitals for
sitting and portering.
The Riser Porter is an
electrically operated dual
tilt-in-space porter chair
which can be infinitely
positioned for comfort.
Infection Control Innovation
iC chairs by: Primacare ltd
Unit 26, Heads of the Valleys Industrial Estate
Rhymney, Tredegar. NP22 5RL
telephone (01685) 845900
[email protected]
Pressure
CARE
New hybrid
mattress
system
Sidhil has extended its range of dynamic and static mattress
systems with the launch of the Acclaim Flow which is designed around
Sidhil’s intelligent Air Flow Technology, a self-regulating air displacement and
intake system which uses the patient’s own body mass and weight to provide the
correct surface to optimise tissue viability.
The Acclaim Flow hybrid uses a clever combination of foam and air filled cells to
achieve effective pressure redistribution, ensuring optimum comfort for patients.
It consists of ten robust, interconnected air filled cells, encased in a foam shell
and topped with a special foam layer featuring a unique castellation programme,
designed using pressure mapping techniques to give optimum results. A reduced
size castellation is designed in to protect the vulnerable heel area.
For more details, call 01422 233 000 or visit www.sidhil.com
sumed ad_artwork 10/09/2012 10:55 Page 1
Contact 01457 890980 [email protected]
Dedicated to the healing and
maintenance of healthy skin providing
a comprehensive range of pressure relieving
cushions, mattresses and interface pressure
mapping technology.
Viscotech
Flowform
XSensor
Integrity
®
Community mattresses
in medium or high risk
available for up to 40
stones (254kg).
®
Pressure Mapping
Technology available
exclusively from
SUMED® in the UK.
®
Ultra 90 pressure
relieving cushion
suitable for up to
stages1-2 pressure
damage.
®
Alternating Pressure
replacement
mattress system
with exceptional
functionality and
ease of use.
NEW
Our CONSUMER ONLINE SHOP is now available - www.sumed.co.uk
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ATtoday website today
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...designed for you
Y
beautifully handcrafted
adjustable chairs and beds
bespoke designs
delivery in just seven days
unparalleled retailer support
To find out more about becoming a
Rise & Recline Ltd. retailer call us on
0115 913 3572
[email protected]
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DELIVER
Y
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