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AT Today keeps professionals working in the assistive technology marketplace up to date with all the latest products and developments.
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ATtodayThe new world of Assistive Technology
For professionals working in
the new world of Assistive Technology
ISSUE NO. 9
SPRING 2015
SPECIAL FEATURES ON:
Moving & Handling
Childrens Equipment
Pressure Care
Telecare & Communications
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Check out the brand new AT Today website –www.ATtoday.co.uk
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 Aquajoyand Mountway, both are established brands thatcan be relied upon within the Bathlift market.
The Drive Medical group incorporates Welland Medical,one of the largest UK manufacturers of HealthcareEquipment and Mobility Aids.
Drive Medical are an established supplier to the socialcare sector, we produce an excellent range of high qualityand cost effective healthcare equipment.
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.
Telephone : 0116 276 1440 | Fax : 0116 276 4449 | Email: [email protected]
www.drivemedical.co.uk
The Product Portfolio Continues To Grow
DML AT Advert A4 04.15.indd 1 10/04/2015 16:57
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Job0178 Skyscraper Ad [AT Today]:Layout 1 26/3/15 21:33 Page 1
EngageStronger together
welcomeWelcome 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.
Why not take a look – www.attoday.co.uk
www.attoday.co.ukAT 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.
EditorCalvin Barnett 01933 [email protected]
Advertising EnquiriesEd, Jayne or Sue01536 [email protected]
In th
is
issu
e...
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 Aquajoyand Mountway, both are established brands thatcan be relied upon within the Bathlift market.
The Drive Medical group incorporates Welland Medical,one of the largest UK manufacturers of HealthcareEquipment and Mobility Aids.
Drive Medical are an established supplier to the socialcare sector, we produce an excellent range of high qualityand cost effective healthcare equipment.
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.
Telephone : 0116 276 1440 | Fax : 0116 276 4449 | Email: [email protected]
www.drivemedical.co.uk
The Product Portfolio Continues To Grow
DML AT Advert A4 04.15.indd 1 10/04/2015 16:57
ATtodaywww.attoday.co.uk
4
Proportional head control systemNowTechnologies 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 eye-blinking. It connects wirelessly to the joystick.
For more details, go to http://nowtech.hu
New module maintains drive directionCurtiss-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 high-speed, 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 careAKW, 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
A high Ergolet is proud to announce a year warranty period for our Luna IPx4 ceiling lift. This is an industry first.
year warranty does not apply to batteries, strap or hand control.
year warranty is also valid for all IPX4 Luna models sold in 2014.
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
And an industry first from Ergoletyear warranty
5 5
5
Years aheadof the competitionBecause of our complete confidence in Luna’s reliable performance and proven track record, we can now offer our customers an outstanding year product warranty.
5
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5 Luna IPx4: Unique in more ways than one.
Now with an exceptional year warranty.
ATtodaywww.attoday.co.uk
6
Robotic Glove for stroke patentsResearchers 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
Lending sight through an appBe 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
Stairlift ranges to suit most homes
The UK’s largest range
of stairlift solutions
Give us a call to find out more about one or all of our ranges
Stairlifts0845 225 3121www.handicare.co.uk
ATtoday skyscraper 82x297 SEPT 12.indd 1 28/09/2012 12:41
Robotic supported training for spinal patientsAn 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 optionThe 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
ATtodaywww.attoday.co.uk
8
New spoon for shaky handsA 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 Glasgow-based 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
Research projects awarded £5.3 millionA 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
From micro to major moves we offer moving
and handling solutions to support the
carer and client
Give us a call to find out more about one or all of our ranges
Moving & Handling and Bathing Solutions0845 271 1107www.handicare.co.uk
ATtoday skyscraper 82x297 SEPT 12.indd 2 28/09/2012 12:41
Holistic assessment needed for MSPeople 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
ATtodaywww.attoday.co.uk
10
Intelligent, carbon fibre braceA 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 built-in 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 effectiveSixteen 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 alternativeOffering 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
Powered and manual Mobility aids
Manual or powered, indoor or out we have a comprehensive
range of walkers, wheelchairs and
scooters
Give us a call to find out more about one or all of our ranges
Mobility0845 0745 945www.handicare.co.uk
ATtoday skyscraper 82x297 SEPT 12.indd 3 28/09/2012 12:41
Robo-Seal helping dementia patientsA 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
Moving &HANDLING
New website for ErgoletErgolet 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 backsThe 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.
Joerns.co.uk
Make the Smart™ choice...
To find out more, contact Joerns healthcare
on 0844 811 1156 or send an email to
P Maximised Product LifetimeOxford’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 & MaintenanceAll 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.
P Improved Patient SafetyBy 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.
Smart™ Monitor
Joerns.co.uk
Make the Smart™ choice...
To find out more, contact Joerns healthcare
on 0844 811 1156 or send an email to
P Maximised Product LifetimeOxford’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 & MaintenanceAll 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.
P Improved Patient SafetyBy 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.
Smart™ Monitor
Moving &HANDLING
New beds deal benefits patientsAn 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
If you’re looking for products orservices to maintain a client’sindependence – or that of arelative or friend – thenfinding a BHTA member is the first step. They’ve got theright expertise to give you
the right advice to find the right product.
Our members – almost 500 companiesemploying over 17,000 people – make orsell assistive technology products thathelp people live more independently.
Every BHTA member signs up to our Code of Practice, overseen by the TradingStandards Institute. This shows theircommitment to high levels of customercare that go above and beyond their legalobligations, giving you confidence.
Find a BHTA memberwww.bhta.com
At the heart of healthcare
25th and 26th Nov 2015 NEC Birminghamtheotshow.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.
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
Occupational Therapy Show 2014 visitor breakdown*
*Source: independent post show research by Explori
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
Multi-Billion UK Disability Market
95% said they met suppliers or learnt about products that they had not had the time to learn about previously
55% of visitors have either already placed an order or plan to place an order in the next 12 months
77% said the Occupational Therapy Show was important or very important to their job and profession
55%
LIMITED STANDS
AVAILABLE
BOOK NOW
4,000+OT professionals are expected to attend Occupational Therapy Show 2015
3,261Delegates 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]
NEW
FOR 2015
1118 - OTs - THIIS advert 150331.indd 1 31/03/2015 09:42:23
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ATtodaywww.attoday.co.uk
Robotic therapy catJustoCat 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 care-givers.
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]
Comfort wheelchair with unique innovationsBy 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
Xpress Extra Wide EasilyTransported Medical Bed
24 hours a day 7 days a week
Sales or Rental 0800 879 9289www.nightingalebeds.co.uk
Olympia Expandable WidthElectric Profiling Bariatric Bed
Olympia Xlow ElectricProfiling Hospital Bed
Care Beds Ltd
Call: 0113 3720080 Email: [email protected]: www.doability.co.uk
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 fl exible support that is adaptable to each user.
Quality: with patented VABS parking enabled brakes, lightweight aluminium and a sturdy X frame construction, we are confi dent 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.
New küschall Championis the rigid, active chair thatfolds. It's lightweight andcompact offering excellentperformance with style.
Discover your own küschall Champion today!
More performance
More adjustments
More colours
Aluminium • Titanium • Carbon
�
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Available in:
T: 01656 776262 @Think_Mobility www.invacare.co.ukHannah Cockroft, MBE
Champion foraChampionKuschallChampionA3:Layout 1 10/4/15 15:48 Page 1
New küschall Championis the rigid, active chair thatfolds. It's lightweight andcompact offering excellentperformance with style.
Discover your own küschall Champion today!
More performance
More adjustments
More colours
Aluminium • Titanium • Carbon
�
�
�
Available in:
T: 01656 776262 @Think_Mobility www.invacare.co.ukHannah Cockroft, MBE
Champion foraChampionKuschallChampionA3:Layout 1 10/4/15 15:48 Page 1
Children’sEQUIPMENT
Rebound therapy boostDolphin 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 facesThe 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
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ATtodaywww.attoday.co.uk
ATtodaywww.attoday.co.uk
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
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
NAEP National Annual Conference 2015 16th & 17th June 2015 Chesford Grange Conference Centre & Hotel, Kenilworth, Warwickshire
Delegate bookings now open!!
Visit www.naep.org.uk and follow the links for
conference
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.
Accessible toilets. Changing lives.hygiene beyond expectation
d e s i g n • m a n u f a c t u r e • s u p p l y • i n s t a l l • s e r v i c e • r e c y c l e
NBS
Tel: 0800 374 076 Email: [email protected]
www.clos-o-mat.com
Everyone uses a toilet – up to 8 times a day!It is a human right – and Code of Practice underBS8300:2009 – regardless of ability, to have access toappropriate toilet and sanitary accomodation at home,at work, and at play.
For more than 50 years, Clos-o-Mat has worked toprovide innovative healthcare products for the less able.
Today the objective remains as strong – to create abetter life for people with disabilities, at home, at workand at play.
Creating a well functioning washroom, bathroom orwetroom is a complex task.
Therefore, the Clos-o-Mat range ensures that theproducts can be adjusted to suit any user and any user-situation.
For more information on accessible toilets, please visit our website.
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Swedish walkers in UKTR 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
ATtodaywww.attoday.co.uk
Gym video workoutThe 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 companyAs 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
Easy clean commode chairVernacare has developed a new commode chair - introducing a robust, easy-clean 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
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Call: 0800 043 9358 Email: [email protected]: www.liftseat.co.uk
Powered toiletlifts reduce fallsLiftSeat 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
Telecare &COMMUNICATIONS
SOS phone as loud as a road drillThe 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 touchSpanish 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
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SOS Angel provides reassuranceMy 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
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Mobile phones back to basicsAs 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 UKBeamz 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.comFor more information on RSL Steeper, go to
www.rslsteeper.com
Telecare &COMMUNICATIONS
Every member of the Society is committed to a Code of Conduct and to keeping their knowledge and skills up to date.
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Installers
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Technicians
Anyone who assesses
or advises on products.
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333
3
Supporting staff, giving customers confidence
The Healthcare and Assistive Technology Society is the professional body for individual practitioners in assistive technology
Reg Charity No. 290069
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For further information. please phone Janet Seward on 020 7432 8011 or email [email protected]
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PressureCARE
Probe senses wound care issuesA 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)
State of art chair from CareflexCareFlex 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 back-rest 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
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Ezy-As Compression Garment Donning – Single HandedThere 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]
ADVERTISING FEATURE
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Moore (UK) Ltd offers a full range of devices to meet your compression garment needs
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Contact Paul Moore on 01440 706132or email [email protected]
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Ezy-Glove - Compression Garment Donning Super Grip Glove
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PressureCARE
TLC helps prevent injuriesBES 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]
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Latest innovation in pressure careAccording 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 / Gel-Kool +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 damageEngineers 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.”
Infection Control Innovation
A range of comfortable seating where easy cleaning and infection control is paramount
iC chairs by: Primacare ltdUnit 26, Heads of the Valleys Industrial Estate
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Infection Control
Innovation
iC Riser PorterThe Riser Porter is an electrically operated dual tilt-in-space porter chair which can be infinitely positioned for comfort.
iC Hydra-TISThe iC Hydra-TIS is an adjustable comfortable rehabilitation chair for use in hospitals for sitting and portering.
iC Enabler Lite SS
by Primacare
iThe Enabler Lite SS is a manually adjustable rehabilitation chair for sitting and portering.
Stainless Steel construction. Removable magnetically attached cushions.Sealed seams and no Velcro!
A141258 Prima iC chairs advert.indd 1 29/10/2014 13:28
New hybrid mattress systemSidhil 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
PressureCARE
Dedicated to the healing andmaintenance of healthy skin providinga comprehensive range of pressure relievingcushions, mattresses and interface pressuremapping technology.
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Community mattresses in medium or high riskavailable for up to 40stones (254kg).
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sumed ad_artwork 10/09/2012 10:55 Page 1
Dedicated to the healing andmaintenance of healthy skin providinga comprehensive range of pressure relievingcushions, mattresses and interface pressuremapping technology.
Viscotech®
Community mattresses in medium or high riskavailable for up to 40stones (254kg).
XSensor®
Pressure MappingTechnology availableexclusively fromSUMED® in the UK.
Flowform®
Ultra 90 pressure relieving cushion suitable for up to stages1-2 pressuredamage.
Integrity®
Alternating Pressurereplacement mattress system with exceptionalfunctionality and ease of use.
NEW
Our CONSUMER ONLINE SHOP is now available - www.sumed.co.uk
Contact 01457 890980 [email protected]
sumed ad_artwork 10/09/2012 10:55 Page 1
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