Case Study (Method)

 Case Study (Method)

(A case study from ATtoday.co.uk)

The owner of a care home in Wolverhampton, West Midlands, acted swiftly to incorporate assistive technology when the home's elevator malfunctioned. Trisha Hayward, the owner of Inspirations, prioritized the safety and comfort of her residents by promptly acquiring a stair climber (Sarsby, 2023).

With the three-story care home's elevator out of service just before Christmas, the necessary part for repair would take several weeks to arrive. Trisha had evacuation chairs in place for urgent stair transfers from upper floors. However, considering the prolonged duration of the elevator's repair, she sought a better solution for both residents and staff (Sarsby, 2023).

After conducting an internet search, Trisha discovered AAT GB. Within 48 hours of initial contact, AAT visited Trisha, demonstrated the equipment, fulfilled her order, and trained her care team to meet LOLER standards in operating the S-Max Sella stair climber (Sarsby, 2023).

The S-Max Sella, a battery-powered unit, features a motorized stepping wheel system on a lightweight yet robust frame with an integrated seat. Using kinematic technology, it smoothly ascends and descends stairs, enabling a single staff member to safely transfer a resident (up to 120kg) between levels (Sarsby, 2023).

Capable of completing 300 steps on a single battery charge, the S-Max Sella's movement speed is fully controlled by the staff member. When not in use, it can be conveniently folded away. Trisha opted for the optional safety harness to further enhance user safety (Sarsby, 2023).

Trisha expressed her satisfaction with the AAT equipment, highlighting the improvement over the heavy and uncomfortable evacuation chairs. She praised the speed at which AAT responded to her inquiry, delivered the machine, and trained her staff. With the stair climber in place, Trisha's service users can comfortably and safely participate in activities during Christmas and beyond, while easily accessing their bedrooms. Trisha also gains peace of mind regarding the long-term safe and comfortable movement between floors, as AAT will provide servicing for the stair climber (Sarsby, 2023).

Peter Wingrave, AAT Director, emphasized the company's unique national presence and extensive stock, enabling them to swiftly meet the mobility needs of care providers. Whether in care homes, healthcare establishments, or private and social housing, AAT aims to manage and minimize risks while ensuring comfort and safety within a matter of hours or days, rather than weeks associated with alternative options (Sarsby, 2023).

References

         Sarsby, S. (2023) Case study: Helpful stairclimber incorporated rapidly into care home so residents could stay safe, AT Today - Assistive Technology. Available at: https://attoday.co.uk/case-study-helpful-stairclimber-incorporated-rapidly-into-care-home-so-residents-could-stay-safe/ (Accessed: 05 June 2023).