Ask David
X,Y Systems – On the right track!
Client: Are there other solutions for bed transfers other than standard straight track? Would an XY System help?David: X,Y/H track systems are quickly becoming the first choice when it comes to ceiling track hoisting.
This is a type of ceiling track hoist that covers the full room. It works by having two parallel tracks at each side of the room and a main crossbar (boom) fixed between both parallel tracks. The hoist unit travels left and right along the boom, which in turn allows the hoist unit to glide up and down the room covering all areas.
There are loads ofadvantages of this type of system compared to that of a straight track system
FLEXIBILITY…..It means that if you ever want to rearrange the furniture in your room, then it’s not a problem…remember the track covers the full room. If you add more furniture that the user needs to access then this is not a problem
POSITIONING….Using the bed transfer as an example, the standard straight track needs to be fixed perfectly above the lowering point of the bed, and if the user isn’t in the exact position in bed and needs to be lifted then this will put strain on the lifting tape causing it to fray. This is very common problem because lets face it whom doesn’t move around in bed….it generally means that care staff have to use other moving and handling techniques to reposition the user, this takes much more effort and is time-consuming. I wish I had a pound for the amount of times that a straight ceiling track hoist is installed over a standard style bed, the users condition deteriorates, a profiling bed replaces the existing bed and this results in the straight track being in the incorrect position to raise/lower. X,Y systems can also be less obtrusive – the user is not lying in bed looking straight at the track hoist, the boom is taken to one end of the room to be recharged.
MANUAL OR POWERED?…Defanitely manual. The manual system still incorporates the hoist unit that powers up, down, left and right but the boom is moved freely up and down the room to suit the speed of the user. The powered version is too complicated and is not very user friendly….far too many buttons on the handset and too much room for error.
Hoisting onto a mechanical horse!
Client: I run a disabled short breaks service and have recently installed a full size mechanical horse simulator…Do you have any ideas in terms of hoisting onto the horse?David:Actually, funny enough we have just been involved in such a project!. Initially we looked at providing a gantry frame on wheels however we couldnt get the required clearance, so we looked at a “H” track system so that the boom could be moved away from the horse when not in use. The system is proving really successful, let us know if you would like a free site assessment
Sling Choice!
Client: I have worked as an occupational therapist for many years and am finding that, in terms of slings, there is so much choice now on the market. How would you go about choosing a particular brand?David:You’re quite right, when i first got involved in sling assessments over 10 years ago there was little choice. The slings were generally of a very basic design and made of fairly tough materials such as mesh. However, especially over the last three years sling technology has vastly developed which has led to innovative designs and comfortable materials which both assist with sling application and pressure considerations. I would say for the last 3-4 years, Glove Slings were the one of the best options on the market…however as technology continues to improve the standard of slings have followed and you now have two or three options, equally good. My advice to you would be look towards working with a company whom can offer a very good product, but is backed up by experienced assessors, and a top quality after sales service…and finally a company that can offer more than one brand type, this will open up your options.
Bathing Options
Client:I am a mother of a 12 year old child with complex needs. Currently i am looking at reviewing our bathing options in particular height adjustable baths. Can you offer any help in terms of what to look for?.David:There are a number of bath products on the market. We would advise on the following considerations. 1) is your child’s bathing needs assisted by two or more carers; if this is the case then we would recommend a height adjustable bath that will facilitate varying carer heights. 2) is this bath to replace your conventional bath or are you working with with minimal space restrictions? We actually provide a range of baths to the same dimensions to that of a conventional bath, utilising the same space with minimal disruption. 4) does your child require additional support whilst bathing? There are bath cushions on the market that by using very small internal beads can be moulded to your childs specific body shape, providing optimum and precise support and comfort. Finally we would consider both drying and changing needs, this bath can come with the option of a integrated changing table, which once again reduces the need for extra bathing space. .
Tilting Shower Trolley
Client:I am a Care Home manager who has a service user with complex needs, along with this our service user becomes very distressed when in a fully layed down position, we are currently carrying out her showering needs on a fixed height shower stretcher. The problems we are faced with are the fixed height stretcher is not meeting the assistive needs of our care staff and this is not offering any security and comfort for our service user. Could you advise on anything that would provide a more flexible solution to both our service user and care staff.David:We recommend a Height Adjustable shower Trolley which will offer greater flexibility for assisted bathing whilst the the padded side rails will offer your client both security and comfort. The added trendelburg feature which allows the shower trolley to TILT will help your service user overcome anxieties and distress, making for a more pleasurable bathing experience for all involved.
Toileting Slings arrrgggh…
Client: I have a client who I previously assessed for a Toileting Sling, however previous attempts have never been successful as the service user has very low upper body tone. Could you advise if there is if there is any product out there that would facilitate my clients toileting requirements.David: We have been developing our own toileting sling in consideration of this issue over the past years and are happy to announce that this sling is now in production and achieving excellent results, it is specifically designed around service users with lower body tone and allows for the arms to be located on the inside of the sling, preventing injury to the shoulder joint, whilst offering excellent access for toileting needs.
Hoisting from the floor
Client: I am an OT working in the community and looking for a mobile hoist that lifts from the floor, but fits in with a fairly tight budget. Any suggestions?David:The Meditec compact hoist is an excellent choice especially for the community. The hoist itself is very small and compact but the boom is designed in a unique way to provide a great floor lift. If you complete the form on our contact us page, I will send you the picture and specification details.
X,Y System, powered or manual traverse
Client: I have a client whom is looking at installing a x,y system in the bathroom of a respite care centre, i have spoke to two companies one of which recommended the manual traverse and the other the powered traverse…what do you think DavidDavid:My recommendation would be the manual. When using the ceiling track in more than one direction, i feel that you have more control over the service user with manual traverse…its definately easier to use for the carer also. This will also save you around £1000 depending on the company!!
Bathing Slings
Client: My service user is looking for a sling to use in the bath that allows water to drain through but is comfortable on her legs. Any suggestions?David: The Glove bath sling has been designed for this reason. It has been designed without padding to allow the water to drain through but due to the shape, it doesn’t cause pressure and ‘rucking’ on the legs. If you complete the form on our contact us page, I will send you the picture and specification details.
Shower Trolley or Wall Fixed?
Client: We are looking for a product to assist our users with changing and showering. I like the look of both the shower trolley and shower stretcher, can you give me some advice on the pros and cons of each product?David: The shower trolley offers the portability option and also allows carers to get around both sides for assistance. Also, depending on your user group, the trolley aids patient turning facility for more complex needs. The stretcher saves space when not in use as it folds up against the wall if space is restricted. However, it doesn’t allow access around both sides. Generally stretchers don’t offer padding on all sides.
Shower Chair Independence
Client: I am currently working with a child who wants to be able to take himself into the bathroom using a shower chair but can’t manage the self-propelled wheels. Any suggestions?David:An option may be a motorised shower chair. We do a version which is normally used for bariatric patients, however we have done a special size for a child in the past. The frame is a standard size but the seat dimension can be narrowed using padded infils and various postural supports.
Extensor Spasm
Client:I have a service user who goes into extensor spasm when in the sling which results in the sling riding up towards the groin and looks a little unsafe. Any suggestions?David:There is a product on the market to accommodate this. The way the shoulder straps are designed allows the straps to move on the spreader bar resulting in the sling maintaining its shape. The sling model is called the extensor sling and really does offer maximum support.
Hydro Sling
Client:I am currently using the extensor sling successfully with a number of children at one of my schools I work in. I want to try this in hydrotherapy, will it damage the sling?David:What you will find is, after time, the slide sheet material will lose some of its properties and the padding will become hard and disintegrate over time. The best solution is to have the extensor sling made without the slide sheet material and made with superfoam. This works well in a hydrotherapy environment.