The Importance of Disability Equipment for Carers

Working in an environment with people with disabilities can prove to be challenging while being rewarding at the same time. Fortunately, in today’s time, there are new technologies that are available, making it easier for carers to perform their jobs. With a wide array of disability equipment, such as those that you can find from Astor Bannerman, it will be easier for anyone to take care of a person with disability. Some of the best examples of the disability equipment that carers can take advantage of include ceiling track hoist system and disabled baths, among others.

How Disability Equipment Can Help

The uses of a disability equipment can depend on which one you have. As the carer, you can recommend any of these options depending on the condition of the person you are taking care of. For instance, you can use a ceiling track hoist system. This will present the perfect solution to have someone lifted and moved from one area to another. Because it is mounted on the ceiling, it prevents clutter on the floor, and it also promotes more efficient use of available space. It is also a huge time saver, as you no longer need to manually move your patient when needed. When choosing a ceiling track hoist system, make sure to prioritise reliability, ease of use, and more importantly, how comfortable the patient will be.

As a carer, another equipment that you can possibly find to be useful would be disabled baths. With the latter, it will be easier for you to bathe someone while being able to preserve the dignity of that person. There are many disabled baths with innovative design, making it functional in ways more than one. They are designed to provide exceptional support and comfort to the user. On your end, as a carer, on the other hand, it makes your work easier, and it also makes sure that you will be able to finish bathing your patient in a manner that is safe.

Whether it is disabled baths or ceiling track hoist system, the most important thing to do is to learn how to properly use it. Being the carer, you may not be responsible for buying the equipment as it can already be provided before you have been employed. Nonetheless, your responsibility lies on being able to familiarise yourself on how it can be used, making sure of both the safety and the comfort of your patient.

With the use of the right disability equipment, your job as a carer will be much easier. It will allow you to take advantage of new methodologies to execute disability care and at the end of the day, making sure that your patient lives a better life in spite of that person’s condition. 

A Guide to Postural Management

What is Postural Management?

Postural Management (PM) is an approach used to alleviate the stresses caused by neuro-disabilities and reduced movement. It is the implementation of a programme that monitors and assesses the correct positioning of a patient to promote motor development and reduce the risk of postural deformity. PM is used to help enhance the lives of those affected by allowing them to take a more active role in daily life, and prevent any further injury.

When is Postural Management needed?

Postural Management may be needed if, after an injury or because of a disease, an individual finds it difficult to:

• Attain or sustain good posture
• Sit without support
• Sit or lay comfortably

If any of these effects the individuals' ability to move freely and take part in daily activities, action should be taken.

How does Postural Management help?

There are three main factors when relieving the complications associated with poor posture. The support given, the positioning and the surface on which the individual is positioned. These 3 factors all help to improve mobility and decrease strain on muscles and the skeletal network.

Support can be given through straps, head rests, trunk supports and arm supports. These can hold an individual comfortably in place once the optimum positioning is achieved.

The positioning is probably the most important factor when considering Postural Management. Ensuring the individual is positioned in such a way that weight is lifted from muscles and bones will help to promote movement and relieve pain. This is normally achieved by tilting the person back, and elevating the legs slightly, but the particulars are different in each case.

The surface on which the individual is positioned is also important. A flat or hard surface can cause strain. As above, the person should be positioned in such a way that they are not flat, but the material used also helps. Cushioning can be used to help relieve the symptoms of uncontrollable posture.

What could happen if Postural Management is not implemented?

In short, without Postural Management an individuals situation could worsen. In the case of an injury related need for PM, in which there is a possibility for the situation to improve, the correct postural management can help with rehabilitation along with physiotherapy. Failure to properly manage the posture of the individual could result in permanent damage. In the case of neuro-disabilities, in which their situation may never improve, Postural Management can prevent further complications. Properly managing the individuals posture allows them comfort and the ability to adjust, to take part in daily activities again.

In both cases, Postural Management will also prevent pressure ulcers, which are caused by hard contact on the individual by the surface they are positioned on.

How can Postural Management be implemented?

There are a wide variety of solutions for Postural Management, each with different levels of effectiveness. Specialist Seating is available from specialist suppliers, which has varying levels of customizability. Backs can be lowered, legs can be elevated and various supports can be added to achieve optimal postural support. As well as this, there are a wide range of cushioning available. Gel, foam and air cushions can be used in conjunction with Specialist Seating, or with normal seating, to provide extra support. These cushions are normally moulded to achieve maximum efficiency. There are also a host of extra specialist furniture. Beds, sofas and armchairs have all been developed to aid Postural Management.