Safe patient moving and handling specialist Care & Independence has redeveloped its assisted bathing range, which includes its tilt-in-space chairs and cradles, as well as the popular Options shower and commode chair.
Debuted at the OT Show in November 2021, the updated chairs and cradles were positively and enthusiastically received by occupational therapists, according to Care & Independence.
Typically, user tissue viability risk in a wet environment is significantly increased due to sheer and drag issues with traditional mesh-based fabrics and the associated bindings which can be abrasive to sensitive skin, the firm says.
In the new Care & Independence shower chairs and cradles, mesh material has been replaced by “soft and kinder” 3D-Spacer fabric, which also has the added benefit of moulding to the body for improved user support and comfort as well as being faster drying.
To further help improve tissue viability issues, Care & Independence has removed the binding sewn edges from apertures in its tilt-in-space cradles so users benefit from a seamless aperture feature.
Other enhancements in the new range include a fully-encased head section to prevent snags, and padded cushion infills to provide security with a quick-release attachment to aid in-situ user washing. The Spacer fabric is secured to the bathing equipment via a series of convenient clunk-click buckles, helping improve hygiene and infection control through easy attachment and removal.
The attachment straps also enable individual tension adjustment to ensure a better and more comfortable fit on an individual user basis.
Care & Independence Sales & Marketing Director James Bennett commented: “In 2021 we undertook an in-depth market research project to help us better understand the challenges being faced by users and carers when it came to assisted bathing.
“This gave us real-world insight into what the marketplace was currently providing – and where it was lacking. This invaluable customer-voice research formed the basis of our development direction, the results of which we now see in our newly improved bathing chair and cradle offering.
“People also told us they felt existing bathing equipment was practical yet looked outdated. Our redeveloped BATHING RANGE has addressed that too by keeping all of the everyday functionality but modernising the aesthetic and using newer fabric technologies to also improve user comfort and add benefit of enhanced performance.”
Care & Independence bathing equipment is made to order. Framework is offered in either a durable high-quality powder coating in Anthracite Grey or satin-polished stainless-steel finish. There is also a further choice of ‘Independence Blue’, Anthracite Grey or mix & match combination for the 3D-Spacer fabric, seat choice and footrests. Black accessories complement the range.
The new bathing range is available to order now with free assessments available from mid-January.
The post OTs give positive feedback to updated modern bathing range that improves tissue viability issues appeared first on AT Today - Assistive Technology.