Mastering Aged Care Seating: Unicare's Expert Masterclass for Allied Health Partners
We recently hosted an expert masterclass on aged care seating, providing our allied health partners with up-to-date knowledge to improve their prescription skills. This session delved into the intricacies of selecting optimal seating solutions for elderly individuals, addressing the complex interplay of clinical needs, comfort, and functionality. From wheelchairs to lift & recline chairs, this masterclass provided in-depth insights into various seating options, empowering therapists to make informed decisions.
Seating for Aged Care Masterclass
- Developing effective seating systems that prioritise comfort, pressure injury prevention, posture management, and overall function
Thursday, 4 July 2024
Assistive Technology Collaboration Centre, Bentley
The Power of Assistive Technology Education
At Unicare Health, we believe that quality education is the key to prescribing the right assistive technology for specific needs. Our recent masterclass brought together a passionate group of occupational therapists and physiotherapists seeking evidence-based recommendations to improve seating outcomes for aged care.
Led by our esteemed clinical educator and trainer, Annette Dumble, this masterclass provided a comprehensive overview of selecting fit-for-purpose aged care seating.
Annette shared her extensive knowledge of essential design elements in seating systems that maintain comfort, strategies to prevent pressure injuries, methods to support posture and function, and a detailed examination of various seating equipment including wheelchairs, lift and recline chairs, care chairs, and more.
Deep Dive into Wheelchair Features
Annette delivered an insightful presentation on wheelchair features. The session sparked a lively Q&A, where attendees explored topics such as:
- Clinical considerations for selecting lightweight versus heavy-duty wheelchairs
- The impact of a client's environment on wheelchair choice, including factors such as wheel size
- DIY wheelchair adjustments
- and more.
The aura is an ultra-lightweight wheelchair that comes in four sizes and offers both manual and transit models. This wheelchair features a compact folding design, making it ideal for travel and easy storage. The smallest model is particularly noteworthy, with its folding frame weighing a mere 6.5kg. The aura is crash-tested and transit-approved when fitted with a headrest. When would you prescribe the aura over other lightweight wheelchairs such as the Tourer or Echo Lite she asks.
Emphasizing the critical role of understanding clinical features in prescribing seating structures, Annette provided a comprehensive analysis of wheelchair accessories. She dived into the details of headrests, backrests, and cushions, highlighting their significance in optimizing seating outcomes. This in-depth exploration equipped attendees with valuable knowledge to make informed decisions when prescribing wheelchairs, ultimately improving client comfort and mobility.
Tilt & Recline vs Tilt-in-Space
Annette spoke passionately about the differences between a tilt & recline wheelchair, such as the Ansa Relax, and a tilt-in-space wheelchair, such as the Quickie SR45, commonly used in aged care.
The Ansa Relax tilt & recline wheelchair is designed to provide comfort and support, featuring an ergonomic frame with a reclining back and a range of adjustable parts.
The Quickie SR45 tilt-in-space wheelchair is a lightweight option that offers a 45-degree rotation in space mechanism, which can be combined with many different seating systems to support postural correction and pressure redistribution.
Immersive Exploration in the Assistive Technology Experience Hub
Attendees delved into an array of seating solutions available in our Assistive Technology Experience Hub. This interactive session provided invaluable hands-on exposure, enabling participants to comprehensively grasp the nuanced features and clinical advantages of seating products. By engaging with equipment, attendees gained crucial insights into how different seating options can significantly enhance comfort, mobility, and overall quality of life for individuals with varying needs.
Pressure Care Technology in Therapeutic Care Chairs
Annette emphasized the critical importance of understanding pressure care technology in therapeutic care chairs to maximize its effectiveness. This knowledge is essential for caregivers and healthcare professionals to provide optimal comfort and prevent pressure-related complications in elderly clients.
The popular Regency care chair range exemplifies this technology, offering a comprehensive suite of adjustable positioning features that facilitate effective pressure redistribution, including rise, recline, and tilt-in-space functions.
Care chairs have become indispensable in aged care settings, often serving as an all-day, multipurpose chair. The Regency care chair, in particular, incorporates advanced pressure-relieving technologies such as self-adjusting air cushions in the backrest that adapt to the user's body shape and movements, and a gel sack cushion in the base for additional comfort and pressure alleviation in high-risk areas. By integrating these innovative features, the Regency care chair effectively mitigates the risk of pressure inuries and supports overall pressure care management, contributing significantly to the well-being and comfort of elderly residents in long-term care settings.
Lift & Recline Chairs: Comfort and Health Benefits
To conclude her presentation, Annette delved into the world of lift & recline chairs. These plush seating solutions offer far more than just a comfortable place to relax. Their advanced cushioning systems and adjustable positioning features work in harmony to redistribute pressure evenly across the body, promoting better circulation and reducing the risk of pressure injuries. Models like the Ashley Platinum are designed to be used with a pressure-relieving cushion in the seat base.
Attendees had the opportunity to experience firsthand a selection of our most popular models, including the Ashley collection, and the pinnacle of luxury – the EZ Sleeper with patented Twilight tilt-in-space technology. Each chair demonstrated how form and function can seamlessly combine to enhance both comfort and well-being, making them an ideal choice for those seeking the perfect balance of relaxation and health benefits.
Thank You
Thank you to everyone who attended this masterclass. At Unicare Health, we're proud to lead the way in improving care outcomes through up-to-date seating education. We recognize that each occupational therapist faces unique challenges in achieving their care goals, which is why we offer knowledge and education to help overcome some of these obstacles. We deeply appreciate the support from aged care organizations who have invested in their therapists' professional development by allowing them to participate in this masterclass. We look forward to welcoming you to future sessions.
If you would like to take advantage of our free educational sessions, visit our events for clinicians page to explore upcoming masterclasses, workshops, and seminars. Or, sign up to our newsletter to stay informed about upcoming opportunities.
