Unicare Health Upskills OTs to Prescribe Bariatric Equipment
Obesity has become a major medical issue affecting society today, making it more important than ever to become familiar with bariatric equipment. One of the key challenges for individuals living with obesity is the increased effort required for mobility and general lifestyle independence. At Unicare Health, we understand the unique needs and challenges faced by individuals living with obesity. That is why we recently hosted a seminar, led by our expert clinical educators and trainers, Annette Dumble, Ilissa Liew, and Crystal Chan. This seminar aimed to provide clinicians, such as occupational therapists and physiotherapists, with a greater understanding of bariatric equipment and its impact on the lives of plus-sized individuals.
Seminar: Size & Shape Matters
Assistive Technology for the Person of Size
– What are you forgetting to consider?
Wednesday, 15 May 2024
Technology Park Function Centre, Bentley
Annette Dumble, began the seminar by addressing the crucial aspects of bariatric equipment prescription. She emphasised the importance of understanding user needs, available resources, and assessment criteria. Annette emphasised the importance of looking beyond the safe working load of equipment and considering the individual's abilities and goals. By doing so, clinicians can help plus-sized individuals stay connected with their community and foster a sense of independence.
Exploring Unicare Health's Range of Bariatric Equipment
With Unicare Health's range of assistive technology specifically designed for the plus-sized population, Annette delved into the suitability of different pieces of equipment for various body types. She discussed bariatric wheelchairs and seating systems, debunking common misconceptions and answering frequently asked questions. Annette also highlighted the features of each piece of equipment, focusing on functional independence, comfort, safety, and overall well-being for both the user and the carer.
For example, the Breezy Rubix is a lightweight wheelchair that is both comfortable and functional, making it ideal for active users. The Extra Care Plus, on the other hand, is a heavy steel-framed wheelchair that prioritises durability, stability, and strength. The Aura Plus wheelchair with tapered leg rests, offers a more comfortable and upright seating posture based on the user's body type. Ultimately, the selection of which wheelchair is most appropriate depends on numerous lifestyle and physical considerations, which Annette helped attendees identify.
Ensuring Safe Transfers for Bariatric Clients
Annette drew from her personal experiences as an occupational therapist to provide tips for safe client transfers. She discussed assistive technologies such as powered pivot frames, custom slings, and slide sheets, exploring their suitability for larger clients. Annette also highlighted the distinction between ceiling hoists and lifting hoists, emphasising how different yolks and spreader bars contribute to different lifting solutions.
Crystal Chan further expanded the attendees' knowledge by introducing other assistive technology options, such as the Mangar Camel. Crystal demonstrated how the Mangar Camel serves as an emergency lifting device, allowing users up to 320kg to lift off the floor with safety and dignity. This portable solution empowers plus-sized individuals, fostering greater community engagement by allowing them to be conveniently raised and lowered to the ground.
Customising shower commodes
Crystal also addressed the importance of shower commodes in accommodating the bariatric population. Using Juvo Solution's range of shower commodes, she highlighted their specialisation in meeting the needs of larger individuals. She focused on key features such as drop-down arms and swing away legs for transfers, and provided insights into the scripting process for larger users.
Pressure Injury Prevention and Solutions
Ilissa Liew concluded the seminar by shedding light on pressure injury prevention with Unicare Health's range of beds and pressure care mattresses. Plus-sized individuals, who often spend long periods in one position, have a higher risk of pressure injuries and are more at risk from shear forces acting on their bodies. Ilissa guided attendees on what to look for when considering a bed and mattress for these individuals.
Recommended mattresses for bariatric clients
Among Unicare Health's offerings, the Optimal 5zon Plus static foam mattress stands out as a popular choice in aged care facilities. Its clever castellated design encourages pressure distribution across vulnerable areas, and its dual-core system provides additional support beneath the pelvic area to prevent users from bottoming out. Similarly, the Curocell Area Zone hybrid mattress combines air cells with a top layer of foam for optimal pressure care and stability during transfers.
For bariatric clients, the Curocell CX20 air mattress offers extra stability and support during transfers with its stabilising foam edges. The mattress is complemented by the Curocell IQ pump, an intelligent system that automatically detects changes in the user's position and adjusts air pressure accordingly. This feature-packed pump relieves caregivers of the need for frequent manual adjustments. It also self-adjusts to the user's weight, which is particularly useful for bariatric clients where frequently finding accurate weight measurements may pose more of a challenge.
The seminar provided clinicians with an invaluable opportunity to gain insights into the challenges faced by plus-sized individuals and the solutions offered by bariatric equipment. By focusing on individual needs, promoting functional independence, and enhancing overall well-being, Unicare Health is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of those living with obesity. It was a delight as always to come together and support clinicians in providing personalised care and tailored equipment for plus-sized individuals. By working together, we can all make a difference in the mobility, lifestyle, and independence of those affected by obesity.
Thank you
Unicare Health would like to thank everyone who participated in our bariatric equipment workshop for your time, effort, and commitment to improving your care for the community. We hope that every one of you had a rewarding experience, gaining valuable insights into the intricate challenges of prescribing bariatric equipment. We truly care about supporting your professional development, and we are grateful for the incredible partnerships that these clinical training events have made possible.
Our training team is committed to supporting occupational therapists through events focused on clinical education, equipment training, improvement, and care. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter and follow our social media channels to be the first to know about our upcoming training opportunities.
