17 of the best assistive tech innovations for OTs to see at the OT Show 2021

Taking place from 24th-25th November 2021 at the NEC in Birmingham, the OT Show is an annual exhibition for occupational therapists (OTs). It gives them the chance to discover new assistive technologies from exhibitors, get CPD-accredited experience by attending workshops and lectures, and network with other OTs.

One of the main attractions for attending OTs at the OT Show is to discover new assistive technologies for their clients. From bespoke seating options and home adaptation solutions to pressure care innovations and telecare advancements, the exhibition is a chance to learn more about life-changing devices that enable people to live independently.

Below, AT Today has highlighted 17 of the best assistive technology innovations to see at the OT Show 2021.

1. Geberit AquaClean Mera Care Shower Toilet

Stand D55

For a huge number of people across the UK, the reality is that an everyday task such as using the toilet can be something they’re unable to do alone and with dignity. When it comes to bathroom adaptions, shower toilets are often referred to as a lifeline, allowing individuals to live at home with minimal additional support.

The Geberit AquaClean Mera Care Shower Toilet offers dignity and independence in the bathroom, reducing anxiety and increasing confidence.

Through increased understanding of the product and user requirements, OTs are able to take a holistic approach to user needs and advise a range of products that work together to enhance user experience.

Geberit will be demonstrating the product at the show alongside providing a guide to equipment compatibility.

2. GripAble

Stand E36

GripAble is a digital, mobile platform that allows people to independently plan and track their own upper limb rehab. The handheld device connects to an app on a tablet and can be used remotely or face-to-face with a therapist, with engaging and motivating training activities that are designed to bring fun to the day-to-day grind of hand and arm rehab.

GripAble is highly sensitive, so even the smallest movement, or grip strength, can be detected and translated into personalised care. Users receive real-time feedback and therapists can track and report on all activity.

3. Winncare Mangar Eagle

Stand E10

Winncare will be presenting its new Mangar Eagle from stand E10, as the latest safe patient lift in the Mangar lifting cushion range. OTs who are used to prescribing the Camel and ELK will find the Eagle, which lifts up to 35 stone, a great combination of the two.

The footprint of the Eagle is 25 percent smaller than the Camel but still includes a built-in backrest. The backrest supports the head and shoulders of the fallen person during a lift and makes it easy for the carer to lift with minimal assistance – truly single-handed care. Additionally, the new design makes it very easy to fold under the fallen person and so it can be used in tight spaces.

4. Closomat Vita range

Stand J42

At the OT Show 2021, Closomat will be showcasing its Vita range, which it believes is the ultimate in wash & dry toilets.

The Vita range is the culmination of over 60 years of innovation, development and refinement. Closomat says that at the heart of its toilets is the washing and drying experience: the most effective available in the UK, according to the company.

It promises a powerful, effective jet of warm water that allows for maximum suitability across a wide range of user requirements. Uniquely, Closomat’s range of douche arms provide a vertical jet of water, ensuring it is directed exactly where the user needs it.

5. BES Healthcare Aergo PS

Stand G26

BES Healthcare will present the Aergo PS at the OT Show 2021 – the world’s first fully responsive postural management seating system. Using smart air cell technology, Aergo PS young people who need postural support back in control, so they can feel comfortable and independent wherever they go, whatever they do.

The Aergo PS enables therapists to offer remote care via the PS Web Portal, and the PS App allows children to be more independent, enabling users and carers to set the ideal position with a few taps.

The Aergo PS helps keep children supported and in a healthier position, improving their day-to-day lives. BES Healthcare’s friendly team will be ready to demonstrate this innovative seating system on stand G26.

6. Arjo Carendo®

Stand D05

The Carendo multipurpose hygiene chair from Arjo facilitates an efficient hygiene and showering routine within a single transfer while allowing a comfortable working posture for the caregiver.

The chair’s Care Raiser function raises the resident’s lower body to enable access for performing discreet hygiene tasks while maintaining their dignity.

Carendo is designed to enable a single caregiver to perform a hygiene routine, including dressing and undressing, toileting, showering and other hygiene tasks, in a single transfer.

Carendo has been shown to result in caregivers adopting up to 77 percent neutral back positions during hygiene tasks, compared to only 48 percent when washing a person in the bed (Source: Knibbe JJ, Knibbe NE & Heitink DEBL (2016)).

The Carendo received a Dementia Services Development Centre Product Accreditation Rating of Class 1B from the University of Stirling, in relation to its design principles and usability within a dementia-inclusive environment.

7. Apex Medical Pro Care Turn Continuous Lateral Turning Mattress System

Stand F30

For those people requiring pressure area care and assistance with respiratory conditions, such as postural drainage, the Pro Care Turn mattress system from Apex Medical permits continuous lateral turning therapy via three positions (10/20/30 degrees) with alternating therapy, continuous low pressure and seat inflate functions as an all-in-one system.

Its micro-low air loss system aids skin reperfusion and improves circulation, all critical to minimise the risk of those vulnerable persons at home. Couple all of these components with a super quiet pump and the user can enjoy a comfortable, safe and quiet night’s sleep. The inclusion of heel relief function on the end five cells means that offloading can be easily managed for a range of user heights.

8. Komodo Chair

Stand B33

The Komodo Hygiene six-in-one fully electric chair facilitates an efficient hygiene routine within a single transfer while lending itself to single-handed care. It incorporates a tilt-in space shower chair, commode, electric variable height, stand assists, fits over a standard size toilet, and is compatible with select wet/dry toilets.

The Komodo Chair benefits users by promoting independence and dignity and the caregiver by reducing the number of transfers, being fully electronic and lightweight. The movement is operated by a user-friendly, easy-to-use remote.

By housing six products in one, it reduces the amount of equipment within the home. The reduction in equipment and transition to single-handed care result in an impressive payback period.

9. Pivotell automatic pill dispensers

Stand C60

Pivotell products are widely used by health and social care professionals as part of a care package for vulnerable older people and those with learning difficulties who have difficulty remembering to take their medication.

Pivotell automatic pill dispensers and reminders often result in improved health, more independence and a better quality of life.

Although the dispensers are used mainly by people with poor memory, such as those with Alzheimer’s and dementia, they also benefit patients with conditions including Parkinson’s, mental health issues, learning difficulties, physical difficulties, patients with long-term medical conditions who have to take many different tablets per day, as well as partially sighted and blind individuals.

10. Abacus Specialist Bathroom Solutions Gemini 2000

Stand C14

The Gemini 2000 bath, manufactured by Abacus Specialist Bathroom Solutions, was launched at the 2019 OT Show and won the ‘Excellence in Caring’ Award, as voted for by a panel of independent occupational therapists. Since then, it has become the first choice for many healthcare professionals, families and disabled bathers seeking a spacious, future-proofed specialist bathing solution.

The Gemini 2000 is a larger version of the original Gemini bath from Abacus. It offers additional bathing space so the developing needs of children, adolescents and adults can be met. It is a power-assisted solution with variable height and an integrated platform, so carers and bathers benefit from a more positive bathing experience. In terms of hygiene efficiency, the Gemini 2000 encompasses world-leading BioCote antimicrobial protection.

11. Rise & Recline Infinity range

Stand D59

Rise & Recline will be debuting two new chairs at the OT Show – the Infinity and Infinity Plus, which have maximum user weights of 25 stone and 40 stone, respectively, and offer a comprehensive range of tilt-in-space and design options as standard.

Both models offer a broad choice of postural positions. Additional features include detachable seat and leg rest wraps for ease of cleaning, five back and arm rest design options, left- or right-sided handset holding loop and carers’ loop, and an emergency battery back-up. A two-year warranty on mechanism, motors, handset and transformer with the option of an additional five-year peace of mind care plan is available on both models.

12. Polymorit Ardoo 140 Hoist and Stand Aid Combo

Stand F54

The Ardoo 140 Hoist and Stand Aid Combo, now manufactured by Polymorit in the UK, particularly appeals to OTs whose clients need to be lifted for car transfers, between chairs, from bed to toilet, and even from the floor.

Designed to work in compact spaces, the Ardoo Hoist is a great travel companion for disabled people, because, at 23kg, it is the lightest, folding portable hoist in the world, according to Polymorit. The optional hook-on footplate with sprung knee pad instantly converts the hoist into a stand aid, offering greater independence.

This versatile 140kg hoist can be folded in 35 seconds without tools and transported in the boot of a car or the hold of an aeroplane.

13. Careflex Multiadjust

Stand A30

The new MultiAdjust from Careflex is a cost-effective, tool-free, highly adjustable seating system that provides postural support and pressure care without compromising the user’s comfort.

It features tilt-in-space, back angle recline and lower limb support, with manual or motorised options. The MultiAdjust is an ideal choice for multiple-user environments and for those who are semi-ambulant and non-ambulant. The modular design, with interchangeable accessories, makes it a perfect fit for community loan stores and most care environments.

Other standard features include: an elevating leg rest; height-adjustable, flip-up and angle-adjustable footplate; integral seat depth and width adjustment; integral arm rest height adjustment; removable arm rests; pressure-redistributing Reflexion foam seat cushion; foam back; four braked castors; and ash grey upholstery with black vapour-permeable material to contact areas.

14. Yorkshire Care Equipment Hip’Guard

Stand B41

Yorkshire Care Equipment will be showcasing the innovative Hip’Guard to OTs, for which it is the exclusive UK distributor.

The fall protection belt, worn like a standard belt, uses innovative motion analysis, fall detection and airbag technology to protect the wearer from hip fractures during a fall.

With built-in motion sensors, the belt uses a validated algorithm to analyse the wearer’s movements over 1,000 times per second. When a fall occurs, the algorithm automatically detects the falling motion in 0.2 seconds. Then, in under 0.8 seconds, the concealed airbag inflates and surrounds the hip before the fallen person hits the floor.

The result is a high-level of shock absorption, which reduces the risk of hip fractures.

15. Ropox QuickWash

Stand B46

Ropox will be showcasing the QuickWash basin at the show. The QuickWash is height adjustable and comes forward from the wall, meaning the user does not have to bend or reach from their wheelchair, which can cause a negative effect on their posture.

The lowering and raising motion require very little effort as it is almost weightless while the range of height adjustment available ensures the basin can be used by anyone. Requiring no electrics, the QuickWash is easy to install and when in the initial up position, the 500mm-wide basin’s projection off the wall is 530mm and 630mm when lowered.

For wheelchair users, the basin can be lowered from its fixed point by 140mm and out from the wall by 100mm.

16. Easy Medical Devices EZ-Lift 300E

Stand E38

Weighing 12kg, the portable EZ-Lift 300E can transfer wheelchair users of up to 120kg from their wheelchair to a car passenger seat. The system can be installed in almost any car in around two minutes and requires no modification to the vehicle. The device can be carried in the boot of any car until it is needed. A range of optional adapters allow this device to also be used around the home.

17. Ottobock hand braces and Mollii Suit

Stand D06

Ottobock will be presenting a wide range of hand braces plus the new Mollii Suit. The company recently streamlined its hand brace portfolio to offer a great range of braces that cover 16 indications. Visitors to stand DO6 can spin Ottbock’s wheel for a chance to win a prize!