ILS

“We are determined that Independent Living Scotland will offer visitors the chance to discover those products that will really make a difference.”

This October will see the doors of Independent Living Scotland open (7-8 October 2015, SECC, Glasgow), bringing a range of different companies, brands and charities to the independent living show’s line-up. The exhibition will also run a dedicated two-day healthcare professional seminar programme, which deals directly with just some of the hot topics facing HCPs today.

Independent Living Scotland is set to offer healthcare professionals, individuals with a disability and those living with a long-term condition, as well as their families and carers, the opportunity to see first-hand a selection of products and services available on the market today. With a strapline of inspiration, innovation and choice, the event is dedicated to providing its visitors just that – offering the chance to touch, test and compare the latest products on the market, gain advice on the best product for each individual need and share advice and information.

Exhibitors attending include:

Show partners, The College of Occupational Therapists (Stand H10) will be playing an active role at the show – supporting its OT members based in Scotland; providing advice and support to visitors and participating in the seminar programme to provide dedicated occupational therapy focused sessions.

Update (Stand A20), Scotland’s national disability information service, support disabled people and their advisors and will be on hand throughout the show with essential information and advice on topics such as welfare benefits, aids and equipment.

Touch Bionics (Stand D70), a provider of world-leading prosthetic technologies and supporting services for people with upper limb deficiencies, will be showcasing their advanced product range which includes the myoelectric prosthetic hand and prosthetic finger solutions.

Smitcare’s (Stand H12) incredible range of products offer assistance with quality care within the community. Their stand at Independent Living Scotland will be home to a wide variety of cutting-edge solutions designed to assist people in their daily lives.

Safespaces (Stand D60) will be introducing their range of custom-made safe rooms and sleep areas for use at home, in schools and for respite care or holidays. Specially designed for both adults and children, their equipment is also appropriate for those with autism and epilepsy.

Citizens Advice Scotland (Stand H76) last year helped more than 300,000 people solve their problems throughout Scotland, including the Highlands and Islands. This October they will be on hand at Independent Living Scotland to further promote their work, offering support and advice to all visitors.

PL Mobility (Stand G50), vehicle adaptation specialists, has a Motability accredited mobile and workshop service offering assistance to ensure less able drivers and passengers can travel in comfort. Operating out of Larbert, they will be at Independent Living Scotland with a range of products, including vehicles and driving aids, for visitors to test.

Kirton Healthcare (Stand H20) will be showcasing their British-made specialist comfort seating and riser recliner chairs. With products designed to meet the specific needs of disabled and older people, providing the utmost postural support and pressure care, visitors to the stand will discover furniture suitable for both homecare and healthcare environments.

Invacare (on Stand B72) is home to world-class product innovations and new mobility solutions including the latest TDX2 centre wheel drive and Storm4 Xplore power chairs. Visit them to try the recently launched Alber Efix E35/36 power add on; and see their exclusive Kuschall range including the new Champion active chair designed for life on the go.

Blackwood (Stand C62) is a leading housing and care provider, specialising in services for people with disabilities across Scotland, and focused on creating a personalised and individual solution to help people live their lives to the full.

Other exhibitors include: AJ Way – AAT (GB) – AKW – Albion Mobility – Allied Mobility – Capability Scotland – Canine Partners – Centrobed – City Mobility – Deafblind Scotland – Evans Halshaw Ford Glasgow – Fairway Advocacy – Fife Society for the Blind – Fish Insurance – Glasgow Access Panel – Leonard Cheshire Disability Scotland – Lewis Reed – Loopwheels – Mini Crooser – Mobility Scotland – Mobility Solutions – Moorings Mediquip – PDS Hygiene – Safespaces – Sight & Sound Technology – Sole-Mates – Total Hygiene – TouchBionics – Whizz Kidz – Wiltshire Farm Foods and Win Health Ltd.

For the full list of exhibitors visit HERE

Liz Logan, Group Show Manager said: “With so much innovation available on the market today these really are exciting times. We are determined that Independent Living Scotland will offer visitors the chance to discover those products that will really make a difference. We are absolutely delighted to be able to announce the incredible companies listed here to our show line-up.”

Ensuring that healthcare professionals gain even more learning opportunities from their visit, the Independent Living Scotland’s seminar programme tops the bill when it comes to creating debate and asking the questions that keep people awake at night. Topical issues are top of an agenda whose themes focus around re-shaping care for older people and working with children, young people and families.

Day 1 looks at the care requirements for an ageing population and the role that healthcare professionals can play to ensure this demographic remains healthier and independent for as long as possible. In Scotland, statistical projections1suggest that, by the year 2037, the number of people aged 65 and over will increase by 59% (from 0.93m to 1.47m). Further statistics2 estimate that in 2013 there were 850 centenarians in Scotland – a 60% increase from 2003. With this growth in the numbers of elderly forecast to continue at an ever increasing rate the requirement for adequately identifying and responding to their needs has never been more important.

The agenda identifies falls prevention initiatives and innovative programmes designed to prevent hospital admissions. Case studies are highlighted in a community engagement and health service development for Annandale and Eskdale, and in an update on integrating occupational therapy services in Perth.

With dementia much in the news, a dedicated session focuses on the role of the OT in ensuring patients diagnosed with dementia, and their families, have the support they need. Final sessions for Day 1 offer a guide to meeting HCPC’s standards for continuing professional development and an update on the AHP Delivery Plan (2012-2015): what has been achieved and priorities for the future.

Day 2 takes a closer look at children, young people and families, with a case study on the Rainbow Programme, a programme partnering OTs with parents to recognise the full potential of young individuals. Further sessions cover mobilisation techniques and equipment to support children and young people with complex disabilities; assistive technologies – the latest developments in telecare and how this technology can support young people with learning disabilities and a focus on minimising health inequalities in Scotland; what’s working and where.

The keynote session for the second day provides an overview of the National Delivery Plan for Children, Young People and Families within Scotland. Taking a look at specialist services, this session will lead the debate in how this plan identifies priority areas for action, age appropriate care and how it aims to support service delivery to ensure success.

Liz Logan, Group Show Manager said: “From the outset, our aim has been to work with leading organisations and individuals to produce a programme that provides the right level of engagement for healthcare professionals in Scotland. With healthcare professionals’ time at a premium, the focus on the agenda providing the most benefit has been a real goal and I’m delighted to say that this programme really fits the bill.”

Caroline Jones, Head of Marketing for the College of Occupational Therapists said: “We are delighted to be supporting Independent Living Scotland. We are particularly excited about participating in the seminar programme – continuous professional development plays a vital role in what we do on a day-to-day basis and this opportunity ensures that all our members, wherever their location, really do benefit.”

To find out more about the show, visit HERE

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