Case study: Helpful stairclimber incorporated rapidly into care home so residents could stay safe
The owner of a care home in Wolverhampton, West Midlands, quickly got assistive technology incorporated to help residents get up and down the stairs, after the home’s elevator broke down.
Trisha Hayward, the owner of Inspirations, helped ensure her residents were safe and comfortable, thanks to the rapid provision of a stairclimber.
The elevator within the three-storey, 16-bedroomed care home broke down in the run up to Christmas. The part needed to repair the elevator would take weeks to arrive.
Trisha had evacuation chairs in place to address urgent staircase transfer from the upper floors. However, she felt a better option for both residents and staff was needed, bearing in mind the length of time the lift would be out of action.
An internet search led her to AAT GB.
Within 48 hours of her initial contact, AAT had visited Trisha, demonstrated the equipment, fulfilled her order, and trained members of her care team to LOLER standards in the safe operation of AAT’s S-Max Sella stairclimber.
The battery-powered unit comprises a motorised stepping wheel system on a lightweight but strong frame with integral seat. It uses kinematic technology to smoothly move up and down stairs, enabling a member of Trisha’s team to single-handedly and safely transfer a resident (up to 120kg) from one level to another.
S-Max Stella can execute 300 steps from one battery charge. The rate of movement is completely controlled by the member of staff. When not in use, the S-Max Sella can be folded away.
To further manage user safety, Trisha chose the optional safety harness to be added to the stairclimber.
Trisha explained: “The evacuation chair is heavy for my staff to use, and bumpy, uncomfortable for my service users. I needed a better solution. The AAT equipment is amazing. My staff were very impressed too: they don’t have to lift anything, just push a button!
“AAT were amazing with the speed they responded to my enquiry, delivered the machine and trained my staff. It means all my service users will be able to join in activities, over Christmas and beyond, and access their bedrooms, in comfort and safety. And I’ll have peace of mind over their safe, comfortable movement between floors for the long term- AAT will also service the stairclimber.”
Peter Wingrave, AAT Director, added: “We are unique as a stairclimber company in that we operate nationally and carry a core level of stock. That commitment to care providers, be it a care home, healthcare establishment or an individual in private or social housing, means we can expediate an extremely rapid answer to their daily mobility needs. We can manage, limit risk, in comfort and safety, and can do so within hours, days- not the weeks of alternative options.”