Social care provision can be made more cost-effective, yet client dignity enhanced, through use of assistive technology.
Almost 60% of Britain’s 12 million disabled people have an issue with mobility*, requiring carer help to perform basic daily tasks- including just getting on and off the toilet. A toilet lift- the WC equivalent of a riser/recliner chair- removes the need for a carer to do that job, and restores independence to the client.
Clos-o-Mat’s range of Aerolet toilet lifts fix over the toilet and replicate the natural motion of standing up and sitting down. They gently raise and lower the user to position them accurately over the toilet as required whilst enabling their feet to remain in contact with the floor and maintaining the centre of gravity above the feet for balance. After toileting, the lift can be raised by degrees to ease access for cleansing. Its cost is amortised in less than six months of care provision.+
The Aerolet Vertical suits people with good upper body strength. Its integral support arms raise and lower with the seat, as the lift lowers and raises the user whilst giving them the control to lever themselves down onto or up from the unit.
The Aerolet Tilt is appropriate for people with strength in, and control over, their legs and knees. The user simply leans against the seat, holding the fixed support arms and bearing their weight on their legs as they operate the unit as it moves them from/to the vertical.
“Where social carers are helping a client with their personal hygiene, more often than not it is simply to help them on and off the loo. A toilet lift does that job, more safely for all involved, and pays for itself in a matter of months,” says Mark Sadler, Clos-o-Mat Sales Director.
“The client feels better for having their independence, dignity and control over their daily life enhanced: they can go to the loo as and when they need; the carer(s) has time to help someone else, and are not being subjected to risk of injury from moving and handling. If a person needs a riser recliner chair, the chances are they would benefit from a toilet lift too!”
Aerolets are part of Clos-o-Mat’s package of assistive technology to restore a person’s control in toileting, and alleviate pressure on social care: equipment includes the brand-leading Palma Vita wash & dry toilet, toilet lifts, hoists and solutions for paediatrics and bariatrics. The company is the only one in its sector with full, in-house, support, from design advice to installation, commissioning, and after-sales service & maintenance for toilet adaptations.
*Papworth Trust UK Disability Facts & Figures 2014
+ care staff wages of £7.80/hour, with two staff required to take each client to the bathroom and assist for each 15 minute toilet trip, of which they undertake an average of 5trips/client/day means staff costs alone of £215,770 a year (£7192/ individual). Cost of Clos-o-Mat Aerolet under £3000
www.clos-o-mat.com; e: info@clos-o-mat.com; tel 0161 969 1199
