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Home Adaption for Parkinson’s Patients

Written by multicare on . Posted in Blog, Technical Information.

If you are living with Parkinson’s disease or caring for a PD sufferer, you will be well aware that everyday tasks and activities can become challenging. Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition that mainly affects the motor system. The main three common symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease are:

  • Tremor – shaking in the hand or arm
  • Slowness of movement – physical movements are slower than usual
  • Muscle stiffness – stiffness and tension in the muscles, which can also result in painful muscle cramps

While there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease yet, there are devices and equipment available which make everyday tasks for Parkinson’s patients less stressful. Adapting a patients’ home with specialist patient handling equipment can also help to maintain independence and self-respect.

Here are some ideas to improve the quality of life for PD sufferers.

Patient handling equipment ideal for Parkinson’s patients:

Multicare Modular Rise and Recliner Chair

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The Modular is a classic and comfortable rise and recline chair. It is available with 5 back designs, 4 motor actions and supportive scrolled arms. This helps Parkinson’s patients to sit and mobilise with confidence. The Modular is available in four standard sizes or completely bespoke, with a vast range of colours and fabrics making it perfect for all users and home environments. The chair can be specified up to 50 stones SWL, and has many options such as massage, heat, or drop arms for easy transfers. The option of fine Scottish leather proves that the correct anatomic support can be combined with cocooning luxury! Call us today for a chair assessment!

Entrina Air Mattress

Parkinson's patients

The Entrina Air Mattress provides maximum pressure relief using I.P.S. (Intelligent Pressure Sensing technology) with five different patient weight settings. The Micro-ventilated cells allow a great air circulation and patient moisture and temperature regulation to relieve tension on pressure points and painful muscle strain. The Entrina mattress is composed of a 2″ foam base 20 individual 5-inch tall air cells so it is suitable for medium to high risk patients and for pressure ulcer treatment up to stage III.

Multicare Turning Discs

Parkinson's patients

The Multicare Turning Discs are designed to make transfers easier and safer for Parkinson’s patients. The Turning Disc is available in either soft or hard material to provide a smooth, controlled transfer in confined spaces. Whether your patient requires support when transferring from their bed, wheelchair, car etc, the Turning Discs will provide a secure transfer for any environment.

Aquatec Ocean VIP Shower / Commode Chair Range

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The Ocean shower and commode chair range is stylish, easy to move and simple to clean. Parkinson’s patients use the Ocean shower chair with walk-in showers to provide comfort and ease during personal care. The chair is height adjustable, the armrests lift up and the soft seat is easily removable for cleaning or storing away. The chair comes in two different sizes and is available with Tilt-in-Space and back angle recline, making it suitable for all users. Supplied with a commode bowl, adjustable backrest and aperture seat, The Ocean really is the ultimate shower chair.

Paris Profiling Bed

Parkinson's PatientsParkinson's patients

The Paris is a stylish profiling bed for Parkinson’s patients featuring high low functionality and four section profiling action. It has a welded steel mattress platform for strength and longevity, and high-quality motors for years of problem free use. The Beech design blends into any home or care environment, with a variety of head and footboard designs and concealed castors. The Paris bed really does have that ‘non-medical’ look.

For more information on Parkinson’s disease, please visit the National Parkinsons Foundation website: www.parkinsons.org
Can’t see what you’re looking for? We have a warehouse full of patient handling and mobility aids from our old premises. Call us today to find out more.

*The products shown on this post are a guide for carers or users with Parkinson’s disease. Please seek medical advice from your doctor or occupational therapist.

Wall Mounted Rail System for Ceiling Hoists

Written by multicare on . Posted in Blog, Technical Information.

The wall mounted rail system is the perfect solution in situations where ceiling fixtures are inappropriate. The rail system provides efficiency, flexibility and sophistication while complimenting any home environment.

The benefits are endless!

The track system is designed with all kinds of users in mind, making it an invaluable asset for patients in healthcare facilities or their own home. The wall rails will deliver a safe and comfortable direct transfer between beds, chairs, bathing and toileting facilties and between rooms. The system is used for hoisting, walking, balance training and for patients own personal use.

“What can a Wall Mounted Rail System offer me?”

Movement – The rail system gives users flexibility and complete freedom when being hoisted, as it enables full coverage of an entire room2208_10_GH1_WallRails_inst_2015_1600x1066

Invisibility – One of the most impressive features of the wall mounted rail system is how effortlessly it blends into the background. Its stylish appearance makes the system almost invisible when not in use. Wall mounted rails are perfect for patients who require a rail system without giving a room that ‘medical look’.

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Easy and Economical – Unlike ceiling hoist systems, the wall mounted rails are installed directly onto your wall. The track is installed onto any kind of wall material and easily removed if required.  The traverse rail automatically compensates for non-aligned (oblique) walls with up to 80mm margin.

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Creativity – You can personalise your wall mounted track by adding some optional LED lighting for a unique touch. You can also mount decorations, curtains and paintings from the wall rails too!

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Get a quote for our wall mounted rail system today here.

More information on our wall mounted rail system can be found here.

Take a look at the Wall Mounted Rail System in action here.

A breakdown of LOLER tests

Written by multicare on . Posted in Blog, Technical Information.

This post aims to help healthcare providers to gain a basic understanding of LOLER tests and requirements within the healthcare industry.

LOLER regulations (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Requirements, 1998) aim to ensure that all lifting equipment and lifting accessories in the workplace are used in a safe and appropriate manner.

The regulations state that all lifting equipment should have suitable strength and stability for its designed use. LOLER also states that the Safe Working Load (SWL) and maintenance dates must be clearly visible on the equipment and any faults are reported immediately.

LOLER is implemented to prevent the risk of injuries or fatalities which may occur from the use of lifting equipment within the workplace.

What equipment requires LOLER tests?

When deciding whether LOLER applies to you, you need to ask yourself two questions. Firstly, is it work equipment and secondly, is it lifting equipment.

Work equipment:

Owning a piece of lifting equipment doesn’t automatically mean that it requires LOLER testing. The equipment has to be specified as ‘work equipment’ for LOLER to be applied.

“The equipment has to be defined as ‘work equipment’, which is defined in the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) as ‘any machinery appliance, apparatus, tool or installation for use at work (whether excusively or not)’. (HSIS4)

Any lifting equipment used by an employee in the workplace, including the healthcare industry, will be covered by LOLER. In the healthcare sector, the main exemptions where LOLER doesn’t apply are:

  • If a member of the public purchases equipment for their own use at home.
  • If equipment has been loaned by an employer or community provider for a member of the public to use only for themselves by family or unpaid carers.

LOLER will not be applied in these circumstances as they are not defined as ‘work equipment’. However, lifting equipment that has been loaned will still have to comply with the Health and Safety At Work Act 1974 section 3 (to provide safe equipment and maintain it, so far as is reasonably practicable).

Lifting equipment:

Lifting equipment is defined as equipment which lifts or lowers loads as a principle function. So any equipment in the healthcare sector that is primarily used to lift a person requires LOLER tests. A lot of equipment in the healthcare industry has the ability to lift a person as well as its normal operational functions i.e. beds, trolleys. This equipment does not require a LOLER test because its sole purpose isn’t lifting or lowering a person. However, if such equipment is used at work, the provisions of PUWER will still apply.

“Height adjustablility alone does not mean that LOLER applies to the equipment.” (HSIS4)

A ceiling or mobile hoist, however, is exclusively used to lift a person and support their weight. Therefore this equipment would require LOLER inspections. Here are some examples of lifting equipment which requires testing under LOLER.

  • Mobile hoists
  • Ceiling hoists
  • Standing/raising aids
  • Slings (lifting accessory)
  • Bath hoists/lifts (Known as ‘floor mounted hoists’ which are used to lift and lower a person into their bath)
  • Passenger lifts
  • Stair lifts

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Who’s responsibility is it to ensure LOLER is enforced in the workplace?

LOLER regulations impose a duty on owners of lifting equipment, business owners and employers to ensure that all lifting equipment is suitable and stable for its proposed use. This includes regular inspections and maintenance checks under LOLER & PUWER.

“These Regulations (LOLER) place duties on people and companies who own, operate or have control over lifting equipment. This includes all businesses and organisations whose employees use lifting equipment, whether owned by them or not.” (HSIS4)

What does a LOLER test consist of? 

A qualified person, who has enough practical and technical knowledge and experience of lifting equipment, is able to conduct a thorough LOLER test and decide the result. The trained examiner will have the ability to determine whether equipment is corroding or deteriorating. When conducting the test, the examiner will check the following:

  • Name/address of the equipment location.
  • The manufacturer, date of manufacture, serial number etc of the lifting equipment.
  • Date of its last inspection and the date of its next inspection.
  • The safe working load (SWL) of the equipment.
  • Identify the date and type of examination the engineer is conducting (LOLER only/Full service) and when the next test is due.
  • Identify and describe any faults with the equipment which have or will become a danger to users.
  • Describe any repairs or alterations that are required to cure any fault which could be a danger to users if left unattended.
  • Visual and functional checks.
  • Name of examiner and business address.
  • The name of the person signing or authenticating the examination.
  • State whether the equipment is safe or unsafe to use.

A detailed version of LOLER test requirements can be found here.

How often does my lifting equipment require LOLER testing?

Before any lifting equipment is used for the first time you will need to guarantee, with physical evidence, that the equipment has had a thorough examination and is safe to use. If you are unable to obtain this information, the equipment should not be used before being tested.

Periodic examinations are required if the lifting equipment is exposed to conditions which can cause deterioration or result in fatal/serious injury. By LOLER regulations, the following intervals should be observed depending on the equipment and its purpose use.

Thorough LOLER tests should be conducted at least every 6 months on all lifting equipment and any accessories. It is advised that daily routine checks are carried out before any lifting equipment is used. Any faults or defects should be reported immediately and the equipment shouldn’t be used until a specialist has conducted a thorough inspection.

Further reading:

To find out more on LOLER examinations, click here.

To find out more about LOLER regulations in the workplace, click here.

Let us help you comply with LOLER and PUWER today. Contact us for more information on our LOLER tests and maintenance inspections. 

Maintaining your Guldmann GH1 Ceiling Hoist

Written by multicare on . Posted in Blog, Technical Information.

Maintaining your Guldmann GH1 ceiling hoist correctly helps to prolong its life and use. We’ve rounded up a list of 4 things you can do that make maintaining the GH1 hoist easy and convenient.

1. The importance of charging

Once the hoist has been used, simply plug the handset back into the holder and charging will start immediately. The GH1 handset docking station also acts as the charging station, making it very easy to charge and keeping the handset neatly out of the way whilst not in use. Remember to ensure that the hoist is kept on charge whenever it is not in use.

2. Prolonging the life of the lift tape

When hoisting, ensure that the lifting tape is lifting vertically. Lifting at an angle could damage the sides of the tape, reducing its lifespan.

The GH1 has an innovative ‘safety cut-off’ function implemented which stops hoist being used when the strap is pulled either 45 degrees outside along the rail, or 10 degrees across the rail. The safety cut-off not only prevents the user carrying out an unsafe lift but also prolongs the life of the lift tape.

All Guldmann hoists that are used in a pool environment will be fitted with an ‘anti-corrosion’ strap. This strap has an anti-corrosive coat meaning it will last longer, making it rot and mildew resistant.

3. Move the hoist safely!

Avoid using the handset cable to move the hoist along the track, as this can cause charging problems with the hoist and a faulty handset. Bring the lifting hanger over to where the person is to be lifted instead.

The unique design of the GH1 hand control means it can be clipped onto the spreader bar during hoisting, reducing the risk of an injury or distraction. The ultra strong cable cover is robust and will last for many years, giving reliability and usability.

4. Cleaning and maintenance

The soft design and hard shell of the Guldmann GH1 allow it to be cleaned quickly. Simply clean with a damp cloth and ordinary detergent. Do not use strong acids, bases or alcohol when cleaning.

The white wipe clean finish of the GH1 enables it to blend into any environment and the simple design means that you can keep it clean, sparkling and infection free with ease.

For more information on our Guldmann GH1 ceiling hoists, contact us today.

New Lifting Hanger by Guldmann

Written by multicare on . Posted in Blog, Featured products, Latest News.

We’re happy to announce that Guldmann have introduced a new and improved lifting hanger for all Guldmann ceiling track hoists.

The new hanger will replace all previous hangers in the Guldmann product range which have a 2 and 4 attachment point.

How can you benefit from the new lifting hanger?

Lower weight:

  • The new hanger is 30% lighter than the previous 4-point hanger, this makes it much easier to move, and less likely to hit your user.

Increased strength:

  • The maximum load has been increased to 375kg, making it usable for heavier users.

Improved comfort:

  • The new hanger has a soft, seamless surface meaning easier and quicker cleaning of the hanger and making it more comfortable to touch. Furthermore, ‘shock absorbers’ are fitted in the plastic at the ends of the hanger so your bathroom tiles don’t get damaged anymore!
Guldmann Old Style LIfting Hanger
Old style hangers
Guldmann new style lifting hanger
New lifting hanger

 

Range of sizes:

The new hanger is available in sizes XS, S and M. All previous lifting hangers are now discontinued and have been replaced with this new one. The Extra Small and Small lifting hanger are ideal for smaller and paediatric patients, keeping the sling straps straight and the user in a midline position.

The new lifting hanger is compatible with all Guldmann ceiling hoists. The hanger uses a ‘hook’ attachment, but an adaptor is available for old style GH2 hoists with a ‘snap-hook’ end.

Contact us today to discuss the benefits of the new Guldmann lifting hanger.

Introducing A New Sling Tagging System

Written by multicare on . Posted in Blog, Featured products, Latest News, Technical Information.

We’re pleased to inform you that after reviewing our current sling tagging process, we have decided to implement a new sling tagging system.

The new sling tagging process will ensure that your slings are safe to use and clearly state when their next LOLER inspection is due.

Problems with existing solutions:

  • Lack of traceability.
  • Current tags can get in the way when using your sling.
  • Some providers handwrite the LOLER dates on the tag which looks unprofessional.
  • The tags are large and unpleasant to look at.
  • Not all providers tag their slings, making it harder for users to recognise if their sling has been LOLER tested.

Our solution on the other hand:

  • Our new sling tag is smaller and discreet, making it more appealing to look upon.
  • The LOLER dates are instantly visible and the sling tag is wash resistant.
  • The new sling tag can be applied to any sling.
  • Our new design means that it will not be uncomfortable when using your sling.
  • The tag cannot be removed and put on a different sling.

Read more on LOLER 1998 Regulations here.

Please Contact Us for more details regarding our new sling tagging system.

New 2017 Catalogue Coming Soon…

Written by multicare on . Posted in Blog, Latest News, Uncategorized.

The New 2017 Catalogue is coming!

It’s been long overdue, but we’re extremely excited to announce that we will finally be launching a brand new 2017 catalogue this month!

The new catalogue will feature:

  • New innovative patient handling equipment.
  • A Changing Places planning, product and installation guide.
  • Detailed installation guides for domestic homes and healthcare facilities.
  • Information on our service and maintenance contracts and a new range of packages to suit you.
  • A bigger layout! The catalogue is now in A4 instead of A5.

We’ll also be celebrating the release of our new 2017 catalogue by sharing some discount codes with you on a range of patient handling equipment.

So make sure you keep an eye on our twitter page for more information.

Fill in the form below to get your hands on our new 2017 catalogue first!

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Choosing the right Assisted Bath

Written by multicare on . Posted in Blog, Latest News, Technical Information.

Bathing is an important part of your patients care routine, so choosing the right assisted bath for your patients needs is essential.

Bathing has many beneficial factors. Not only does it ensure your patients’ hygiene, bathing also offers therapeutic remedies for certain skin conditions, such as pain in joints and muscles, calms emotional stress and much more.

Read our 5 hints & tips for choosing the right assisted bath for your patient:

1. Integral Seat

  • Does your patient require extra assistance when getting themselves in and out of the bath? Perhaps you should consider a bath with an integral seat, such as the Lucerne bath.

2. Temperature

  • How do you test the temperature of the water? TMV3 taps ensure the water is safe for use and will not scaled or burn. A floating thermometer is also handy to keep! For the HSE guide on ‘Managing Hot Water Risks’, click here.

3. Support In The Bath

  • Observe how the patient is to be supported in the bath. Are they  able to slip? Consider a seat with a lap belt for additional support. Alternatively, there are inflatable cushions available, or consider mounting a ceiling hoist to support the patient in a sling.

4. Hoist & Sling

  • Does your patient require hoisting in and out of the bath? A mesh material for the sling is suitable and extra padding if required.
  • Explore our range of slings here.
  • View our floor mounted bath hoist here.

5. Servicing

  • Ensure the bath is regularly serviced. An annual service is required under the PUWER regulations.If your bath has a lifting function, it may require a LOLER inspection too. Click here to find out more about our service and maintenance contracts.

Explore our wide range of bathing equipment and accessories here. If you have any questions or queries about our products, get in touch.

The Safe Use of Bed Rails Checklist

Written by multicare on . Posted in Blog.

By following our Safe Use of Bed Rails Checklist, you can help to prevent a serious injury to your patients.

Bed rails are extensively used in residential, care home and hospitals to prevent patients from rolling out of bed and sustaining an injury. When bed rails are used safely with the right type of bed in the right way, they can be very effective. However, the incorrect use of the bed rails has unfortunately resulted in serious injuries including death. This can be caused by asphyxiation after entrapment of the head, neck and chest.

When using bed rails, it is extremely important that you ensure that they are safe and secure for the patient using them. Use our checklist as guidance to ensure your patient’s safety and comfort.

safe use of bed rails checklist

The Safe Use Of Bed Rails Checklist:

1.  Only provide bed rails if they are used as the correct and safe solution to prevent falls.

2.  Ensure that a Risk Assessment is carried our for your patient, along with all the equipment they will be using.

3.  All staff and carers must be trained in the safe use of bed rails and the risks involved.

4.  The bed rail must be suitable for the bed and mattress by thoroughly reading the manufactures instructions manual.

5.  The mattress must fit snugly between the bed rails.

6.  The bed rails must be fitted correctly and securely.

7.  Ensure the bed rails are regularly inspected and maintained.

8.  Ensure that all gaps are either completely removed or fall within the guidelines.

Most adjustable or profiling bed manufacturers will supply their own bed rails. It is preferred that patients use these compared to other systems, as they are designed to fit with that particular style of bed. If you are using third party bed rails, thoroughly read the instructions for more information on the selection of mattress, dimensions and features.

You can download The Safe Use of Bed Rails Checklist here.

Discover our wide range of profiling beds and accessories here.

Use the discount code MATT16 at the checkout to get £50 off the Multicare Premium Mattress if more than two are ordered before 31/10/2016. Click here

For more information regarding the safe use of bed rails, view the latest publication from the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) here.

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Progress House
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LE10 3BS

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© 2023 Multicare Medical Ltd - Registered in England and Wales No. 08565494.
Registered Office: Progress House, Jacknell Road, Dodwells Bridge Industrial Estate, Hinckley. LE10 3BS