Welcome to the April edition of our BriefCASE Bulletin.

Our aim is for BriefCASE is to provide professional prescribers across the country with an up to date resource detailing the very latest product and services information available.

The customised and specialised equipment (C.A.S.E) sector is the leading edge of technological design and function advances within our industry. BriefCASE is our way of keeping you in the loop and up to date.

Daily Living Expo 2012 - ATSA

External Factors that can cause Pressure Ulcers

PRESSURE

Pressure = Force/Area. That is, any force that is applied over a small area generates more pressure than the same force applied over a large area. Muscle is affected before skin.

FRICTION

Friction is skin rubbing against a surface. It can lead to blistering of the skin and superficial breakdown.

SHEAR

Shear is skin fixed to a surface and the underlying tissue moves. It causes tearing of the tissue, damages the blood vessels and can cause tissue death. The ulcer will be irregularly shaped and wound dressing will move.

HEAT & MOISTURE

Heat & Moisture increases fragility of the skin and can harvest infection. Perspiration and incontinence are often main causes. Incontinence pads reduce pressure relieving qualities of cushions and mattresses.

Pressure Ulcer Prevention Products

MATTRESSES

All individuals assessed as being vulnerable to pressure ulcers should, as a minimum provision, be placed on a high specification foam mattress with pressure-relieving properties. Although there is no research evidence that high-tech pressure relieving mattresses and overlays are more effective than high-specification foam mattresses and overlays, professional consensus recommends that consideration should be given to the use of alternating pressure or other high-tech pressure-relieving systems:

• As a first-line preventative strategy for people at elevated risk as identified by holistic assessment

• When the individual's previous history of pressure ulcer prevention nd/or clinical condition indicates that he or she is best cared for on a high-tech device

• When a low-tech device has failed.

CUSHIONS

Pressure Ulcer Prevention principles are essential when a person is seated. You need to support the client’s posture and ensure their pressure care needs are adequately addressed. Ensuring you “spread the load” of the pressure evenly across the full surface area available in the seated position can be crucial. Additionally, you need to ensure the person remains supported, functional and comfortable. The right solution can be difficult.

TILT IN SPACE

When a person is tilted in their wheelchair, the pressure distribution changes depending on where the force of gravity is pushing. For a client to achieve total pressure relief, studies have shown that a tilt of a minimum of 55 degrees must be achieved. There are many types of chairs & wheelchairs with tilting options. Not all tilt chairs give sufficient tilt for total pressure relief. The Aidacare product range has many manual and power chairs that can achieve this. We also have the a range of pressure relief chairs providing tilt and recline options in redistributing pressure.

OTHER AIDS

Aidacare provide a wide range of accessories to assist with pressure therapy. These products can address pressure almost anywhere on the body and can assist in either re-distributing pressure or complete pressure relief. Heels are extremely prone to pressure sores. There are a range of products aimed specifically at the feet and particularly the heels. Aidacare supplies a great range of high quality sheepskin products for the feet.

Pressure Care

Know Your Wound - Stages of a Pressure Ulcer

STAGE 1

Skin surface is:

•       Unbroken but inflamed

•       Painful and warm to touch

•       Spongy or firm in texture

STAGE 2

Skin surface is:

•       Broken, red and painful

•       Blistering, with possible  drainage

•       Tissue may be pale, red, swollen, hardening & warm

A stage 2 ulcer involves partial thickness of skin loss involving epidermis or dermis either by exposure as in the top image or by disrupting the epidermal/dermal interface as seen in a blister.  Both are superficial wounds and present clinically as an abrasion, blister or shallow crater, they have a similar prognosis as a stage one providing the cause of damage is removed.

There is a school of thought that suggests that superficial ulcers are more likely to be caused by friction with or without maceration for example as seen in sweating or incontinence than be deep unrelieved pressure.  Certainly it’s true that these wounds are common on the elbows, heels and buttocks and are often associated with microclimate at the mattress/skin interface.

STAGE 3

Ulcer:

•       Extends to underlying tissue

•       White to black in colour

•       May not be painful at its base

•       May have foul smelling drainage

We now move into the more severe ulcer stages.  As you can see, full thickness skin loss involving damage or necrosis of subcutaneous/underlying tissue that may extend down to, but not through, underlying fascia. The ulcer presents clinically as a deep crater with or without undermining of the adjacent tissue

A stage 3 does not have to be cratered although many healthcare practitioners once again misdiagnose this as a grade 2.  One point to bear in mind is size – the perception may be that a bigger wound is a higher grade but this is not the case.  A small deep ulcer that tracks to the bone can be a grade four yet be no more than 0.5cms in size (next slide shows this).

STAGE 4

Ulcer:

•       Extends to muscle or bone

•       White to black in colour

•      May be painful if bone infection is present

•       Foul smelling drainage possible

A grade four wound is a serious complication; full thickness skin loss with extensive destruction, tissue necrosis or damage to muscle, bone or supporting structures (eg. tendon or joint capsule). Undermining and sinus tracts may also be associated with stage 4 pressure ulcers. Wound cultures are not indicated unless there is evidence of surrounding cellulitis or bacteremia. X-rays or bone scans may be indicated to diagnose osteomyelitis in deep nonhealing ulcers. As you can see the grading is determined by anatomical involvement not by size – the lower ulcer tracks down to the bone.  This wound is unlikely to ever heal and the patient will probably have a leaking sinus for life!

Pressure Relieving Foam Mattresses	Alternating Air Mattresses	Pressure Relieving Cushions
Tilt In Space Wheelchairs	Skeepskin Products	Pressure Relieving Aids & Accessories

Introducing the Brand NEW SR45!

The Quickie® SR 45™ is the newest member of the acclaimed Quickie tilt-in-space family and features
45 degrees of patented and proven IRIS tilt technology and a targeted offering of clinically effective
options. Available in 3 pre-configured sizes straight off the shelf. The SR45 combines the best mix of
options in a ready to go economical package.

Rotation-in-Space Technology

The Quickie SR 45’s seat frame rotates around
the client’s centre of gravity providing
the shortest possible wheelbase without
compromising stability. When the centre of
gravity and centre of rotation are properly
aligned, tilting is smooth, easy and controlled.

SR 45 comes standard with:

• Non folding backrest
• Height adjustable back with adjustable stroller handles
• Foot tilt
• Transit tie downs
• Dual post height adjustable flip back with full length arm pads
• 70` Swing in/ out hangers, solid seat pan and rear anti tips
• Composite foot plates
• 12” Mag rear wheels

Download the new PDF Brochure

The year has flown by and we’re sure it’s been a busy one for everyone. 

It has not been without it’s challenges of course but we hope you have met them and come out on the right side!
 
We hope you have enjoyed the information that our monthly Solutions 4 Life bulletin brings you.

We try to make it easy to ‘flash read’ rather than drowning you in words.

We know time is short and valuable to you.

Our bulletins are structured to bring you ‘user friendly’ information with images and links on products of interest.

We welcome any feedback you are willing to provide and would love to hear from you in 2012.

Thank you for remaining subscribed!
 
It’s time for everyone to take a well earned break with family and friends. May you all have a Happy and safe Christmas.
All the best for health, happiness and prosperity in the New Year.

We look forward to continue being of service to you wherever we can.
 

Best wishes from all of us at Aidacare!

The year has flown by and we’re sure it’s been a busy one for everyone.

It has not been without it’s challenges of course but we hope you have met them and come out on the right side!
 
We hope you have enjoyed the information that our monthly BriefCASE bulletin brings you.

We try to make it easy to ‘flash read’ rather than drowning you in words.

We know time is short and valuable to you.

Our bulletins are structured to bring you ‘user friendly’ information with images and links on products of interest.

We welcome any feedback you are willing to provide and would love to hear from you in 2012.

Thank you for remaining subscribed!
 
It’s time for everyone to take a well earned break with family and friends. May you all have a Happy and safe Christmas.
All the best for health, happiness and prosperity in the New Year.

We look forward to continue being of service to you wherever we can.
 

Best wishes from all of us at Aidacare!

Welcome to the November edition of our BriefCASE Bulletin.

Our aim is for BriefCASE is to provide professional prescribers across the country with an up to date resource detailing the very latest product and services information available.

The customised and specialised equipment (C.A.S.E) sector is the leading edge of technological design and function advances within our industry. BriefCASE is our way of keeping you in the loop and up to date.

Introducing Permobil into the Aidacare CASE range!

Welcome to the October edition of our BriefCASE Bulletin.

Our aim is for BriefCASE is to provide professional prescribers across the country with an up to date resource detailing the very latest product and services information available.

The customised and specialised equipment (C.A.S.E) sector is the leading edge of technological design and function advances within our industry. BriefCASE is our way of keeping you in the loop and up to date.

Quickie Xenon

• Weighs under 6kg (Frame only)

• Easy one-hand opening strap that's used to lock the folding frame in it's folded position.

• Quickie Locking System mechanism improves transportability of folded chair

• Stylish designer backrest solutions integrated into the flow of the frame

• Adjustable backrests are easy to adjust from -15º degrees to +18º in 3º increments measured to the frame

• Over 20 frame colours and 6 hardware colours can be blended into hundreds of possible custom combinations

Our brand new product catalogue HAS ARRIVED!

• 370 full colour pages containing over 4,000 products
• High quality product images
• Key features & benefits and full product specifications
• Easy to navigate contents
• DVA approved products highlighted

Welcome to the September edition of our BriefCASE Bulletin.

Our aim is for BriefCASE is to provide professional prescribers across the country with an up to date resource detailing the very latest product and services information available.

The customised and specialised equipment (C.A.S.E) sector is the leading edge of technological design and function advances within our industry. BriefCASE is our way of keeping you in the loop and up to date.

Q6 Edge

• Offers the complete rehab package at exceptional value.

• High Torque 4-pole motor delivers more power at low speeds with less  wear-and-tear on the motor

• 6-Drive ensures maximum stability by maintaining 6-wheels in surface contact

• ATX Suspension (Active-Trac with extra stability) incorporates the front castors for enhanced performance over wider terrain

• Compatible with full range of TRU-Balance; TRU-Logic and Q-Logic systems

• Low impact OMNI castors on front and rear wheels prevent wheel hang-ups

Our brand new product catalogue HAS ARRIVED!

• 370 full colour pages containing over 4,000 products
• High quality product images
• Key features & benefits and full product specifications
• Easy to navigate contents
• DVA approved products highlighted

Welcome to the August edition of our BriefCASE e-newsletter.

Our aim is for BriefCASE is to provide professional prescribers across the country with an up to date resource detailing the very latest product and services information available.

The customised and specialised equipment (C.A.S.E) sector is the leading edge of technological design and function advances within our industry. BriefCASE is our way of keeping you in the loop and up to date.

Quickie X Power Family

Download our e-catalogue TODAY!

• 370 full colour pages containing over 4,000 products
• High quality product images
• Key selling features and full product specifications
• Easy to navigate contents
• DVA approved products highlighted

Welcome to the belated July edition of our BriefCASE e-newsletter.

Our aim is for BriefCASE is to provide professional prescribers across the country with an up to date resource detailing the very latest product and services information available.

The customised and specialised equipment (C.A.S.E) sector is the leading edge of technological design and function advances within our industry. BriefCASE is our way of keeping you in the loop and up to date.

Three-in-one Horizon Stander - robust, durable, upright and supine stander

At a Glance

• Enables standing in the ventral and dorsal position
• Optimal posture support
• Suitable for children and youths
• Individually adaptable
• Can be used for various clinical pictures due to range of accessories
• Easy handling

The Leckey Horizon Stander permits standing in the ventral and dorsal position, and offers an unmatched level of posture support through a range of standard components and various optional accessories. We offer the prone board in two sizes, for children ages four to ten years and ten to 18 years.

Effective Daily Relief

In spite of its many possible uses, the Leckey Horizon Stander distinguishes itself through easy handling. It can be converted from a dorsal to a ventral support in just three steps. To do so, simply remove the adjustable headrest, exchange the therapy table, and turn the sandals around. In both versions, the frame angle can be comfortably adjusted at the push of a button which provides effective everyday relief for parents and caregivers.

The height, depth, and angle of the hip pad can be adjusted for optimal positioning. In addition, the chest pads, knee protectors, flexible side supports, hip pads, therapy table, and pelvic band can be individually adapted. This results in the best possible level of support for various requirements and different clinical pictures.

Segmented Foot Rests

Client CASE Study

Client: Len

Occupation: Logistics and Transport manager.

Workplace: Transport company yard, work surfaces ranges from smooth concrete to uneven gravel.

Current equipment: Glide Ridge frame with memory foam cushion Appox 3 years old.

Issues: Len needed a chair that could withstand the rigours and environmental challenges of the transport yard. Constant frame and spoke breakages, heavy frame, hard ride, uncomfortable.

Solution: After initially working with the Quickie GTi, we discussed with the chair manufacture Sunrise Medical what we needed to achieve for Len and we settled on the very latest Quickie Q7. Sunrise confirmed the Q7 could handle whatever Len and his workplace could throw at the chair.

Result: Len very happy!

Register for your copy of our brand new product catalogue!

• 330 full colour pages containing over 4,000 products
• High quality product images
• Key selling features and full product specifications
• Easy to navigate contents
• DVA approved products highlighted

Zippie Zone - Let's not forget that kids are active wheelchair users too!

The Zippie Zone is packed with some fantastic features including:

• Ultra-lightweight, fully customisable frame.
• Paediatric rigid chair with great options including a flip-up footrest, sideguards with built-in hublock access, abducted front frame and inset backrest.
• The Zone ergonomically fits some of the smallest children, allowing the greatest wheel access for enhanced mobility, with built-in growth capability. 

Wheelchair Transit Options

We came across this article and found it interesting – thought you may too!

Read full article>

* Extract source “Wheelchair tiedown and occupant restraint loading associated with adult manual transit wheelchair in rear impact” by Salipur

We also came across this video clip on the topic wheelchair transportation crash testing, it gives you a good insight into wheelchair testing procedures.

IRSA - Daily Living Expo

• View the latest product information & news
• Be first in-line for our product training and education sessions
• Access to a library of resources (case studies & research articles)
• BriefCASE' our Customised and Specialised Equipment (CASE) Newsletters

Relax Tilt-In-Space - Comfort & relief at an affordable price

The Relax Tilt-in-Space is an innovative, quality, tilting wheelchair designed to provide comfort and pressure relief for long-term wheelchair users, rehabilitation patients and people with disabilities restricting their posture and movement. Without a tilt system, a patient with spinal curvature might constantly face the floor, the addition of a tilt mechanism changes this physical orientation so users can maintain proper orientation with their communication.

At less than half the price of some tilt designs this feature rich chair is a standout product.

ROHO Quadtro Select	Pelvic Positioning Belt	EBL Ramp

Carex 2011 - Melbourne

Introducing the Kidwalk

CASE Study – Scott Staunton

Benefits of 3 Point Correction in Seating

The importance of appropriate support in seating is missed too often and it is sometimes the simple addition of equipment such as harnessing, cushioning and relevant backrest support that makes what would appear to be ill fitting mobility equipment into equipment that is fit for purpose, allowing the equipment to meet both the needs and goals of the client by allowing function and independence.

In this case study we will see how the addition of equipment to allow 3 point correction of the client’s pelvis helped to address issues of poor posture and function.

Client history

• A trail request was received for a 47 year old gentlemen suffering from MS who has been using a wheelchair on a more frequent basis due his reduced ability to mobilise independently.  The client lives alone and is finding it increasingly difficult to independently propel himself in his wheelchair.

• The client is still able to carry out a stand and pivot transfer but due to limited care at home and the effort required to complete a transfer finds it easier to stay in his chair for the majority of the day.

• The client has a Quickie manual self propelling chair and low risk foam cushion. 

Read full article>

Feature Product - Wheelchair Carrier

Do you have a client who needs a wheelchair when “out and about”, and getting the wheelchair in and out of the car is proving difficult?

This Wheelchair Carrier may be the solution you are looking for!

The Birt Wheelchair Carrier is a lightweight, removable wheelchair carrier that is mounted to the tow ball of a car. It is designed to minimise the manual handling risk of loading a manual wheelchair into a car and can be tilted sideways to allow the wheelchair to be loaded using leverage. The carrier can be removed and folded up when not in use and towing is not impeded once the detachable section has been removed.  It is available for self propelled wheelchairs or transit wheelchairs.

Contact you local Aidacare Showroom for a demo!

We are proud of our commitment to the training and education of health care professionals in our Customised and Specialised Equipment. We are hoping to run some fantastic programs in 2011 and would love your input to make them as great as they can be!

Here are some of the programs we are planning on running across the country. Click here to Express Interest Now on any of these sessions being ran near you!

- Basic seating and positioning – the mat and seated evalution.

- Complex seating and positioning

- Powerchair programming and speciality controls – getting the most out of your power chair

- Basic power – where to start when prescribing a power chair

- 24 hour positioning (paeds focus)

- Standing and Walking (paeds focus)

- Prescribing manual wheelchair for adults

- Prescribing manual wheelchairs for children

Additionally, click here to advise of topics that you would love us to add to the program.

Don’t forget, you can now register for any of our training sessions ONLINE!

Summer Pressure Care Tips

With Summer on it’s way, now is the time to remind clients “at Risk” of some simple steps to take to lower the risk of developing or worsening pressure areas during this time. Pressure areas can easily worsen over Summer due to increased humidity, increased temperature, poor nutrition and hydration and perspiration.

For low –level pressure care use “good quality” sheepskin products that absorb moisture and draw heat away from the body. The Shear comfort range of products are perfect for this situation.

• Ensure clients are drinking enough water to assist in body temperature control, maintain skin integrity and general wellbeing
• Ensure clients have adequate food intake as rapid weight loss over increases the risk of developing pressure areas.
• Choose an appropriate cushion and cover for clients sensitive to heat. For example, the “Jay Lite” cushion provides low to medium pressure care with a cross drilled foam base and reticulated “microclimatic” foam cover to promote circulation and cover fabric that wicks away moisture.

 It may be worth looking at a temperature control sheet “outlast” that can assist with wicking away heat from the body.

Feature Product - Pride R400

• Power tilt and power recline standard
• Outstanding tight-space manoeuvrability
• Narrow 64 cm (25”) width and compact
• 85 cm (33.5”) length
• Maximum speed of up to 8 km/h (5 mph)
• Adjustable seat frame
• Unique new design, seating system is integrated with the base
• Width and depth adjustable armrests

• Online booking for our training sessions
• Online booking for our seating clinics
• Access to a library of resources i.e. case studies & research articles
• Plus much more

A View From The Field - Elevating Legrests

Elevating leg rests are often prescribed but in many cases, were they actually needed! It is important to take the time to ensure all accessories and options that are impacting on a person’s ability to be seated functionally and comfortably, are fully assessed and are definitely NEEDED. Elevating leg rests are often “wanted” by well-intentioned carers and family members.

There is a perception in society that a person is comfortable when sitting reclined with their legs up. While this may well be the case for many people, for individuals with tight hamstrings, this seated position can often be painful!

Feature Product - Q7

• The lightest 'production' wheelchair on the market - from 6.5kg complete
• Outstanding performance - easy rolling, quick and direct reaction
• Wonderful handling
• Supreme adjustability - quick and easy adjustments
• Stunning looks!