Daily Living Expo 2012 - ATSA

The ATSA Daily Living Expo is held at Caulfield Racecourse, Melbourne on 16-17 May 2012. 

In 2012, exhibition will have over 100 exhibitors displaying a wide range of products and services for people with disabilities and the elderly. On display will be the latest in assistive technology, mobility solutions, pressure care, employment support, accessible recreation/holiday ideas, modified motor vehicles and a lot more. 

A key feature of the Expo is the FREE Clinical Education Program - run over 2 days in rooms conveniently located above the exhibition floor. The three track seminar program with over 20 speakers. 

Admission is free to therapists, the general public, end users & ATSA members. However there is a charge for staff from suppliers who are non-exhibitors which includes admission to the Clinical Program.

Enhancements to the K-Care Shower Commode Range

Health, safety and serviceability enhancements have been announced by Aidacare for the seats and castors

of industry leading K-Care shower commode range.

NEW Tente Castors

Shower commodes will also in future be supplied with superior quality and innovative Tente castors, the housing and tyres of which are constructed from non-corrosive high grade synthetic material.

They feature full roller bearing for easier castor wheel movement and a high-load bearing head rage for easier castor swivel. Tested to comply with Australian shower commode standards, the castors also feature moulded, non-corrosive brake tongue, non-marking and low-noise tyre and improved aesthetics.

NEW Polyurethane Seat

New polyurethane (PU) seats for the range are designed and manufactured to provide an economic, comfortable and durable shower commode seating solution with no sharp seams or edges, preventing injuries to users’ legs.

In contemporary azure blue colour scheme, the polyurethane seat is offered in closed front (KA11CPU) and open front (KA11OPU) versions that supersede all machine-made shower seats in the range.

Ideal for high use areas or for individual long-term users, the durably constructed new Polyurethane seats feature an improved pan/bowl carrier runner design for easier carrier positioning and seat interchange.  They are designed to suit the standard width K-Care shower commode range.

Shower Commode Stainless Steel	Shower Commode with Weight Bearing Platform	Shower Commode Self Propelling

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

• 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

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

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!

• 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

What Is Manual Handling?

SallyBoards	One Way Slide	Easy Turn
The Slider	Transfer Belt Padded	Slide Sheet

• 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

Bariatric equipment is becoming ever more prevalent in the healthcare market but what is bariatrics and what is bariatric equipment?

Our brand new product catalogue HAS ARRIVED!

• 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

• 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

Community Care Bed

• A simple yet stylish design, the Community Bed is an electronically controlled bed for aged care or home Environments.
• Made of solid construction for strength, safety and stability, the Community Bed enables both care giver and patient to reposition the bed for most aspects of care.
• The extensive lifting range and bed base functionality make getting in and out of bed easy, helping to increase user independence whilst ensuring optimal conditions for the caregiver.
• Standard features, such as the Support Pole for patient lifting assistance, plus a range of other optional accessories further simplify day to day living and care.
• Easy assembly, handling and storage
• Lockable castors

Lifecomfort Mattress	Ultimate Pressure Mattress 125	Princess Bed

Our brand new product catalogue HAS ARRIVED!

• 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

• 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

Theraflow - Pressure Relief Mattress

• The Theraflow Alternating Mattress Replacement System is a breakthrough in pressure release technology.
• Australian innovation has led to a worldwide patent on a system which uses the energy within the mattress itself to alternately "pull" cells away from the patient. This results in more pressure removal for longer periods of time.
• This unique system can also be quickly and easily customised to focus therapy on particular areas of skin breakdown.
• A fully welded "mattress within a mattress" gives unbeatable infection control together with a host of unique innovations which make the Theraflow unrivalled in pressure care therapy.

•    For suitable patients – elastics can be disengaged to focus treatment on breakdown areas

Princess Bed	Sheepskin Overlay	Heel Protectors

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

• 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

Advance mobile patient hoist provides comfort and OH&S benefits – even loaded to 155kg

Transferring immobile patients to and from beds, chairs, and other surfaces can be a difficult and sometimes hazardous task for many carers at home or in hospitals and health care establishments. It can also be a very uncomfortable experience for the patient, and often just as hazardous.

The Oxford Advance Hoist, now available in Australia from Aidacare, has been designed to improve the safety and comfort of patients and carers alike during this process – even with people up to 155kg.

Making use of the latest in design and manufacturing technologies to achieve light weight and high strength, the Advance is the most functional and stylish hoist in its class. Its award-winning design features a unique ‘swan neck’ leg, allowing the hoist to get even closer to the widest of obstacles without compromising stability, ensuring the patient feels safe and secure throughout the transfer.

The Advance’s triangular folded design makes storage and transportation easy, opening up possibilities for use beyond the confines of the home. When folded, the hoist is compact and able to stand unaided, and does not require any tools or special attachments when setting up, during use or when stowing.

General Purpose Sling	Transfer Board Q2	Shower Commode with Platform Footrest
Slide Sheet	Walk Belt	Patient Transfer Board SallyBoard

• 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

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