MultiAdjust Case Study – Jayne’s Story
CareFlex had the pleasure of meeting Jayne recently and we were able to provide her with the all new MultiAdjust specialist seating system to trial and complete a MultiAdjust Case Study. Rebecca Dunstall, Clinical Specialist, and Les Jones, Business Development Manager, met with Jayne, care home staff, and her therapy team at the care home where she resides. The aim of the visit was to find out if CareFlex specialist seating could improve her quality of life.
Jayne is a 55-year-old lady who loves watching television and chatting with her friends at the care home. Jayne receives long-term nursing care, and has a great support network in her mother and sister. Jayne does present with cognitive impairments but is able to communicate well verbally.
Jayne’s diagnoses are epilepsy and subdural haematoma, managed via craniotomy, following a head injury:
- Jayne presents with generalised weakness and reduced postural control resulting in fatigue.
- She has instability at the pelvis presenting with a habitual posterior pelvic tilt and pelvic rotation.
- She also presents with an increased thoracic kyphosis, shoulder protraction and foot drop.
- Jayne is non-ambulant and is fully hoisted for all transfers.
Prior to CareFlex involvement, Jayne used her wheelchair throughout the day for all of her seated activities, meaning that she had no access to alternative comfortable seating. Care staff were concerned about her risk of pressure injuries and her wellbeing; Jayne was experiencing fatigue and often requested to return to bed in the afternoon resulting in limited social interaction.
During the assessment it was evident that Jayne needed a seating system to promote pelvic stability, support the upper limbs and open up the shoulder girdle. She also needed an opportunity to relax throughout the day to encourage energy conservation, which would be critical to her ability to engage and interact socially. The MultiAdjust offers:
- Flexibility with a range of seat adjustments, including seat depth, seat width to ensure an individualised set-up.
- Tilt-in-Space* with padded pelvic belt * to promote postural stability.
- Tilt-in-Space* to also utilise gravity to correct Jayne’s kyphotic posture as much as possible.
- Reflexion foam contoured back support to encourage trunk alignment and accommodate her remaining increased thoracic kyphosis.
- Back Angle Recline* and elevating leg rest to manage generalised weakness and allow for periods of rest for energy conservation during the day; this was essential for Jayne to continue engaging with friends and family.
- Height adjustable arm rests to ensure appropriate upper limbs support crucial to Jayne’s shoulder and head position; Jayne’s arms relaxed into the support opening up her upper trunk.
- An angle adjustable footplate to correct her ankle position for optimum support and pressure distribution.
- Hoist compatibility to ensure that care home staff are able to complete moving & handling safely and with ease, which is critical for initial optimum positioning.
Jayne settled comfortably and said that she was “very happy” to keep sitting in the chair.
On review, care home staff reported that Jayne continued to be happy to sit out in the chair every day. Jayne appeared to be able to interact with other residents for longer periods of time before needing a rest, and was generally more content throughout the day.
Finding the most appropriate seating system is always a fine balance but no seating objective should be given greater priority than the individual user’s comfort. Witnessing an individual smiling more just because they feel safe and able to relax really is the highlight of our working day. We are thrilled that we were able see Jayne smile and we look forward to visiting her again soon. Thank you to Jayne for letting us complete this MultiAdjust Case Study.
At CareFlex, we strongly believe in our ethos: we strive to balance posture and pressure management with the individual’s own goals, whilst promoting comfort, independence and a meaningful life.
Get in touch to arrange a free no-obligation assessment if you think you or your loved one need a supportive yet comfortable chair, like Jayne, from CareFlex specialist seating.
*Disclaimers
- Tilt-in-Space and Back Angle Recline should always be prescribed responsibly, ensuring that they are safe and appropriate for the user following a comprehensive assessment of posture and risk, with advice sought from the multi-disciplinary team where indicated. In some cases these functions will be contra-indicated, and they could also increase shear and friction forces.
- All belts and harnesses must also be prescribed, implemented and monitored responsibly following a comprehensive risk assessment. Please see the Device safety information alert for further information: www.gov.uk/drug-device-alerts/all-posture-or-safety-belts-fitted-to-supportive-seating-wheelchairs-hoists-and-bathroom-equipment-risk-of-serious-injury-or-death
