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SOLUTIONS CENTRE NEWSLETTER |
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Often a person being assisted through a funding body like NDIS or DVA has a very clear idea of what AT they prefer. Sometimes this can be based on appearance, past experiences, information from online forums, or a friend’s recommendation. So it’s really important each and every time to clarify the purpose of the AT assessment and complete a transparent trial so that all parties address any preconceived ideas. |
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Our goal as therapists is to ensure that the AT prescribed best meets the person’s needs, both acute and long term, is ‘value for money’ when compared with similar alternative products or options, that the person can effectively use the selected AT with their limitations and most importantly that we support the person's preferences for choice.
To do this effectively, we must: •
Complete a solid clinical/functional assessment prior to the trial to build a clinical picture of what needs are being addressed and any future changes • Understand what goal the AT is to achieve • Know where the AT will be used (environmental assessment) •
Understand how it will be transported/stored (where applicable) •
Understand the person’s past experiences and preferences |
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A trial provides both the person and the therapist with the opportunity to objectively confirm if the selected AT best meets these needs, and trials can also be used to introduce alternative options to the person (based on the therapists past clinical experience) or to decide on appropriate accessories and attachments.
A trial also provides the therapist and person with the supplier's expert knowledge about the products being trialled, and to establish a relationship with the supplier if the AT requires ongoing maintenance. By combining the product information with the person’s ability to utilise the selected AT, the therapist is able to conclusively ‘justify’ the recommended AT. This also enables the person to make an ‘informed’ decision about which AT best meets their needs as well as the guidelines of the funding body. |
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The occupational therapist
is best positioned to take an ‘active role’ in each AT trial as they have the knowledge regarding the person’s medical condition – impairments (physical and cognitive); prognosis and therefore likely future needs, and the environment that the AT will be utilised within. Hence, the occupational therapist
is ideally positioned to work with both the supplier and the person to get the best outcome and ensure that the AT prescribed is the best option for that person as well as meeting the funding body guidelines… so... the therapist
needs to be present for the trial! |
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Most suppliers also offer free community-based trials which means that there really isn’t any reason why a trial hasn’t been completed and that all questions related to the application can be addressed and trialled prior to scripting. For more information or support in enhancing your next AT trial, why not consider utilising the @SolutionsCentre
in Malaga or attending our upcoming free Ed Session on Assistive Technology Trials: Optimising Outcomes for NDIS Participants being run on the 21st July. |
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This month we asked visitors to the @SolutionsCentre
and our social media followers about their toilet habits… and the response was… crickets 🦗🦗🦗! |
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With a total of 67 votes last month, this month we received just 18 votes 👀.. and what we now know is that those who use or like to use a Bidet are also far more comfortable to ‘toilet talk’ with us!
Worldwide Bidets are the more accepted method for cleaning oneself.. However, here in Australia, we haven’t quite caught onto the trend! So, what’s really wrong with a Bidet?💦 |
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Bidets are not only more environmentally friendly, but they use less water in their function than the amount of water used to create a single roll of toilet paper! You’ll also be saving some of the 384 trees that are cut down to make a single person’s lifetime supply of toilet paper.
Bidets also work out cheaper than purchasing toilet paper by some 75% and using a Bidet also leads to fewer instances of rashes, haemorrhoids, UTIs and anal fissures..👀 |
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Now, I know what you’re thinking… Wet Wipes! Well yes, they do exist... and yes we have some different products available for trial at the @SolutionsCentre… But… Wet Wipes will only further irritate the skin and can leave residue (because of a lovely thing we’ll refer to as the 'smear effect')! And don’t get us started on how un-environmentally friendly wet wipes are! #savetheturtles 🐢 |
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So ... if you are still undecided about the applications of a Bidet in yours or your client's toilet hygiene habits.. we dare you to visit the @SolutionsCentre where we have a pedestal and portable Bidets available for trial (yes you can actually trial them!) thank you to @TheBidetShop!
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PROVIDER SPOTLIGHT This month we got the opportunity to sit down with Carole & Shaun, the Business Improvement Managers & Directors from @Emprise Mobility and to ask a few questions ...
How did you end up where you are? Carole & Shaun met in the late 1980s when they both worked in the IT field. In 2004, while Carole was having a break from work and being a mum with their 2-year-old daughter, Shaun arrived home from work one day to say he’d had enough of the corporate world! Carole says: “We had one of those serious discussions about life, the universe and everything and decided life was too short to not give things a go... we hunted for almost 18 months before we found Mandurah Mobility Products – a business we could afford (with lots of help from the bank), that had potential and that we’d be proud to be a part of. While working in IT, our work had all been about delivering solutions to make things better for the businesses we worked in or consulted with. This was a chance to make things better directly for individuals. With both of us having aging parents, we knew the challenges being faced by so many”. What makes you smile at your work? Shaun says “my fantastic jokes”.. “Everyone else groans at this point (Shaun is king of the Dad jokes – well, he thinks so anyway)!” – says Carole! |
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“But, in all honesty, it is seeing a customer get what they need and walk out the door with smiles or a general look of relief.” - Carole continues. “The most special moments are when someone contacts us later and shares how happy they are with the difference it has made. This probably sounds a bit predictable or trite, but it is why we’re in this business.” – Shaun completes.
Can you share an enjoyable moment of your life? “How much time do you have? 😂 Okay – seeing our daughter all dressed up for her school ball. Wow!” – says Shaun.
How do you enjoy your winter weekends? Carole: “Weekends? What are weekends? We’re not getting many of those just now. However, having the blinds all open so we can see the outside world while vegging with Netflix and a glass of red wine 🍷
”
What's your favourite soup? While Shaun’s favourite is chunky beef and vegetable 🍲, Carole loves minestrone, but you must include garlic bread! 🍞 – of course, we completely agree Carole! We now know what yummy recipes Carole & Shaun are staying warm with on this cold winter. |
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ASK THE TEAM ! Do you have any questions or problems you want our expert team to help solve? We're here to help you! Just reply to our newsletter and our experienced therapists, suppliers & engineers will work together to find you a solution!
This month Emma asked us about the shower chair debate featured in the last newsletter: I like that the faux wood chair seems to have a smaller base of support, but it doesn't have arm rests - have you guys come across anything with a small leg base but that does have both armrests and backrest support? Alice Forrest answers from @OTSG: Hi Emma, Yes, there is an option with the faux timber range that has armrests and a backrest to assist with more independent transfers whilst increasing safety. There is also a faux timber option with no armrests or backrest. Depending on the individual's preferences and needs, there is a solution available in faux timber! However, we also recently reviewed a new product for @KCare earlier this year at the @SolutionsCentre which was a new bariatric range of heavy duty shower seating options which had specifically been designed with a smaller base of support (designed with a kink in the leg!) and also to maintain adjustability .. all while maintaining a 200kg weight capacity! @Redgum also feature a space saving range of shower seating options which are compact for transport (travel) and a snug fit for that constricted space! And why not add a shower caddy featured in our 'What's new' section! |
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Thank you to everyone who contributed! |
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Electric Portable Bidet is a small and rechargeable bidet which can provide personal hygiene care anytime, anywhere. There is two-level control of the water, perfect for adjusting accordingly to the person needs. |
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REDGUM's Shower Caddy adds storage for your soaps and shampoos in the bathroom without using extra space. It has a quick release attachment that adds a storage shelf and hangers for washcloths to the versatility of the Space Saver Shower Stool and while removing a trip hazard from this slippery environment. |
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this mobility walker comes with a seat, storage basket & braking system that is easy to fold and lightweight to lift. The Lett800 featured @SolutionsCentre has a 30L storage cart as well as providing a portable seat. The instant braking system is easily activated by hand, and swivel wheels facilitate easy movement in busy environments. |
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The Crutch Caddy with a unique vertical lock and release system, it makes crutches safe and easy to access. From a safety and convenience aspect, crutches are standing ready for you to slip your arms into and not in the usual position, propped up in the nearest corner or lying dangerously on the floor. |
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HAPPENINGS @SOLUTIONS CENTRE |
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