Bespoke profiling bed control holder
A bespoke profiling bed remote control holder for a client with MS and reduced arm strength/function.
The Challenge
Our client has MS and reduced arm strength/function, and was struggling to press the buttons on the remote control for his profiling bed. The control unit was already a light button pressure variant from the profiling bed manufacturer but this was insufficient, so our client’s OT reached out to REMAP for help.
The solution
It was noted that the buttons on the controller were indeed very sensitive – to the point there is relatively little REMAP could have done to improve them, so it was felt that the issue was simply one of adequately securing the controller. This assessment was supported by the fact the client could operate the controls on his powered wheelchair without much difficulty using his right hand, so it was felt that replicating that operating position for his profiling bed controls might help considerably. Our client was hoisted into bed from the opposite side, so the right hand side of the bed was free for a REMAP adaptation.
A robust control holder was made from plastics and MDF such that the client could rest the heal of his right hand on the controller and operate the buttons.
The angle of the controller can be precisely adjusted/set through the use of two concealed serrated locking plates and a handwheel – and the height could be varied too.
A small (100mm/75mm) VESA TV wall mount was modified slightly to remove the locking screw arrangement, and then used as a means of accurately and firmly securing the unit, whilst making it easy for his carers to simply lift off when, for example, changing the bedding if the solution was getting in the way.
The clamp plate which remains attached to the bed side rail had Dycem non-slip blue strips applied to the rear to protect the wood effect finish, and the edges of the rail were protected with plastic spacers which also set the clamping depth for the aluminium clamping strips.
The solution is shown below attached to the bed.
The benefit
The solution worked well and our client was very pleased with the improvement.
- Skills involved:
- Issues Addressed:
- Activities Helped:
- Location:
- Solution:
