Wheelchair/buggy link

27th April 2014

This client was pushing their child’s buggy in front of their powered wheelchair but was afraid of losing control.

The wheelchair and buggy were linked together with a ‘push bar’ having universal joints at each end and removable from sitting position in wheelchair. The buggy end pin is on an arm, hinged on main bar at chair end and at a slight angle to it. A slide, between the arm and bar, with fixed centres, when pushed forward engages and locks the pin. Pulling the slider back removes the pin. Major section of bar removed by unscrewing wingnut at wheelchair end.

There is now less chance of mishap when the client takes her child out with her.

Brakes for commode

27th April 2014

This client used a wheelchair and had a chairlift to move him upstairs. To move around upstairs he used a ‘glideabout’ commode but had difficulty transferring to it as it was fitted with individual castor wheel brakes which he could not operate from the chairlift, making it unsafe to get onto. He therefore required assistance to apply and remove the brakes.

A mechanism was fitted to the commode which pushed two feet on to the floor, taking the weight off the wheels and acting as a brake. The client could operate the brake from the side of the chairlift. The brake operated on a overactive mechanism and was positive in operation.

The brake modifications made the client more self-reliant as he was able to go up and downstairs and transfer to his chair without assistance.

(Mid Staffordshire)

Pan holder on gas cooker

16th April 2014

This client, with use of only one hand, had difficulty stirring pans of food. No fixing point was available.

A thick aluminium base was made, covering one of four burner units, with one fixed point and one sprung post to accommodate variation in pan handle sizes.

They are now able to stir food in a pan without it skidding off the burner.

Drinking aid

8th April 2014

This client, who is a wheelchair user, wished to be able to drink unaided. Existing aids were unsuitable as the client often choked when using a bite valve device.

The drinking aid produced comprised of a stand with a bracket to hold a drink measuring jug. A commercially available straw with a non-return valve was fitted to the jug. Connected to the straw was a drinking tube ending in a plastic block and mouthpiece resting on the client’s chest just below her chin. To drink, the client moved the plastic block to her mouth. When released, the mouthpiece dropped to her chest kept in position by a circular ring around the client’s head.

The client is able to drink without aid after the system is filled up, enabling her to be more self-reliant.

(Mid-Staffordshire)