Carrie’s Journey to Improved Mobility Equipment

Thanks to our engineer’s innovative work, Carrie now has a wheelchair that supports her unique needs, helping her stay mobile and independent.

The Challenge

Carrie resides in a care home, managing both dementia and the after-effects of a stroke that left her with limited mobility on her right-hand side.

Carrie enjoys “wheelchair walking” around the care home, relying on handrails and the strength of her left leg to navigate the space. Staff at the home encourage her to use the wheelchair’s footplate for her right foot, but her foot usually slips off.

Over time, various mobility aids were trialled to support Carrie’s independence, but none were effective. Determined to help, the care team submitted a referral to a local Occupational Therapist. The goal was to assess her standing and transfer equipment needs, as well as improve her posture while using her wheelchair.

Our Solution

It was then that they learned about REMAP. The care team reached out to us, seeking a solution for Carrie in the form of a custom arm and leg support for her wheelchair—something that could provide comfort and stability without restraining her or restricting her movement.

Paul, one of REMAP’s engineers, visited the care home to meet Carrie and understand her needs. After taking her wheelchair back to his workshop, Paul worked on creating a tailored solution. Just a few days later, he returned with the first prototype: a specially designed armrest and a more secure footplate for Carrie’s right side.

The beauty of the custom modifications is that all components can be easily removed, allowing the wheelchair to return to its original state if needed.

The Impact

Carrie and her family were thrilled with the new additions. The supportive armrest provided the stability she needed, while the sturdy footplate helped her right foot stay in place. As a result, Carrie’s posture improved significantly, allowing her to “wheelchair walk” with greater ease and confidence.

Carrie’s care home team was equally impressed with the results. They shared their appreciation for the changes Paul made to Carrie’s wheelchair, stating:

“I just want to thank you for your help and Paul, who was very invested in helping Carrie to have a better mobility aid, which has maintained her independence.”

Could an adaptation a make a difference for you or someone you know? Get in touch.