Specialist seating matters

Hi everyone, I’ve recently joined Recare to provide even more expertise regarding specialist seating for wheelchairs and wheelbases. This is my first blog which offers a basic introduction into the different types of seating that are available from Recare, ranging from simple pressure management cushions to advanced sculpted seats for complex disabilities. If after reading this you have any questions about seating for healthy posture, please do not hesitate to contact us by calling 01993 880200 or clicking here.

So, let’s dive in…

1. In simple terms, explain the different type of specialist seating that are available

There are three general types of specialist seating to help support you, if you need to sit for extended periods in a wheelchair. These range from specialist cushions and ‘off the shelf’ equipment, through to adjustable modular supports and bespoke carved designs. Deciding on which is most suitable for you depends on your needs and our recommendations provided either at the Recare seating clinic or at your home.

2. How do Recare identify the ideal seating for your needs?

Our team provide an initial consultation on the phone followed by a free face-to-face assessment. We’ll discuss all the options which may include building a custom seat for a wheelbase through to adding postural supports for a wheelchair. We have pressure mapping facilities at our clinic which provide the blueprint for the shape of cushion or seat you need. It highlights areas where pressure needs to be relieved for sustained comfort and to reduce the risk of sores. If you require our top specification carved seating, we partner with the manufacturer Ottobock to deliver a world-class choice.

3. What’s the process of ordering seating?

Once we have listened to you and given our recommendations, your product will be ordered and configured in a timely manner, dependent on its complexities and number of parts. If it is seating for a powerchair, such as the NXT backrest range, or an Ottobock foam carved seat, a ‘mid-fit’ appointment will be provided  to check and confirm the initial product specification is still correct. This tends to be a few weeks after your first consultation.  Once all final adjustments have been made, such as belt lengths and lateral supports, you will receive your final solution as part of a handover with one of our Rehabilitation Consultants.

4. Why is healthy posture important when seated?

Healthy posture is important for all daily activities. If your body is not positioned well, it can make daily living much harder as you tend to be unbalanced and uncomfortable. If you are hunched in a wheelchair, for instance, then basic bodily processes such as breathing and digestion can be compromised. Eye level engagement can also be difficult leading to awkward interactions with able-bodied people, whether that’s socially or at work.  Basic tasks such as reaching, lifting and accessing a table can all be more challenging. Only with a stable base can you achieve the correct hip and spinal alignment. With this posture achieved, we find clients are more positive and have confidence to get out and about regularly.

5. What if my seating needs change?

It is common for our client’s seating needs to change, especially if they are a growing child. Our team aim to specify seating that can be adapted easily and offer regular re-assessments to ensure configurations are tweaked accordingly. Everyone is different, so we provide a unique approach to all our clients so that products have longevity – ensuring cost effective solutions for sustainable comfort and healthy posture.

I do hope you’ve enjoyed reading my first blog! If you would like to book an assessment for your seating needs, please contact our friendly advisors on 01993 880200 or email: info@recare.co.uk 

See you soon,
Ashleigh