Gantry System Provides Client with Autonomy & Independence Through Self-Transferring

The Situation

Following a horse-riding accident, 12 years ago, Sue has been unable to mobilise from the waist down.

Until recently, Sue had been relying on her carers to move her shower chair or wheelchair beside her bed and with the help of a slide sheet on a slide board, she was able to complete the transfer herself.

Over the course of time, the transfer has become more challenging for Sue. To help protect her upper body from strain related injury, she investigated equipment solutions with Apollo Healthcare Technologies.

The Solution

Scott visited Sue at her home, a 4-hour drive away to complete an on-site assessment.

He took a free-standing two post Handimove Gantry System with him and set it up to test and assess the suitability and safety.

Sue took to the equipment right away, so Scott arranged for the delivery of a free standing gantry system especially for her to trial. On delivery of the system, extensive training was provided to care staff to ensure they knew how to use it correctly. To allow time for the carers to trial the equipment on their twice-daily visits, we offered an extended 7-day trial.

After the successful trial, Sue ordered her own system, and as her property allowed for it, she had a fixed track ceiling hoist system installed through our professional sub-contractors to integrate it into her property.

Scott then revisited Sue after the installation to provide further post-installation training – helping her to take the step and transition to an independent transfer.

The Equipment

Sue had a fixed track ceiling hoist system installed with the Handi-Move attachment, however if this is not possible, the Handimove is also designed to be used as a free-standing rail system which sets up with ease:

• No holes needed in walls or ceiling
• Easy to set up or relocate
• Serves as temporary or permanent solution
• Length of the rails can be adapted and side supports can be placed against the wall
• Height and width adaptable to the available space
• Compatible with a ceiling motor or a portable motor

The Results

Sue now operates the hoist herself with ease and her carers have less manual handling to do.

The carers guide the hoist over the bed while Sue is operating and in control. Sue is also able to transfer herself from chair to bed, without relying on any carers – giving her so much more autonomy and independence in her own home.

• Enabled the client to self-transfer
• Increased client’s independence
• Reduced the risk of injury to both client and carers
• Client can remain in their own home for longer