Disabled Children at Home

There is a wealth of specially designed products aimed to help children achieve greater levels of comfort, security and independence. This is an overview of some of the types of equipment available.

Click the links below to go straight to more information on:
Seating
Standing
Tables
Beds and Cots
Coping with Destructive Behaviour

Seating

Image of new Triton seating system from JCM JCM Seating's Triton seating system (left) has been designed to provide versatile postural support in various different situations - the seat is compatible with different bases so that it can be used throughout the child's daily routine including play, school, recreation and rest. There are models to suit the smallest of children from 6 months of age, as soon as they are ready to adopt a seating position, right up to adult size.

mangar sub multipurpose system Cleverly designed to offer supportive seating in a range of situations around the home, Mangar's 'Sub' (right) is based on the seat section of their Surfer Bather bath seat, with an adjustable backrest, harness, and head support. It can be used as a supportive seat anywhere that its securing suckers can be fixed safely.

Specialist seating can make a great difference to a child's comfort, control and stability. A well designed system such as JCM's Star X (right) provides good support and manoeuvreability with a range of height adjustments to enable the child to be included in the activities going on around them. careflex pressure relief seating Various supportive accessories are available for greater posture management.

Pressure relief seating, such as Careflex's Hydrotilt chair (left) assists with even distribution of pressure, preventing the circulation problems, pain and sores associated with pressure points when people are immobile for long periods.

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Standing

Image of child standing in box table support Standers, whether dynamic or static are important aids to improving weight-bearing, bone density and muscle bulk.

Both physically and psychologically, children can benefit from the greater access and independence a stander can give.

A brand-new development here is Advent Medical's standing box table, shown left. Extremely versatile, and a low-cost alternative to other standing supports, the system can be tailored to meet the user's exact needs, including height adjustment, so that it can grow with the child.

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Tables

image of kingkraft's adjustable table A variable height table such as the one shown on the left, can be used with a wide range of wheelchairs, providing a level or sloping work surface that is accessible and easy to keep clean.

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Beds and Cots

kinderkey bed pic A secure bed such as the Kinderkey model (left) keeps children who are liable to injure themselves safe and comfortable. The company's bumper system works on kinderkey bumper system a profiling bed with a new profiling sheet. The bumper was designed in response to a hazard notice HN200.10 from the MDA regarding the safety of cot sides. Occupational therapists throughout the country are now using the bumper system successfully with the clients in their care. It is also being used in hospices, respite centres and care homes for the elderly.

image of bakare's height adjustable cot BaKare Beds' height-adjustable cot (left) provides an environment which is cheerful as well as safe. Options include protective padding for the sides, and clear perspex instead of railing-style sides, for unrestricted visibility.

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Coping with destructive behaviour

cabinet to protect TV, video, etc For children with challenging behaviour, who can be hard on traditional furniture, something really robust is required. Tough Furniture has a range that includes bedroom and dining room furniture, as well as specialist items, like this widescreen TV cabinet (right), to protect delicate equipment from damage.