Disabled Children at Home

There is a wealth of specially designed products aimed to help disabled 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

Specialist seating can make a great difference to a child’s comfort, control and stability. A well designed system that provides good support and manoeuvreability with a range of height adjustments enables the child to be included in the activities going on around them. Various supportive accessories are available for greater posture management.

Children with very reduced mobility need pressure relief seating that assists with even distribution of pressure. This helps to prevent the circulation problems, pain and sores associated with pressure points. We have an area dedicated to pressure relief seating here

The uniquely designed P Pod seating solution shown here combines a standard or custom moulded support with the simplicity of a conventional bean bag base to provide an alternative to wheelchair seating in the home. It is compatible with hoists for transferring the child when necessary.

Proper paediatric seating can help to ensure that there is enough energy for homework, seated leisure activities and also for spending time with the family.

The Vela chair shown here supports learning and concentration as it “encircles” the child with the help of supportive seating, backrest, armrests and footplate, thus promoting calm and concentration.

Standing

Standers, whether dynamic or static are important aids to improving weight-bearing, bone density and muscle bulk.

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

One recent development here is the standing box table shown on the 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.

Tables for disabled children

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.

Beds and Cots

A secure bed such as the model shown here (left) keeps disabled children who are liable to injure themselves safe and comfortable. With height adjustment and four-part profiling, it combines the functions of a care cot with a cosy, inclusive-looking sleeping place.

The electrically powered Safe-T Bed has integrated, solid sides that fold down when required, providing an alternative to traditional care cots/beds, with traditional drop down side rails or cot sides. It is designed for children who require higher lateral protection than provided by traditional style beds with drop down side rails, but do not require a higher-sided care cot solution with doors.

The Home and Away travel care cot has been developed for children who need safe surroundings at home or whilst travelling, such as those with severe Autism or challenging behaviour.

This portable safe environment includes extensive padding with large windows for generous visibility and easy access for uncompromised care.

The design allows fast assembly and dis-assembly using strong zip and Velcro fastenings – hence repositioning is hassle-free. Each constituent section is lightweight, so single-handed lifting and carrying is strain free. It will fit in most standard cars.

Coping with destructive behaviour

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, to protect delicate equipment from damage.

 

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Further reading and resources

Products to assist disabled children with mobility can be found here

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