Theraposture, a specialist supplier of adjustable beds, chairs and care cots, has rolled out its new video assessment and demonstration service with positive results for clients and Occupational Therapists (OTs).
Theraposture continues to provide essential assistive equipment to keep vulnerable individuals and those with restricted mobility, independent and safe at home. As suppliers of medical devices, Theraposture provide an essential service in supporting private clients, the NHS and Social Care OTs. Trusted and proven products, such as the award-winning Rotoflex Turning Bed, have been designed to enable independent and safe bed transfers and as a result, can help individuals benefit from reduced carer contact. In many cases, the Rotoflex can ensure independence for those who would otherwise struggle, thus avoiding residential care settings and hospitals – essential for significantly reducing the risk of Covid-19 infection.
Theraposture are still firm believers in assessment-based provision hence have embraced technology to help with establishing suitability of a product. This results in less risk of infection to our clients and colleagues.
As an alternative to home visits, assessments and product demonstrations are being provided remotely by experienced equipment experts using video conferencing platforms such as Zoom and WhatsApp. This means that Theraposture experts can see the environment where equipment will be used and personally discuss and understand an individual’s situation. Products are demonstrated via video link from our demonstration room and in context to each person’s needs. Occupational Therapists also benefit from this service as they can join the platform – ensuring all stakeholders are included, whilst remaining safe.
WhatsApp is proving to be the most popular tool for delivering video assessments. Liam Braddell, Theraposture Sales Director, explains: “As an ethical business we are focused on providing a solution that meets the needs, wants and risks for each customer. To understand these, we need to assess each client however with many vulnerable people shielding, we have turned to technology to maintain this vital part of the process. Our live video assessments protect clients and give greater peace of mind during these challenging times. In our experience, most of our clients are delighted to have this option. If potential clients struggle with video calls, then supporting relatives or healthcare professionals assist, plus we always set up meetings so attendees just need to join.”
Liam continues: “Assessments are centrally booked by calling the Theraposture offices on 0800 834654. Detailed questions are initially asked regarding the user’s situation and we discuss which equipment might be considered. The equipment itself can be prepared in our showroom so that it is possible to view more than one product in an assessment. Once delivered, our 14-Day Suitability Guarantee begins. This ensures that should a product prove to be unsuitable, it can be returned for a refund, modified, or exchanged.”
Theraposture deliveries and service calls are carefully managed and comply fully with its COVID-19 safety policy. All customer-facing staff wear fully protective PPE and social distancing is strictly adhered to during home installations. Each situation is discussed in detail and is individually managed to ensure the upmost safety at all times.
Liam concludes: “We are finding that video assessments still provide us with a same level of detail as a home visit and more family members can join the conversation. Commonly relatives live too far away to join us for home visits whereas now they can get involved. It is key that video assessments are treated like home appointments with a specific date and time agreed in advance. Overall, it is more of an inclusive experience for clients, carers and supporting OTs.”
Walter, Occupational Therapist, Inclusion.me, added: “In the complex new world where we find ourselves working to support high needs in the community, I was really pleased to be able to move forwards on assessing needs and agreeing a safe product for my client who is being shielded at present. This was achieved by us agreeing a basic specification of need, a video call from a Theraposture equipment expert to the client’s mother/home and then by means of us tying up the details of the brief in a follow-up call. I welcome Theraposture’s willingness to find innovative ways of offering continuity of service at this complicated time and look forward to future virtual visits as a safe way of offering input to the most vulnerable of clients by removing avoidable delays through the use of remote technology to maintain distance.”
Visit the Theraposture website to find out more.
