Kirton Healthcare launches dementia seating range

Published: 3-Jun-2013

GE-II chairs designed to be used in a variety of care environments

There are an expected 800,000 people in the UK living with dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Society. The abilities of patients with dementia can deteriorate very quickly, and as this happens they are likely to sit in one place for longer periods of time. Therefore, a good seating system can help with security, independence, social development and, most importantly, good posture and pressure management.

Beverly Lawrence, group managing director for furniture supplier, Kirton Healthcare, said: “Good seating can contribute immensely to the quality of life of someone with dementia. The chair provides a form of relief and quickly becomes a focal point of the patient’s life in terms of rest and interaction with loved ones, so it is vital to choose a chair that will be comfortable and durable enough for long-lasting care.”

The GE-II range of chairs is the latest addition to the Kirton Healthcare portfolio. Underpinned by scientific biomechanical research and ergonomic design principles, the GE-II is a sophisticated and dynamic tilt-in-space chair, providing superior postural support and exceptional positioning with outstanding comfort and pressure management. It has been designed to be used in a variety of care environments, making it perfect for dementia patients.

The chair comes with integral pressure-relieving seat options, such as Kirton’s renowned Intelli-Gel Integral seat module. Intelli-Gel offers unique pressure management through a soft elastomer, honeycomb structure that contours gently to large surface areas, helping to distribute weight evenly providing the right support and pressure relief. Intelli-Gel cradles ‘hot spots’ to give superior relief, support and stability when seated. Incorporating Intelli-Gel Integral in the GE-II provides pressure management to those at high to very high risk of pressure related problems, and for those who have pressure ulcers up to Grade II (EPUAP). Because of its pressure relieving properties, the seat module is ideal for those who sit for long periods of time.

The company’s popular Encora chair is ideal for the changing needs of users. It combines contemporary, modern styling with ultimate comfort and effortless functionality with flawless ease. Suitable for both ambulant and non ambulant users, the Encora is height adjustable to allow the feet to be positioned firmly on the floor when seated, helping to maintain an even weight distribution and assisting the ambulant user to stand from the chair more readily. The range provides flexible adjustment and positioning opportunities with the choice of either manually-operated or electrically-powered tilt-in-space, and leg rest elevation. The ability to operate the hand control, where suitable, allows some users the opportunity to maintain a level of independence. The Encora also comes with a range of pressure relieving seat modules, including the Intelli-Gel Integral, depending on the user’s individual pressure management requirements.

Lawrence said: “As dementia is a progressive condition, having a comfortable chair with good postural support is integral to someone with dementia, especially if their condition means they will be sitting for increasing periods of time. Like all Kirton products, both the GE-II and Duo chairs are designed for long-term care and comfort, while providing superior pressure relief.”

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