This year at the OT show, the ILC Therapists were very busy and found lots of new innovations, as well as recapping on equipment we haven’t seen in a while. Have a read and see what we found!
Beds
A bed which converts to a chair position for ease of transfers, is an option worth considering for those who need to be able to get in and out of bed independently. The legs are lifted into bed, and the bed frame rotates leaving you lying centrally in the bed. It can be beneficial if there are environmental constraints. Laybrook and Accora both demonstrated their versions of this concept. However, there are pros and cons which would have to be carefully risk-assessed as none have the full benefits of a profiling bed!
Oska were there with their Series 5 dynamic mattress which offers a gentle lateral tilt where the user can’t feel the movement. This is good for those who need a stable surface and struggle to tolerate frequent turning.
Moving and Handling
A new design for the well-known Rotunda which now has sit-to-stand handles, 5 locking points allowing stability for the user and with easier operating features for carers.
Gelovations showed us their small gel pads that can be placed in a sling to help prevent pressure or shear.
Chairs
The Cura Contour posture care chair amazed us with its ability to follow the shape of the spine and its immersive cocooning effects. We also saw a posture chair with rise functions, called MND ready which had in-built possum controls and the Cura HD with removable padding and extended armrests to accommodate involuntary movement whilst preventing injury.
We visited our old favourite, the Aircomfort from Silvalea. It is a one size manual posture chair with footplate but due to the air filling it accommodates many shapes and also has an immersive effect. The angle adjustable arms can help adapt the seat width. A good one for Care homes.
Wheelchairs
We had great fun trying out the Genie Chair which can support a user to drive themselves independently in a variety of positions from lying through to standing! Our other favourite was the revamped Genny Zero which operates on the same principles as a Segway.
Bathrooms
Etac have a new Alto electric shower chair. It has powered tilt-in-space, rise and lower and fits over the Geberit wash and dry toilet. Ropox also reminded us of their amazing range of sinks in all shapes and sizes particularly beneficial for wheelchair users. Gelovations have designed a Foot Box for a wheelchair or shower chair to support the lower legs.
GE Langhams are in the process of developing toilet arms which look very promising and we also loved their stylish range of discreet commodes.
If you have trouble with aerosol sprays, Active Hands have designed an EasySpray which can clip onto the container to allow easy operation.
Medication
Pivotell showed us a new dispenser ‘The Pivotell Vice’ linked to a pillow shaker and strobe light, and their new Vibratime smart watch, a simple yet effective digital watch which provides a personalised message on the watch screen to remind the person to take their medication through text reminders as well as vibrating. We also liked the Minitell which can be slipped into a bag or pocket and the Timecap pill bottle informing the user when the device was last opened via an LED screen. A great option for those who need to take the same medication through the day, such as pain relief tablets.
Technology
We loved the simple to use Big Purple Phone designed in Australia. It’s a simple smartphone with large app icons and we all want one!
If you have trouble holding your phone, tablet, or gaming device, Active Hands have designed a fabulous flexible clamp with a magnetic vacuum system that securely holds the device exactly where you need it.
Another option for making it easier to use your gaming device is Thumb solders which adapt your hand controls.
Abilia have taken on the Komp virtual support system and we are planning to invite them to the ILC in 2025 to show us their full range of tech options, including their range of timers, calendars, and digital planners.
We had a cuddle with the Ravencourt Hug pets which are sensory companions designed to bring comfort to people living with dementia. We also enjoyed stroking the robotic weighted Companion pet cats!
We visited The Access group who are the main supplier of Oysta products. We are excited about their app which is currently in development to help keep vulnerable people safe and independent at home. They also demonstrated their new digital system, consisting of various sensors and alarms for monitoring safety within the home environment.
Sensory Equipment
It is always great to catch up with RNIB and their wide variety of equipment to support individuals with visual problems. They showcased their exciting ARx AI headset, a device which the user wears with a small camera attached, which live records everything in front of the person and provides an audio description using AI technology.
Mobility
We visited some familiar faces like the range of amazing rollators for Rollz.
We were really excited to see the new indoor Walksafe walking frame from NRS which has undergone clinical trials in Exeter. It has 360 turning front wheels, and glide ferrules at the back to allow the user to turn without lifting the frame improving stability and enabling it to overcome thicker pile carpet. It is width and height adjustable and has midway handles to support sit-to-stand as well as being compatible with the Buckingham caddy.
We loved the sleek design of the Acre carbon fibre rollators who sell through Lindsay and Sons in Exeter. Their forward-facing handles support weight distribution over the person’s base of support allowing better control of the walker. We found them so lightweight and easy to manoeuvre!
Attainability Ltd displayed their range of mobility aids with some extra features for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease including their laser cane and U-step walker. While we are already familiar with these products at the ILC, the most exciting update is the change to the laser, which is now brighter and a green colour for better visibility in lighter environments. They also showed us their innovative new ‘Skywalk’ ankle straps, which use sensors integrated within the straps to detect if the person is having a freezing episode and shine a laser to provide visual prompts. This is currently being reviewed by a small selection of neurology services, so keep a look out for these!
Travel
A company called Coachbuilt brought along their incredible purpose-built motor home. They have adapted the vehicle entirely to ensure it can be accessed by a wheelchair user, offering a platform lift, ceiling track hoist, and fully accessible kitchen and shower area. This really was an innovative and stylish motorhome which has everything.
Kitchen
We really liked the Peta food preparation board which has discreet spikes for holding food whilst cutting and offers solutions for peeling, slicing, and grating for anyone with dexterity problems.
We visited AKW who showed us their variety of kitchen adaptation solutions. Their impressive powered worktop and cupboard units are controlled via a handheld remote. We also loved their pull-out larder cupboard, optimising accessibility and space in the kitchen.
Eating and Drinking
We had a chance to try the Bravo classic self-levelling spoon and fork from Attainability Ltd, which has a smart new design and the option of a rotating fork for the spaghetti lovers!
Active Hands showed us their range of interesting gadgets, including the new Gripo balls which are designed to fit over the handle of cutlery to provide extra grip for those with dexterity issues. The giraffe bottle available from Active Hands has a long bendy adjustable straw with a 1-way valve; a great option to provide independence for wheelchair users. We also visited Rahana Life who showed us the Obi robotic feeding device, supporting those who are no longer able to lift food to their mouths themselves. This is a costly solution, however, Rahana Life offer a few different methods to fund this for a personalised approach.
