Seating is a really important piece in managing Huntington’s Disease (HD), to keep the patient safe and secure. With a conventional chair, patients can slide out due to the twisting and involuntary movements that characterise this disease.
These are some of the key features to consider when looking for seating for people who have HD or suffer from ataxic movements.
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Adjustability
Being able to adjust the seating in line with the patient’s changing needs is really important for HD patients, as weight and muscle mass can change over time. This saves money further down the line by not having to replace or adapt the chair.
Safety
The patient needs to be kept safe from falling out of the chair, and free from any risk of entrapment or abrasion caused by the ataxic movements. Extra padding, and removing seams and recesses can all help to achieve this.
Comfort
It is essential to make the patient feel as comfortable as possible, as it enhances their feeling of security and wellbeing. Using soft fabrics and having the patient reclined at the right angle help relax the patient, and assist breathing and swallowing.
Postural Support
Having the right postural support built into the chair prevents the patient adopting uncomfortable positions that may lead to postural problems. A raked seat, sloping back from the front of the seat keeps the patient secure in the chair, as well as spreading their weight and relieving pressure on their thighs. Lateral supports and head supports can all help them keep a good midline position in the chair and stop them leaning to one side.
Stability
Having a stable chair is essential to keep the patient still and grounded, especially when they are presenting ataxic movements that could potentially destabilise them.
Introducing the Lento Neuro
The Lento Neuro chair for HD and neurological conditions was a culmination of 18 months of research and development, working in tandem with HD experts and therapists.
The Lento Neuro chair
We achieved our vision of a chair for HD patients that could:
- Be adjusted without tools to suit the vast majority of adult patients
- Be available in stock for quick delivery
- Exceed current clinical expectations for postural management and chair strength, over and above the current range of chairs
A key feature of our design was the cocooned-shaped seat, making the patient feel safe and secure and reducing the frequency of ataxic movements.
We have consulted with the market at every stage of development to ensure this is a chair for any patient that needs supportive seating but is at risk of falling out of the chair due to impaired neurological function.
Taking the five main features necessary for HD seating, we compare these criteria across a range of chairs so you can see the different options available.
Standout Features of the Lento Neuro
In our quest to build a standout chair, we had to develop certain features that would go beyond the current range available. These three main features are:
Stronger for Longer
With its strong steel frame and low centre of gravity, the Lento Neuro is able to withstand the most vigorous ataxic movements, cushioning the impact and protecting the patient in the process. When all braked castors are in use, the chair is practically immovable. Built to last, the integrity of the fabric and strength of the frame is maintained over a long period of time, reducing maintenance costs over the long term.
Patient Safety
The seamless fabric on the contact areas of the chair prevents fabric damage and entrapment caused by involuntary movements. With no possible areas of the entrapment, the patient can feel safe and reassured.
Fully Adjustable
The seat is width and depth adjustable, so can be resized to suit each stage of the patient’s condition as it changes over time. This can be done easily without tools, saving the costs of reassessment and adaptations to the chair further down the line. There are a range of different backrest options, from lateral support to waterfall options, to align to the patient’s postural needs.
Other Features
The homely look of the Lento Neuro makes it blend in well in a domestic or residential care environment. The materials used for the upholstery emulate a leather effect, giving it a quality look and feel.
Higher specifications are available for acute care environments. The infection control spec uses magnetised cushions instead of Velcro, and pressure relief can be increased for higher risk patients with gel cushions.
Finally, the Lento Neuro is transfer-friendly. The sides can be removed to facilitate side transfers, and the chair is standaid and hoist compatible to allow patients in the later stages of a condition with limited mobility to be transferred in and out of the chair.
Conclusion
The Lento Neuro is a revolutionary chair, taking care of HD and neurological conditions to a whole new level.
Safety, security and comfort are critical factors for patients experiencing ataxic movements, which the Lento Neuro performs exceptionally well.
Enquire About the Lento Neuro
Ralph has many years' experience in the healthcare sector. In a previous life he worked in finance, and his spreadsheet skills come in handy for all the analysis and research he does as he investigates topics and solutions for some of the world's most complex healthcare conditions and challenges. Aside from writing in-depth articles and organising webinars and interviews with top healthcare professionals, Ralph also administrates Vivid's "Healthcare Pioneers Board", a large group of healthcare specialists with multiple disciplines, who are working together to improve care for years to come.
