Imagine not being able to enjoy the immersive experience of bubbles in the bath, relaxing in warm water.
For a group of young adults with learning disabilities and neurological impairments that pleasure is now a reality, tailored to their individual needs. It’s the result of determination by their Occupational Therapists at the Royal Hospital for Neuro Disability to find a suitable way to enhance their sensory experiences.
The residential ward at the Hospital has a specialist bath with sensory lighting and bubble jets. The very limited functional ability of many of the ward’s 12 residents meant they were unable to benefit from the bath.
Many of them had not been in a bath since early childhood: their complex postural needs and behaviours posed significant difficulty in supporting them safely in the water, ensuring they did not slip, slide or injure themselves on the hard sides.
At a Kidz to Adultz exhibition, the OTs saw AAT’s Aqua Liberty infinitely adjustable bath support system, arranged a trial- and now have the answer!
Aqua Liberty is the first – and to AAT’s knowledge only – supported bathing system that fits any user and any bath. It comprises AAT’s innovative variable vacuum posture cushions secured to a base which features adhesive cups for quick and easy attachment to and removal from the bath itself while ensuring the seat system does not slip or slide.
The cushion is precisely moulded to each user, holding its shape without pressure points to support them correctly and appropriately in the water, and adjusted if required by the OT team. Optional lateral panels to provide side cushioning are also available.
“Being shaped around them, Aqua Liberty is supportive and comfortable. We’ve had great success with it, and, with new residents onto the ward, have repeat ordered,” says Senior II Occupational Therapist Continuing Care Service @ the Hospital, Ginnie Garlick.
“The ability to access the bath, experience being immersed in warm water and interacting with the bubbles has greatly enhanced the quality of life of our residents. It offers them a lovely sensory experience.”
Full details of the Aqua Liberty infinitely variable bathing system can be found at: www.aatgb.com/aqua-liberty