MS Awareness Week (25 April to 1 May)

This week, CareFlex will join Multiple Sclerosis (MS) communities across the United Kingdom to mark the 2022 awareness campaign.

For this year’s campaign, the MS Society is supporting different activities and encouraging opportunities for individuals to share their stories. At CareFlex we are committed to raising awareness of Multiple Sclerosis and will play our part by aiming to increase knowledge around the importance of postural care.

World Parkinson’s Awareness Day

On Monday 11th April, CareFlex will join Parkinson’s communities worldwide to mark the 2022 awareness campaign. Parkinson’s UK has declared that not enough people understand the experience of living with Parkinson’s disease. People don’t know it’s a serious condition; they don’t realise that treatments are limited and there is no cure.

“It’s time to start the conversation. It’s time to talk about Parkinson’s.”

The Role of Specialist Seating in Promoting Comfort

One of the most common requests we hear from customers is: “I want to be comfortable”.

This seems like such an easy goal to achieve but everyone has their own ideas on what being comfortable actually means. To some it could mean feeling safe, to others it could mean feeling content, to those using other specialist equipment it could mean the opportunity for some freedom, and to those who experience pain it could mean finally being able to relax. 

When specialist seating systems are used appropriately, and are tailored to the individual, quality of life can be significantly improved.

CareFlex specialist seating systems offer many functions and accessories that promote comfort. Back angle recline can open up the hip angle for a more relaxed position, tilt-in-space can manage energy levels, and a waterfall back can securely support the client within the chair.

MultiAdjust: A new, flexible, multi-user environment seating solution

The new MultiAdjust is a cost effective, tool-free, highly adjustable seating system that provides postural support and pressure care without compromising the users comfort. The chair benefits from Tilt-in-Space, Back Angle Recline and lower limb support. The MultiAdjust is an ideal choice for multiple user environments, and for those who are semi-ambulant and non-ambulant. Its modular design, with interchangeable accessories, makes it a perfect fit for Community Loan Stores. It is suitable for a wide range of seating needs in most Care Environments.

It provides high levels of comfort and the robust construction quality that you would associate with CareFlex. For peace of mind the MultiAdjust comes with a Lifetime Frame Warranty.

The HydroTilt Helping Long Covid-19 Patients

Investment in a new fleet of specialist seating systems is benefitting patients recovering from COVID-19 at Derriford Hospital. Last year, at the start of the initial COVID-19 crisis, the Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation Team at University Hospitals Plymouth invested in 40 HydroTilt chairs, produced by CareFlex, in order to aid patients in their recovery from the illness.

Read and listen to how one patient with Long Covid-19 at Derriford is benefiting from the hospital’s new HydroTilt Chairs.

What is good sitting posture?

Posture is the way we hold ourselves or position our body segments in relation to one another and their orientation in space.

Basics of good sitting posture:

• The body is conformed to the supporting surface symmetrically
• Body weight is distributed equally over the maximum surface area
• A balanced and stabilised body that can adjust to change
• Body segments are supported and aligned as much as is possible
• Upper limbs are free from their load bearing role for function

During the provision of specialist seating, all body segments should be considered. With the support of a health and care professional, follow our practical tips for achieving a good sitting posture.

Why Choose Careflex?

Since 1995 CareFlex has been manufacturing specialist seating; we understand the importance of balancing comfort, pressure relief, posture management and independence. 

Specialist seating is more than just a chair. Specialist seating is complex, it is challenging, and it can be overwhelming. But we are here to support you every step of the way.

An introduction to the new and exciting Careflex webinar series

This new educational series is aimed at Clinicians to refresh existing knowledge and skills, but also share new hints and tips along the way. Please contact us to sign up and ensure that you do not miss our webinar announcements.

Infection Prevention – CareFlex Fabric Range

Infection prevention and control is a current key objective and crucial to reducing the risk of transmitting the COVID-19 virus. To help in hospital settings or multi-user environments, where attention to infection control is critical, CareFlex are able to offer infection control covers. We have replaced Velcro in all exposed areas with plastic profile fittings and zips and minimised exposed seams.

We use a support surface Dartex® fabric that provides the optimal barrier to prevent the spread of infection and the Shield Plus™ Anti-Microbial technology on our vinyl range has already been through independent testing against the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus strain, to reassure our clients of the effectiveness of our vinyl range against the rise of new contagious diseases.

We Are Open & We Will Support You

On the afternoon of the 14th April we had a call from a patient’s daughter, desperate to get her mum out of hospital but requiring Specialist Seating with Tilt-in-Space to do so. A remote assessment was carried out that afternoon and a chair delivered the next day. Not only has this freed up vital NHS bed capacity but it has also enhanced that vulnerable person’s quality of life and enabled them to get home.