Designed to help a person with reduced mobility stand from a seated position and facilitate their transfer to another surface, Joerns Healthcare has launched its new Oxford Switch.
The Oxford Switch debuted ahead of its launch at the OT Show in November 2018, which the company says received a very positive response over the two-day event.
The Switch standing and transfer aid actively encourages the user to participate in the standing process, engaging core muscle groups while improving strength and function. As a secondary function, the Switch can also be utilised to help re-position a patient who has slouched or slipped forward in a chair.
With a safe working load of 180kg, the Switch maintains a compact footprint and can be wheeled and stored with ease. Four swivel castors, alongside two independently braked, central wheels, ensure the user’s weight is distributed more widely and evenly, resulting in greater stability and control.
Additionally, the Switch can quickly separate into two components for easy transportation, such as in the boot of a car.
A choice of hand hold points and a carefully selected frame angle ensure optimum user positioning. According to Joerns, the height and angle adjustable knee pads, coupled with optional padded covers, offer high levels of comfort and support.
An accessible foot bar allows the carer to provide counter-balance support during standing and also doubles as a carry handle for ease of transportation. A carefully sized recess in the base ensures excellent access around toilets, emphasises the company.
As a complementary accessory, the Oxford Patient Handling Belt is available separately. Designed for use with the Switch, it is offered in a choice of sizes and provides added reassurance and support when standing and during transfer. It also provides a means for care staff to assist the user in rising from a seated position.
Joerns Healthcare is a manufacturer and national service provider of patient handling products to the healthcare sector.