Shaun’s commentary.
Shaun’s commentary.
I meet a lady called Patrica Biddle at Perry Locks care home in Birmingham last week.
When I first met Patricia she was sat in a standard arm chair in the homes lounge area with two careers who kept repositioning her as she slides down and out of the chair.
The home and Patricia family have really struggle for a seating solution and have mostly resorted to leaving Patricia in her bed as they have no suitable alternative.
During my seating assessment I notice that Patricia had a habit of wriggling and kicking her legs in the air. After speaking with Patricia’s Daughter Nicola, she advised that Patricia was a former dancer and this was her only form of exercise and expression.
Due to Patricia having a significant lean in both head and body our standard chairs would not work with her, so I trialed Patricia in a duo major because of the lateral support the chair offers.
The home expressed concerns that Patricia may slide
Out of the chair, but after sitting with her for 45 minutes. We could see the chair was an excellent fit for her and Patricia would not be able to fall or slide out of the chair.
After the home shared pictures of Patricia in the chair with her Daughter, she called Premiere to arrange a rental for as soon as possible. The following day the chair was dropped off and set up at the home and we received the below lovely feed back from Nicola.
“I wish everyone was as efficient, warm and friendly as you and Christian have been (& I haven’t even spoken to you, but your emails are so kind & helpful).
You will never know how much I appreciate your help and efficiency. Thank you!”
1. The problem we solved
Patricia, a resident at a Care Home in Birmingham, was struggling with unsuitable seating. She was frequently sliding down and out of a standard armchair, requiring carers to continually reposition her. Due to the lack of an effective seating solution, the home and Patricia’s family often had no option but to keep her in bed. Patricia also had a significant lean in both her head and body, making standard chairs ineffective. Additionally, she often wriggled and kicked her legs — a habit linked to her past as a dancer and an important form of expression and exercise.
2. What We Did
A seating assessment was carried out to understand Patricia’s needs. After observing her posture, movement, and lean, she was trialled in a Duo Major chair, chosen specifically for its strong lateral support. Despite initial concerns from the home that Patricia might continue to slide out, she was seated in the chair for 45 minutes, during which it became clear that the chair provided a secure, comfortable, and well-fitted solution. Photos were shared with Patricia’s daughter, Nicola, who immediately contacted Premiere to arrange a rental. The chair was delivered and set up at the home the following day.
3. The End Result
The new seating solution proved highly successful – Patricia was stable, comfortable, and able to sit safely without sliding. Her daughter Nicola expressed heartfelt gratitude for the quick, warm, and efficient support provided, sharing a touching message thanking the team for their kindness and the positive difference it made for her mother.
“I wish everyone was as efficient, warm and friendly as you and Christian have been (& I haven’t even spoken to you, but your emails are so kind & helpful).
You will never know how much I appreciate your help and efficiency. Thank you!”
