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Improving Lives - Jordan's Story
A story about finding a solution that ticks every box and grows with the user
Cerebral palsy is a primarily physical disorder affecting movement, balance, and posture, resulting in amongst other aspects, weak and stiff muscles, leading to poor co-ordination. Jordan* had been living with this reality since early childhood. Unable to walk, Jordan’s bathroom needs were met using a paediatric Tilt-In-Space (TIS) chair. However with adolescence a problem arose – he would soon out-grow his paediatric chair, and an adult-sized equivalent wasn’t available.
The next two years saw Jordan trial several alternative TIS models, but each proved unsuitable. One had an uncomfortably hard seat; another a stiff plastic back preventing Jordan achieving a safe and comfortable position. A third version wasn’t compatible with his wash/dry toilet. Similarly, other models worked in one or two respects but not in their entirety. Without modification abilities, these too also had to be ruled out. With so many unsuccessful attempts at finding an alternative bathing chair, at this point the entire family began to feel despondent.
“Jordan’s situation is far too common,” explained Steve Watson, National Sales Assessment Manager. “Equipment designed with hard plastics and rigid surfaces simply doesn’t work for individuals with fragile or sensitive conditions like muscular dystrophy, osteoporosis, or, in Jordan’s case, cerebral palsy. The ‘one size fits all’ approach is entirely impractical too. Modification services are essential to meet the diverse and highly personal needs of each individual. Functionality means nothing if it sacrifices comfort – and there’s absolutely no reason to compromise one for the other!”
At Jordan’s free joint-assessment, Steve presented the 981-S Tilt-In-Space Chair. Manufactured in infant, paediatric and adult sizing, it immediately resolved the transitioning issue as Jordan grew. The 981-S could also be modified enabling full compatibility with Jordan’s wash/dry toilet, meeting a crucial functional requirement.
So far so good, but what of the equally important comfort aspect? With conditions such as Jordan’s, a soft and supportive solution is imperative. It needs to gently cradle irregular body contours and provide security during any body spasms. To achieve maximum comfort, the 981-S uses Spacer material for its back, calf, and head supports. This 3D-weave fabric has integral cushioning and is kinder to skin than mesh fabric. Harnessing the soft natural flexibility of the spacer fabric, a snug support envelopes the seated body. This adaptable form-fitting support helps prevent counterpoising movement, ensuring an optimal seated position at all times—two important factors for health and safety. Spacer material also air-dries quickly making it practical for all of Jordan’s bathroom activities.
The 981-S also benefits from in-built adjustable attachment straps; allowing fabric tension customisation according to personal preferences. This feature would serve to provide Jordan with future comfort control working with his changing postural needs.
When it came to seating, a selection of eight standard variants gave Jordan multiple choices - ensuring he could choose the option which provided the most personal comfort. A skirt was added to the seat as splash protection from wash/dry toilet usage. Jordan was also able to personalise the chair with a choice of frame and fabric colours at no extra cost.
The culmination of each individual feature meant the 981-S had perfectly aligned with Jordan’s needs. The TIS chair had delivered on both suitability and functionality, while the wide smile on Jordan's face was proof that the 981-S had exceeded expectations for comfort as well. Furthermore, the 981-S Tilt-In-Space had proven adaptable enough to support Jordan for years to come, offering a personalised bathing solution from a standard product. Jordan’s story stands as a testament that comfort and functionality really can go hand in hand without compromise.
*Due to the sensitivities of medical conditions, names have been changed to protect privacy. Images used are for illustrative purposes only.