Oxfordshire’s disabled Norma enjoys priceless independence with a new SitnStand Portable Smart Rising Seat
Norma aged 65 with a rare degenerative condition and husband Colin, a retired space satellite scientist, live in Blewsbury.
Norma, a retired Building Society customer service specialist, has restricted mobility. She has an extremely rare condition, Corticobasal Degeneration Disease (CBD). This progressive neurological disease, results in symptoms similar to Motor Neurone Disease. It causes brain cells to die earlier than normal resulting in cognitive, mobility and sensory degeneration.
A Portable Smart Rising Seat
Norma still had mobility to walk and perform certain tasks however getting in and out of a chair was impossible. Colin had to aid Norma every time she wanted to stand up. He could not leave her for more than one hour and Norma felt so guilty about asking for assistance all the time. Their Occupational Therapist (OT), Ann Williams, saw the difficulties they were facing and recommended a portable smart rising seat, the SitnStand, that provides safer sitting and standing for individuals with restricted mobility. It is a simple yet highly effective solution that incorporates air driven inflation and advanced technology – delivering an elevating level seat pad suitable for all types of chair, in any situation or location.
As the SitnStand is transportable, it offers independence anywhere without the need for others to assist. Suitable for restaurants, hotels, non-adapted homes, the battery-powered SitnStand is a new alternative to static and bulky rise and recliners – hence users are not limited to a single chair. When inflated, users have a higher seated position to stand up from and when deflated, the smart rising seat does not compromise the comfort of any chair. It comes with a highly manageable carry case and two fast-charging batteries. Norma’s OT thought the seat’s powered assistance would be ideal for Norma so that her independence would be improved and the risk of falls reduced.
The SitnStand Is A Godsend
Following a trial and instructions regarding use, the product arrived at their home and immediately made a difference as Colin explains: “Norma’s SitnStand has been in constant use ever since it arrived, 10-20 times a day. It is such a simple yet effective product it has improved our time together immensely. Wherever we go, it goes. Restaurants, pubs, relatives’ homes…we even took it on a recent cruise around Scandinavia, it makes life so much easier. Norma says her condition makes her feel like a ‘caged animal’ – unable to get out and having to ask for help all the time. This makes her feel bad as she wants to live life on her own terms for as long as possible. The SitnStand in combination with one of these brilliant lightweight wheelchairs for travel means that the world is very nearly Norma’s oyster!”
Colin continues: “When we are at home Norma can use any chair and when we go out our SitnStand means we don’t need to organise special arrangements before we arrive. For example, when we visit my daughter’s house, there doesn’t need to be a special chair for Nanny. We just bring the smart rising seat, lay it out on any chair and Norma can get up and down without needing help.”
“I remember my mum had a large rise and recliner chair however this meant she could only use this chair and definitely couldn’t take it with her to different places! Our SitnStand is completely different, it’s easy to carry and with two batteries Norma always has power to lift herself up. The batteries are small and lightweight as they use lithium-ion innovation which is coincidentally the same technology I helped to develop during my astro scientific days!”
Ergonomic Design
The ergonomic design of the SitnStand also provides a key safety benefit to Norma and other users. Colin explains: “The lifting platform is flat so she doesn’t tip forward like a rise and recliner chair. This is so important for control and stability as Norma has had over 20 falls recently. It has four different levels of elevation. This really helps as Norma has less energy and strength at the end of the day. Our son is an ED Nurse in Exeter and is really impressed with how it improves safety for his Mum.”
Colin concludes: “Norma and I have been together for 50 years. This limited time we now have together is absolutely priceless. When we first heard about the SitnStand we naturally questioned – does it work? Well it does, admirably! It has allowed us to enjoy more quality time together and given us both greater independence. Independence for Norma at home and for myself when out supporting London Irish rugby. Absolute gold dust. We can’t deny Norma’s condition is terminal.. However being able to sit and stand independently has had a massive impact on our lives.”
Ann Williams concludes: “The SitnStand is an ideal solution for individuals with neurological conditions that may experience inconsistent balance and leg strength. Traditional rise and recliners tend to tip users forward. However the SitnStand incorporates a level seat pad that has a flat rise. This facilitates a safer and more controlled sit-to-stand with greater reassurance for the client. This product was ideal for Norma as she is a social person. She wanted to continue travelling to different destinations whilst remaining independent.”
SitnStand is available through selected dealers in the UK which can be found at: www.sitnstand.com