Disabled Stacie aged 8 from Birmingham seeking a better bath-time wins Abacus ‘Trevor the Turtle’
West Midlands based Abacus Healthcare, a leading provider of power assisted baths for disabled bathers, has presented a cuddly ‘Trevor the Turtle’ to Stacie Poole from Kings Health who won its competition at the Kidz-to-Adultz-Middle exhibition (Ricoh Arena, Coventry).
Abacus is a specialist manufacturer and installer of electrically operated baths that provide height adjustment and powered bather transfer seats so disabled children and adults can bathe safely. This well-respected company recently showcased examples from its bath range at Kidz-to-Adultz-Middle and offered a free prize draw to win a cuddly toy of its new Mascot, Trevor the Turtle. The Kidz series of shows provides an opportunity for families and therapists to see and compare the latest products and services that offer greater independence and comfort for individuals living with restricted mobility. Stacie and his mother Michelle regularly attend the Kidz-to-Adultz-Middle exhibition so they are aware of the latest equipment available for easier day-to-day living.
They are currently seeking funding for an accessible bath as Stacie has to be sprayed in their wet room on a floor-based reclining shower chair. He is then carried to a bedroom for drying. This is potentially unsafe and not pleasant for Stacie but is the only solution as Michelle cannot lift him in and out of their standard bath which would pose even more risks.
They both visited the Abacus Healthcare stand and received a demonstration of the Gemini bath from the specialist product advisors on hand during the show. The Gemini is a powered bath with a ‘double lift’ action and an integrated changing, drying and bathing platform which eliminates the need to manually lower and lift a bather. Hence parents and carers can avoid excessive bending and potential back injury whilst the bather is more comfort and safe. Michelle was keen to understand more about the Gemini as she currently has to bath Stacie in a standard bath which is very challenging.
Michelle said: ‘Stacie was so chuffed to win the Trevor the Turtle competition at Kidz, he had such a big smile on his face when he cuddled him for the first time. At the show we fell in love with the Gemini bath, it would be the perfect solution to our current troubles. Owning a height adjustable Abacus bath would make a huge difference to Stacie as he loves bathing however currently I can only shower him when he is lying on the floor of our wet room. I then have to lift and carry him when slippery and wet to a bedroom for drying – this is becoming impossible as he gets heavier and older. With a Gemini bath I could bath, dry and change him all in one safe place and avoid straining my back. I have applied for funding of a Gemini bath from our local authority, fingers crossed it gets approved as we are desperate for a solution.”
About Abacus Healthcare
Abacus Healthcare is a leading supplier of integrated bathroom solutions for specialist home adaptations, special education establishments and residential care homes. Abacus creates easy-to-use, stylish bathroom solutions for adults and children needing specialist care. Its priorities are always the safety, comfort and dignity of both bathers and carers and works closely with therapists, families and care providers to understand exactly what’s required to provide the very best solutions. As well as specialist baths, Abacus offers a range of hoisting systems, sanitary ware and accessories to create a complete bathroom tailored to suit the individual needs of each bather.
