Seating

Seating assessments usually have three main elements: a) identifying what, if any, postural support the user needs b) prevention of tissue damage and most importantly c) comfort. This can be done in an existing wheelchair, armchair or for that matter any other seat e.g. office chair, car seat, horse or bicycle saddle as well as a new, specialised seat. Pressure mapping is sometimes recommended as part of the assessment.

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Where and how is the seating assessment completed?
What problems may be suitable for a seatingassessment?
What will the seatingassessment assess?
What information will I receive following a seating assessment?
Treatment
Summary

Where and how is the seating assessment completed?

A seating assessment can take place in one of our clinics or in the comfort of your own home. During the assessment one of our Occupational Therapist will complete a detailed observational assessment, taking into consideration the possibility of a seat base, back support, harnessing, and orientation of seat, head support and arm support. Following this detailed assessment our Occupational Therapists will provide advice on the most suitable seating and how this can be provided.

What problems may be suitable for a seating assessment?

A seating assessment would be suitable for an individual, if they have any of the following:

• Neck and back pain
• Spinal cord injuries
• Poor posture
• Low or high tone
• A specific condition - CP, Spina bifida and many more.

Our Occupational Therapists will complete a seating assessment to determine how the above difficulties/conditions are impacting upon an individual's ability to complete their everyday self-care and general activities. Following this, recommendation on how to improve an individual's seating posture will be provided, with the aim to enhance their participation in their everyday activities.

Conditions suitable for seating assessment

An Occupational Therapist would complete a seating assessment for the following conditions:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Cerebral Palsy
• COPD
• Parkinson's Disease
• Stroke
• Vascular Dementia
• Orthopaedic Problems
• Amputations
• Fibromyalgia
• Long Term Conditions
• Neurological Conditions
• Rheumatic Diseases

A seating assessment can also be completed on individuals without a specific diagnosis and with those with other conditions not listed.

What will a seating assessment assess?

A good basis seating posture will allow for more freedom and independence, daily tasks such as reading or watching the TV without having to always consider postural balance, stability or comfort is one of the great benefits of having one of our seating assessment. The assessment will include an observational assessment along a detailed discussion with a therapist which will aid the individuals understating and allows them to select the correct treatment plan for them.

What information will I receive following a seating assessment?

Following a seating assessments, one of ourOccupational Therapists will discuss the outcome and provide advice on the most suitable seating and how this can be provided. If required a report detailing the findings of the assessment can also be provided. This will contain an analysis of how poor seating posture is impacting on an individual's ability to complete their daily activities and recommend how this can be improved. Equipment needs can also be documented in the report.

Treatment

Treatment following one of our seating assessments may include one or more of the following:

• Aids and adaptations recommendations
• 1:1 therapy
• Professional advice

Our Treatments can be carried out here in one of our clinics our in the individuals own home.

Summary

In summary our seating assessment would be used to determine how an individual's poor posture is impacting on their abilities to complete their day to day activities. Following this, recommendations will be given on how to improve upon this. Advice may include, therapy sessions, aids or adaptations. All of which aim to increase an individual's independence.

If you would a seating assessment or want to talk to one of our therapists regarding any of your problems then please feel free to contact us at office@londonot.co.uk and we will be happy help.

Find out more about arranging a seating report.