Abacus Gemini 2000 bath delivers neurotherapy to Joe with brain injury
| Project: | Joe Landon |
| Location: | Haxton, Wiltshire |
| Solution: | Hoist accessible Gemini 2000 hi-lo platform bath |
| Bather conditions: | Acquired brain injury |
The 2-metre long and spacious Gemini 2000 provides ample room for Joe to soak and relax
Joe Landon, 27, has his own home in Haxton near Salisbury and lives with a team of carers.
Joe experienced a severe brain injury 10 years ago so is non-ambulant and non-verbal; hence requiring a wheelchair and complete care 24/7. His Gemini 2000 bath from Abacus has become a vital part of his therapy and rehabilitation. To ensure he could live at home, Joe’s 4-bed bungalow was remodelled and extended in 2021 to include fully adapted and accessible areas. Joe has a wheelchair accessible bedroom and adjoining bathroom with a ceiling track hoist, separate therapy building, spacious living areas and a step-free garden with picturesque rural surroundings. All decorated in muted contemporary colours chosen by Joe, his home environment has a calming and reassuring ambience. Amongst other specialist equipment, an accessible bath was deemed by his parents, and healthcare professionals as critical for Joe’s neuro-rehabilitation. The Gemini 2000 bath from Abacus has proven to be the effective solution.
Watch the video interview with Joe’s mum Sue
Following his accident, Joe spent over eight years in various nursing homes and hospitals around the UK. Unfortunately care varied between these establishments and so his family had to move him on several occasions. Nevertheless, during his time at the Raphael Medical Centre in Kent, he received superb support and part of his rehab programme was accessing a hydrotherapy pool 2-3 times a week. This resulted in significant progress for Joe so the family decided he must have some means of bathing and therapy when the time came for him to return home.
Joe’s house conversion coincided with the Covid pandemic. This resulted in many project challenges as Sue had to oversee the development remotely. There were many delays; however, eventually a larger, specialist wet room was constructed that could also accommodate a specialist bath. As the family were desperate to get Joe home as quickly as possible, and wanted the best bathing solution for him in place, Sue started to look at options.
Sue says: “Joe always loved a bath before his accident. We could tell he really missed it when he was in and out of care establishments. They simply didn’t have baths that were suitable for him, or sessions kept being cancelled by staff. He would only be showered which was nowhere near as pleasant. It became such an issue we thought Joe had to have one when he came home. But it had to be the right one and have variable height.”
Sue began her product research online which coincided with occupational therapists at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, where Joe was at that time, recommending Abacus baths. Sue made enquiries and an assessment of Joe’s needs was completed by David Bertorelli, one of the Abacus Regional Assessment Managers.
Covid restrictions meant most of this process had to be completed remotely; however, Abacus was still able to confidently recommend the Gemini 2000. The main criteria to solve over and above safety, was the provision of a bath that could accommodate Joe being tall. At 6’ 3’’ and having a dropped left foot, the family needed a bath long enough for Joe to stretch out and relax with all of his limbs submerged. The 2-metre-long Gemini was the only bath on the market that could provide the space needed.
The antimicrobial Gemini 2000 is a power assisted specialist bath with a unique dual lift action and integrated changing and bathing platform. After the bath has been prefilled, bathers can be easily transferred onto the platform via a hoisted sling. The bath sides and water level are then elevated thus providing a controlled and reassuring introduction to temperature-controlled bathing. The whole bath can then be lifted so carers can engage with bathers at eye level and assist with postural care without risking back injury from excessive bending. Administering personal care including hair washing is easier and overall, the bathing experience is more positive for everyone involved.
The Gemini eliminates many awkward moving and handling procedures and offers therapeutic benefits with built-in Air spa, chromotherapy lighting and Bluetooth sound connectivity. These features are now benefiting Joe 2–3 times a week, resulting in greater relaxation and calmer periods in bed.
Sue continues: “I believe bathing brings Joe a great sense of relaxation. At night, when Joe’s had a busy day and is aching and tired, it switches him off ready for bedtime. The experience is so lovely and calm. The music is wonderful; it’s ‘Bluetoothed’ directly into the bath. He clearly loves being in the water and listening to the sounds.”
The in-built platform provides a safe surface for changing, drying and hoisting
Therapeutic lighting provides a soothing ambience
We love our Gemini. Joe’s so calm in the water. We play binaural beats to help reduce his stress and anxiety
The oversized hi-lo Gemini 2000 can have therapeutic features installed including AirSpa, chromatic lighting and Bluetooth sound
Top: The in-built platform makes transfers in and out of the bath easier Bottom: The roaming hand controller for variable bath and platform height
“We think bathing should be a therapeutic experience, not just about having a wash. It’s enjoying the whole ambience, the sensations, and Jackie (carer) giving a wonderful head massage to Joe whilst he’s in the water. Our Gemini offers a real therapy session for Joe; he’s a calmer man after every bath.”
As Joe’s care plan at home continues to be refined, their assigned occupational therapist has drawn up a weekly therapy programme. This now includes regular bathing which Joe’s dad, who stays once a week and is a physiotherapist, fully supports for effective rehab. The current care team are confident that combining the Gemini with the necessary head supports, ensures Joe is comfortable and safe. Hoisting is also more controlled as the bath’s integrated platform gives everyone peace of mind during a transfer. When combined with the soothing properties of the water, Joe’s muscle tone is much improved, and he presents in a more manageable way.
“We love our Gemini,” Sue adds. “Joe can sometimes have days when he prefers not to bathe but on the whole it is a good experience for him. His mind is all there. He might not be able to speak, but he knows what’s happening and you can see he really enjoys being in warm water.
We can assist him in the bath without the sling and the Bluetooth music, which I run from my iPad, helps Joe achieve an altered state. It’s beautiful, it’s absolutely gorgeous to see. He’s so calm in the water. We play binaural beats to help reduce his stress and anxiety.”
“Another great benefit for Joe is that the heat stays in the water for a long time. Sometimes we might not be able to get him in the bath for half an hour after it’s been run, even so the temperature stays the same. The construction of the bath is obviously special. It’s also very easy to clean and somehow stays cleaner for longer.” This is achieved by the inclusion of invisible BioCote antimicrobial technology which is integrated into the bath during manufacture. As a silver-ion additive, it is proven to reduce the presence of microbes by up to 99.99% and helps to reduce odours and stains.
From initial contact and site survey through to installation and aftercare service, Sue has been thoroughly impressed with the support received from Abacus and its Regional Assessment Manager. “David has been awesome. Whenever I have needed him and he has been available, he has shot down and spent a lot of time here.”
As the family moves forward and Joe’s recovery continues, the Abacus bath has become an integral part of his care. In conclusion Sue succinctly says: “The whole bathing experience with the Gemini is awesome. I’m really not sure what the best feature is as the whole bath is a revolution in bathing; everything’s great. We’ve assured Joe he will never go back to another nursing home – by having a Gemini in his house we have been able to secure this promise.”
I believe bathing brings Joe a great sense of relaxation. He clearly loves being in the water and listening to the sounds
