Assisted Bathing Solutions Case Study: Scorpio 1800 with detachable transit chair

Designed to meet the needs of larger and taller bathers, the Scorpio 1800 disabled bath provides superior levels of comfort as it is wider, deeper and longer than a standard bath. It is a height adjustable bath, ensuring a safe and comfortable working level for carers to reduce the risk of injury or back strain.

The Scorpio 1800 incorporates a powered seat that transfers the bather in and out of the bath in a smooth and controlled manner. There is the option for this seat to be detachable and compatible with a wheeled frame – providing a completely detachable transit chair for onward transfers around the bathroom or beyond.

The Scorpio has a 150kg safe lifting weight and is available with a range of taps, shower units, LED lighting and whirlpool options.

The Challenges

Paul Worthington, 17 from Gravesend in Kent, is a lively and positive teenager who lives with complex disabilities resulting from Sjögren–Larsson syndrome (SLS).

SLS is a very rare condition which causes a variety of mobility and co-ordination difficulties resulting in Paul needing care 24/7 and use of a powered wheelchair.

Paul was diagnosed aged 3 due to three determining factors – Ichthyosis, which is a build-up of dry skin to form a scale-like covering that is irritable; spastic paraplegia characterised by leg spasms; and intellectual delay. Paul is regularly treated at Great Ormond Street Hospital for children and is the only outpatient under their care with this complex condition.

Despite undergoing 12 orthopaedic-related operations and living with many challenges, Paul remains happy and is able to board at the Valence School three nights a week – an opportunity he relishes.

When at home Paul’s disability means he needs assistance from his parents to transfer out of his powerchair for bathing, toileting and sleeping. With his sensitive dermatological condition, it is essential for Paul to bathe and be transferred efficiently between bathroom and bedroom so his mother can complete his daily skin care treatment. With a height adjustable Scorpio bath from Abacus that includes a transfer seat and detachable transit chair, Paul and Kerry can enjoy the bathing experience with more comfort and safety.

Making Bathing Easier

The Worthington family have lived in their current house for over 20 years which has been extended and adapted to provide accessibility for Paul. Paul uses a fully adapted bathroom downstairs with ceiling track hoist, wall mounted stretcher, adapted toilet and hi-lo adjustable Abacus bath.

Paul enjoys time in his modern and engaging bedroom with its selection of sensory orientated equipment and technology – listening to music and singing is a favourite activity. As Paul’s bedroom and adapted bathroom are situated at opposite ends of a spacious hallway, Kerry not only needs a height adjustable bath with powered bather transfer seat, but also requires an onward transit solution.

Hence with ownership of a Scorpio 1800 with detachable transit chair, she can manoeuvre Paul efficiently between bathroom and bedroom so drying, dressing and skin treatment is quicker and easier.

The Scorpio 1800 transfer seat lifts and lowers Paul into the bath and can easily be positioned onto a separate wheeled frame. The electrically operated hi-lo movement of the disabled bath means Kerry can minimise the risk of back or muscle strain from excessive bending or lifting when attending to Paul.

The Scorpio 1800 is longer than a standard bath (1800mm) so Paul has ample room to stretch out his legs. The Worthington’s Scorpio has been fitted with AirSpa functionality which provides a more soothing experience for Paul.

Research, selection and installation

Kerry began researching online for a better assistive bathing solution for her son following several issues with their previous specialist bath installation. She discovered the Abacus range of assisted baths and was visited by a professional representative who recommended an extra-long Scorpio 1800 from the Aquanova range.

Abacus also suggested the bathroom was fully redeveloped and extended slightly to offer greater accessibility. Hence their product specialists worked closely with the building contractor to provide all pre-installation technical guidance and planning.

The conversion took two weeks and the Scorpio was installed in one day. Since commissioning Bob Gibbs, Abacus Regional Sales Manager (Southern) has supported the Worthington family and assisted with further product enhancements.

Parental endorsement

Kerry comments: “Bob continues to be fantastic; his personable and caring approach is so helpful. Our Scorpio has made a huge difference to our lives especially as Paul did not want a wet room. I appreciate that Occupational Therapists may recommend accessible showers instead of assisted baths for many reasons; however the experience of being sprayed is not always pleasant. I talk to lots of other mothers with children at the Valence School and they say an accessible bath is much more preferable than a wet room. Being able to soak and relax whilst partially submerged in water is far more beneficial in my opinion. Paul loves taking a bath which is both enjoyable for him and critical to controlling his Ichthyosis.”

Abacus is one of the leading providers of assisted bathing solutions for domestic settings, special schools and acute-care environments. Discover our wide range of disabled bathing solutions to suit every disability.

To further discuss your needs and requirements and decide which bath would be most appropriate for a specific disability, please contact us.