Author: johnpembertonbates1665

Auto-injector holder

Injector holder

A diabetic client had a stroke that left her without the use of her right arm. She was supplied with an Omnipod auto-injector on condition that she was able to use a hypodermic syringe to charge it with insulin. However, the Omnipod is small with a curved top, and has to be held upside down while being charged, which was a problem. We made a small resin block a little smaller than a pack of playing cards, with a non-slip rubber pad stuck to the base. A recess was machined 2 mm larger than the Omnipod in each direction, with a finger cut-out to allow the charged Omnipod to be removed. Pieces of Sugru self-curing rubber, kindly supplied by the manufacturer, were pressed into the four corners of the recess. The Omnipod was wrapped in clingfilm and soaped so that it would not stick, then pressed into the block upside down, leaving Omnipod-shaped impressions in the Sugru.

Thus adjusted, the recessed block holds the Omnipod steady while the client fills it with one hand, without assistance. The Omnipod has an adhesive pad so that it can be stuck to the client’s skin, leaving her free to take part in more or less any activity, including swimming, while being auto-injected for up to three days according to a pre-arranged schedule.

Communicator mounting for wheelchair

Maria in room Communication aid and mount

Maria, a resident at the Scope Birchwood residential care home in Chesham, has no significant movement ability and is unable to speak clearly due to cerebral palsy. Wheelchair bound during the day, Maria uses an electronic communication aid to control equipment in her room, including lights, heating and TV; the device can also be used to access a mobile phone. She operates the device using her left knee — the part of her body over which she has greatest control — to activate a pressure switch.

Although the communication aid has text/symbol-to-speech capability, Maria sometimes finds it easier to communicate with regular visitors and Birchwood staff by pointing at a communication chart attached to her wheelchair tray. To make this easier, Remap designed and fitted a plastic mounting to secure the communication aid at the back of the tray, so Maria can use both the chart and the aid at the same time.

Maria outside

Wheelchair-pushchair adaptor: availability

In 2012, we posted a video of a wheelchair-pushchair adaptor made as a one-off project for a disabled mum in Stoke Mandeville. Since then, we have had enquiries about it from all over the world, and have found two possible options for those in need of something similar.

For those living in the (mainland) United Kingdom, the Bath Institute of Medical Engineering can loan wheelchair baby carriers to families who would benefit, or can sell them to those who prefer to buy.

For those outside the UK, the Bar-Or Industrial Design company in Israel has produced two connectors for local customers based on the original Remap design. It is now planning to develop connectors for a wider range of wheelchairs, and welcomes enquiries from overseas.

Camera mount for wheelchair

A keen photographer was left paralysed on his left side following a stroke. Now dependent on a wheelchair for mobility, he could not hold or operate his camera successfully. We adapted his wheelchair to receive a camera mount, which allowed him to use his camera with one hand and continue his passion for photography.

Games to improve concentration and dexterity

An occupational therapist at Wycombe Hospital, who also served on the Remap South Bucks Panel, was looking for ways of improving concentration, attention and dexterity in stroke patients. A Remap engineer made this colourful suite of games designed to enhance grasping power and the ability to move objects accurately from place to place. The bright colours are particularly helpful for people left with blurred or limited vision following a stroke.

Bed rail

An elderly lady just discharged from Wycombe Hospital had a tendency to wander and fall during the night. Her occupational therapist asked us whether we could make — as quickly as possible — a side rail for her bed at home to keep her from getting out at night. A Remap engineer visited the lady’s home and within two days had designed and delivered the finished bed rail, which can be lowered for her carer to put her to bed and then raised again. The carer subsequently sent us this letter.