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Product News
March 9, 2010
Greetings!

This issue highlights another funder, NIHB.

Following our series of inservices on Backs & Headrests, our reference sheet on common headrests and mounting hardware is a valuable reminder of the options available.

SelfCare installs a range of grab bars to make any home safe. Keeping with the bathroom theme, our Problem Solved! demonstrates how a custom bath seat with recline provides an optimal solution.

Dana Douglas has issued a medical device recall.

We look forward to providing you with useful information throughout the year.  Please contact us at any time if you have any comments, questions or topics you want covered by an inservice by emailing kim.mackie@selfcarehome.com.

Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB)
 
Health Canada LogoHealth Canada's national, medically necessary health benefits program provides coverage for benefit claims for a specified range of medical supplies, equipment, and other medical services for eligible First Nations people and Inuit.

To learn more about NIHB eligible medical equipment and supplies, view our overview Reference Sheet and view the government website listing.

> NIHB Funding Reference Sheet

NIBH funds a limited list of equipment which specifically EXCLUDES beds, mattresses and scooters.
Problem Solved - Custom Bath Seat with Tilt, Recline & Headrest

Need:
A CVA survivor living in her own home required bathing by a caregiver. The bathing system needed to provide both trunk support and a headrest. A tracking system was being installed throughout the house. Bathing was still an issue because:
  • The caregivers did not want the supporting surface to be too low as they would always be bending over, and they need to be at bathtub height because of WorkSafeBC rulings about bending
  • Laterals and a headrest were required
  • A tilt and recline position was required for the client to be comfortable.
  • The client's feet needed to be supported
Options:
Serveral options were trialled which did not provide an optimal solution:
  • Bath lift - When lowered, the bath lift put the client too low for the caregivers. The tilt and recline angles were not adequate.
  • Columbia Medical Ultima Stainless Steel Bath Chair was trialled, but there wasn't sufficient leg support and the tilt and recline options were not optimal for the client.
Problem Solved!
Custom bath seat with tilt and recline, removeable headrest and laterals gave the client sufficient room in the bath tub for her legs. The product provided excellent caregiver access and the removable headrest and laterals, as well as the ability to adjust the tilt and recline angle to maximize user comfort. A prototype was first developed and few changes were required for the final product. The caregivers use the BHM ceiling track system in the bathroom to lower the client onto the chair. The padded surface provides adjustable tilt and recline while there is still sufficient room for the client's feet to be supported.

Outcome: The client, caregivers and family are very happy with the final product.  The SelfCare contact for this solution was Fran Wilson from the SelfCare Surrey location. Fran can be contacted at 604-574-5801 or fran.wilson@selfcarehome.com.
Reference Sheet - Headrests & Accessories (headrest mounting hardware)

Following on our inservices on Headrests & Backs, here is a quick reference sheet on headrests and commonly used mounting hardware.

> Headrests & Accessories Reference Sheet

There are a wide range of very specific headrests which are available; this list only covers the most commonly used ones.

Contact your SelfCare Seating & Mobility Consultant with any questions you may have.
Product Feature - YES, SelfCare Installs Grab Bars

SelfCare Mobility ButtonGrab bars are an excellent safety feature for any home. SelfCare's trained technicians install all of the grab bars SelfCare sells. We use only quality stainless steel screws for a secure, rust free installation.

We offer a choice of 3 types of grab bars for any installation:
  • Chrome knurled - good gripping surface, most economical
  • White painted - smooth surface, but for the décor conscious
  • Stainless steel - thicker gripping area (larger diameter bar)
Check out our Product Feature - Grab Bars for a review of the most common bath safety product.

> Product Feature - Grab Bars
Dana Douglas Medical - URGENT MEDICAL RECALL

Attached is the updated information from Dana Douglas regarding the Urgent Medical Recall for the NeXus walkers.

> Recall Information

This information sheet lists the serial number of the walkers that are affected by the recall.
Thank you for using SelfCare. Please call us for any equipment inquiries or to book an equipment demonstration. We have a wide range of demo and rental equipment.
In this issue...
Funding Update - NIHB
Problem Solved - Bath Seat
Reference - Headrests
Product Feature - Grab Bars
Dana Douglas - RECALL
Request an Inservice

Ask for a short 15 minute inservice on the two pressure monitors for ROHO cushions, or any other topic of your choice - email Kim Mackie to book a time.
Contact SelfCare

YES, ...you can reply to this e-mail. It will reach a person. How refreshing! Or call us at 604-872-5800.

Need information on a specific product or want to demo a wheelchair? Contact a Seating & Mobility Consultant.

Our website includes a member login area for Health Care Professionals. With a username and password you can access our reference and product sheets, inservice RSVPs, and other reference materials online. You will be able to find information on our rental and consignment equipment, staff contacts, plus many other features. Contact Kim Mackie at 604-990-9422 or via email to request a username and password.
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Upcoming Inservices
'10 Inservices
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We will be updating our inservice schedule soon.

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SelfCare Store Locations & Parking

- Sechelt - 5654 Dolphin Street - easy parking everywhere
- Vancouver - 43 West 6th Avenue - lots of free parking
in the back of the store off the alley
- Surrey - #108A, 17533 64th Avenue - parking in front of the store
- North Vancouver - 1340 Pemberton Avenue - parking to the south side of the building or to the back of the building

Call Kim Mackie at 604-990-9422 or email Kim to book an inservice for your facility or organization.
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Vancouver SelfCare:
43 West 6th Avenue, Vancouver, BC  V5Y 1K2
T: 604-872-5800 F: 604-872-8388  E: infovan@selfcarehome.com
 
North Vancouver SelfCare:
1340 Pemberton Avenue, North Vancouver, BC  V7P  2R7
T: 604-990-9422  F: 604-990-9424  E: infonv@selfcarehome.com

Surrey SelfCare:
#108A, 17533 64th Avenue, Surrey, BC  V3S 1Y8
T: 604-574-5801  F: 604-574-5805  E: infosurrey@selfcarehome.com

 
Sechelt SelfCare:
5654 Dolphin Street, Sechelt, BC  V0N 3A0
T: 604-741-9920  F: 604-741-9921  E: infosc@selfcarehome.com