Greencare DB1J 13, User Manual

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GETTING AROUND SAFELY AND ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES
Use of Cushions
Users who spend long periods of time sitting
in a wheelchair will usually require a cushion.
This can be an important part of the postural
specification. If the wheelchair is provided
with a specialised or contoured cushion of
other manufacture, there will be a separate
instruction for its care and use.
For basic requirements, Greencare
wheelchairs maybe supplied complete with a
cushion, which will be labelled accordingly.
The following information is applicable.
The Greencare cushion has internal support
foams that meet UK furniture regulatory
requirements for fire retardency. The outer
cushion surface is a stretchy material that
conforms to occupant shape. The underside
of the cushion cover is a slip resistant
material, which helps to maintain cushion
position on the seat upholstery.
Care should be taken when transferring with
a cushion in position. It is possible the
occupant may slip down into the cushion
during a transfer. Additional effort may be
required to reach the required seating
position. Some active occupants may be
able to do this by pressing down on the
armrests to gain leverage. For less active
users, carers may be required to assist in
transfers to ensure that the occupant is
correctly seated and supported by the
backrest of the wheelchair.
Cushions may be adapted with an additional
velcro strip if this has been assessed as
necessary. Greencare chairs are frequently
built with a low seta to ground height to
accommodate an assessed cushion
thickness, and maintain the stability of the
wheelchair when the occupant is seated.
Pressure relieving cushions are often thicker
than comfort cushions.
If after a period of use a different
specification or a thicker cushion is fitted this
may effect wheelchair stability. If the
occupant feels unstable there may be a need
to review the chair configuration.
If a cushion is supplied to a wheelchair , the
footrest height will have been set to provide
the correct support including an allowance
for the cushion thickness. If the occupant
uses the chair set up in this way without a
cushion, localised pressure on the body
contact in the seating area will be increased.
This could cause discomfort leading to skin
damage.
Users and carers should check the cushion
periodically. The Greencare cushion cover
has a zip at the rear under side edge this
allows access to the internal cushion
components for service checks. If
appropriate, there will be may also be an
additional inner lining.
If the cushion cover becomes soiled it can be
removed for washing. Normal washing
temperature of 60 is normally adequate for
domestic cleaning, but cleaning at 80
degrees centigrade and above may be
necessary in a hospital environment.
Cleaning agents containing phenol or
alcohol should not be used. Do not tumble
dry. But ensure the cover is fully dry before
using again.
The support effectiveness of a cushion can
be used over a period of use. If the cushion
becomes damaged or loses its support and
feels to bottom out, it should be brought to
the attention of the wheelchair service, as a
replacement may be required.
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