Every parent wants the best for their child, to do everything in their power for their child to get the most out of life. When your child has a brain injury, even a simple thing like a hug, watching TV mean a lot.
The key is your child’s ability to relax. That comes down to their seating, particularly an alternative to the rigidity structure and confines of their wheelchair.
A unique concept, the vacuum posture cushion seating- Chilli Bean- delivers a raft of benefits. The concept is based around a mouldable seat, a bean bag. The application of vacuum technology enables the shape of the seat to be precisely and minutely fixed for your child. Once the required moulding is created, a pump removes the air between the beans, in effect locking them into position.
What makes it unique is that the shaping can be infinitely adjusted- at home, by you and the care team. No need to wait for re-assessment, new moulds to be made…your child’s comfort is continued and continuous. So the mould can be finitely adjusted according to daily requirements and/or as your child grows.
The bean bag design means the seat moulds around your child. They are sat in it rather than on it. It hugs them. This imparts spatial awareness and a feeling of security. This soothes anxiety and encourages social interaction.
Chilli Bean leaves your child feeling comfortable, which helps reduce involuntary spasm, hypertension, extension restlessness, agitation, spasticity, and dystonia. Comfort aids relaxation.
As you can precisely mould the seat to your child, you can ensure correct joint alignment. This has positive outcomes for secondary contractures, joint trauma and fatigue.
Because the seat can be precisely contoured to your child, and adjusted quickly and easily, it reduces the risk of pressure sores.
The construction also means it can transmit vibration. Pop a sound box underneath, and the cushion becomes a sensory aid. The choice of music and rhythm can influence your child’s activity and mood.
Made from an advanced neoprene, the cushion is breathable and wipeable, helping ensure continued comfort.
Jodie Bostock is one mum who has seen the benefits.
Her son Daniel was brain injured at birth. He requires round-the-clock care support for his condition: he has Cerebral Palsy and a gastrostomy, his back arches, his legs do not bend but his body exerts strong movement and his muscle pattern changes through the day.
The family’s OT suggested a Chilli Bean vacuum mouldable positioning system.
“It’s an amazing piece of kit. It’s the one piece of equipment Daniel has that really added value to his and our lives” comments Daniels’ mum Jodie.
“It has had such a positive impact on the whole family, it gives us such freedom. We know Daniel is correctly and safely supported without restraint, we can adjust it ourselves as he needs. Because it’s basically a lightweight bean bag, we can move it round the house wherever we need, even into the garden. We can even have family movie nights: his brother will sit on the floor next to Daniel.”
Chilli Bean can help make your life better, and family life better.
For further details and enquiries, AAT and Chilli bean can be found in the marketplace section of the CBIT In Hand app.
By Peter Wingrave, Director @ AATGB