We have seven chairs in our different units. Three of the chairs are in a residential care unit for the elderly, two in a rehabilitation day centre and two in an acute primary care hospital ward. We also have one mattress for home rehabilitation.
Our experience is that people with memory problems have calmed down and slept more soundly. We always try the chair as one relaxation method if the elderly person is restless and/or has difficulty falling asleep. These chairs do not require the use of any restraint, such as a belt, as the chair itself has a calming effect. If getting into the chair is a challenge, a hoist can be used to move the resident into the chair if necessary. The chair can be adjusted to a comfortable position so that it is safe to sit in. The chairs have also been perceived by family members as an excellent part of the service provided by the unit, so it has also boosted our image in a positive way.
In rehabilitation day centres, the chair is also used for relaxation and recovery, for example after a gym session. In home rehabilitation, the mattress has been used for older people living at home to support their rehabilitation.
In acute wards, the chair has been used by patients in alcohol detoxification treatment when they have come for their substitution treatment or as part of their inpatient treatment, in this case to calm them down. Of course, all other patients have free access to the chairs, but, sometimes, hospital patients have acute infections that can prevent them from using the chair. One of the chairs in the hospital ward is located in the palliative and terminal care ward, where the chair has also been used for relaxation and to support pain management.
Staff have been allowed to use the chairs and mattresses when they are not in use by customers and outside working hours. Many people have benefited from the use of the chairs by having a more uninterrupted night's sleep. Of course, the chair also provides instant relaxation. The chairs have also attracted the interest of other employees, so the chairs can be seen as contributing to well-being at work.
A thesis has been carried out on the use of the chairs, but it would be good to have more of these and to activate the existing student cooperation on these chairs.
The material (wipe-clean leatherette) and mobility (wheels underneath) of the chairs are perceived as good features. The colour of the chair can be matched to the rest of the interior. In addition, the ease of using the app on multiple phones allows the chair to be used independently, for example by a customer or a family member. Some of our chairs also have a stand for a tablet and headphones that play soothing music. This may be perceived as a good feature but is not necessary. The chair and mattress are easy to use and do not require extensive training, but a quick introduction is all that is needed. Of course, recording and monitoring/evaluation in general is important to find the right programme for the customer.
Neurosonic has been a good and reliable partner over the years, and we have been able to turn to them in any matter, e.g. if there have been challenges in the use of the chairs. These have been linked to the number of users, e.g. lost wires and tablets. The chairs themselves have not needed to be repaired, but, instead, have worked well.
Service unit manager
Western hospital area
Hospital services, Elderly service area
Western Uusimaa welfare area