AdaptAbility Training

🆕 Trying a ‘Stand Easy’ this week with a lady who struggles to stand but once up can mobilise well

🧏‍♀️ Would love to hear other people’s experience with this equipment

📋 Also printing reminders on the safe way to assist someone to stand, taken from BCP council moving & handling guidance sheets

https://www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/adult-social-care-and-health/information-for-professionals-working-in-adult-social-care/moving-and-handling-guidance-sheets

🙏 Thanks for the recommendations Kay James OT4Indepenence & Jayne Brewer Accora

What an exciting week!

🔸 Travelled 650 km for 2 conferences
🔸 Connected with over 120 delegates
🔸 Facilitated 8 workshops with Jayne Brewer
🔸 Enjoyed Jo De Clercq’s inspiring presentation

And still squeezed in a photo with Iain Glen from Game of Thrones 🤩

Congrats to the team from Accora Ireland and UK for this fantastic event

🎬 Presented my 1st webinar today!

🗣️ Topic was ‘Access Slings & Standing Hoists’

Like any manual handling equipment these 2 items in the right hands with the right training and used with the right person can be invaluable! But in the wrong hands … 🤦‍♀️

🕵️‍♀️ When we’re using Access or Hygiene slings, can we please make sure that the sling doesn’t win the battle to determine someone’s position!

Looking forward to discussing Access Slings & Standing Hoists - the good, the bad and the ugly!

With: Accora Academy & Nicky Philips (OT)

When: Thursday 12th of March @ 11:00

Check out details on:

https://accora.care/ie/academy/webinars

Very excited to be involved in this conference - see below for details!

Slings, slings and more slings!

Working today on a sling project with Meath Primary Care OTs Finola Dunne & Cathriona Reilly

Reviewed our draft Assessment Tool for Access Slings - considerations, criteria and what to look out for during a controlled trial.

Now to pilot and see how it does in real life!

🌅 As the sun sets on 2025, it’s time to reflect on the year. The ‘highs’ which have been celebrated and shared with people and in social media, but also the professional ‘lows’ which were the tough times and challenges we faced along the way.

🙏 A huge thank you to everyone who has supported me this year to continue to work as a private Occupational Therapist and Moving & Handling trainer.

🤗 We are excited to see what 2026 has in store for AdaptAbility Training!

🎉🎉🎉 Happy New Year to You All 🎉🎉🎉

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Would you let a learner driver take your car onto the road after they have just watched you drive?

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I know I wouldn’t 😅

Similarly then how can someone be safe to use a hoist having only watched a demo?

If you are a manager or school principal responsible for training staff, please be aware of the difference between ‘hoist training’ and an equipment demonstration.

At AdaptAbility, we break down each step of the hoisting process to teach correct techniques and ensure skill development. All of the ‘test runs’ happen in a safe, simulated environment where people can build confidence with hands on practice.

Contact us today to discuss ‘Hoist Training’ or other courses - [email protected]

👶 ‘First Time Hoisters’ and their reactions

🔹 I always find it amusing when someone is being hoisted from bed (during training) and they go rigid with their legs stretched straight out in front as shown in the picture below. When the security of the bed surface is being taken away, you can see the anxiety come into their face. They are so concerned with holding on and trying to trust the sling, that they are oblivious to what their bottom half is doing and forget that they can actually bend their knees! With a little prompt they relax and become aware of their position.

🔸 This is the reaction of a person who is physically fit and healthy, with the ability to process what is happening and understand that they are safe. Their automatic stress response is still triggered and because they can’t fight or flee, they freeze!

🔹 Now consider what it must be like for someone with pain, joint stiffness, confusion and sensory processing issues; what an uncomfortable experience this must be for them. For someone with advanced dementia each time may feel like the first time. Every step needs careful consideration and planning, with good communication and slow, gentle handling throughout.

🔖 Hoist training and bespoke courses available - come and see what your reaction will be!

Email: [email protected]

Check out our website www.adaptabilitytraining.ie