Seating assessment FAQs
Who needs a seating assessment?
How do I know if I would benefit from a seating assessment?
Who is your seating specialist?
What do I do next?
Are you happy to undertake visits outside Sussex?
How do I make an appointment?
What happens at the initial assessment?
How long will the initial assessment/visit take?
What happens next?
Can you be present at the product assessment(s)?
Do you sell seating products?
What happens once I have chosen my equipment?
Can you be present when the equipment is delivered?
Who needs a seating assessment? - top
Many people who suffer from long term disabilities, or who are elderly, lack mobility. As a result, they often spend long periods of time sitting, whether in a wheelchair or in an armchair. When people spend prolonged time sitting they can become very uncomfortable and may develop poor posture, pressure damage (sores) or both.
How do I know if I would benefit from a seating assessment? - top
If you find your current armchair or wheelchair very uncomfortable, you may be tempted to consider buying an alternative. However, ensuring that you purchase a chair to meet your long term needs may not always be straightforward and many people purchase the wrong type of chair, due to lack of expert advice. This incurs unnecessary costs and discomfort. A comprehensive independent seating assessment will specifically identify your postural, pressure relief and mobility needs, guiding you in the most important criteria to consider when purchasing your new chair.
Who is your seating specialist? - top
Our seating specialist is Fiona Collins. Fiona is an occupational therapist with over 20 years of experience in seating.
What do I do next? - top
The first step is to make an appointment for a comprehensive seating assessment. This is normally undertaken in your own home, but can be in a hospital, nursing home or alternative venue of your choice. Once we have completed this assessment, we will discuss the most appropriate type of equipment for your needs. Should you wish to discuss your seating needs with one of our clinicians prior to making an appointment for an assessment, we provide a free 10 minute telephone consultation.
Are you happy to undertake visits outside Sussex? - top
Yes. We regularly visit patients all over the UK. However the time spent travelling is reflected in the overall price of the assessment. We have an increasing number of patients visiting from abroad in order to have their seating needs ascertained.
How do I make an appointment? - top
Simply telephone us on 01323 735 588 or fill out our enquiry form and one of our team will phone you back. You can also call into the Wound Healing Centre at 10 Gildredge Road, Eastbourne where one of our team will be happy to help you.
What happens at the initial assessment? - top
During the initial seating assessment our clinician will carry out a full postural and skin examination and determine the constraints of your existing seating provision. Following detailed discussion, seating goals will be set and prioritised.
How long will the initial assessment/visit take? - top
Your initial seating assessment will take at least one hour, depending on the complexity of your seating needs.
What happens next? - top
A full written report will be provided to you, which summarises the findings of the seating assessment and identified seating goals. Specific information will be provided on the types of products (armchairs / wheelchairs / cushions) which are believed to be most appropriate for your seating needs and details of local suppliers of these products are also provided, should you wish to arrange your own product assessment.
Can you be present at the product assessment(s)? - top
Absolutely! Most people prefer the seating specialist to co-ordinate and be present at product assessments, as this enables the most suitable product to be chosen in the most appropriate configuration. It also ensures that long term needs are also considered and planned for.
Do you sell seating products? - top
No. In order to provide the best possible advice on the type of product most suitable for your needs, it is important that the service we provide is independent. We strongly consider that the most successful seating outcomes are achieved by closely collaborating with equipment suppliers (whatever geographical location that may be).
What happens once I have chosen my equipment? - top
The equipment supplier will provide you with a detailed product specification and quotation. If you wish to purchase the product(s), you can do this directly with the supplier.
Can you be present when the equipment is delivered? - top
Yes, this is generally preferable, so that our seating specialist can work with the supplier to set up the equipment in the most appropriate configuration for your specific needs.