SPECIALIST SEATING FOR DEMENTIA CARE
At Independence Mobility, we understand the challenges that dementia poses, not only for those living with the condition but also for their caregivers.
Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals affected by conditions such as dementia by supplying innovative clinical and therapeutic seating solutions.
We’re proud to be a supplier of clinically designed chairs, including the Seating Matters Atlanta 2™ chair, specifically designed for dementia patients and prioritises comfort, safety, and support.
By tailoring seating to meet the unique needs of each individual, we can promote independence and improve the overall well-being of patients, ensuring that every person living with dementia can enjoy a greater sense of comfort in their daily lives.
What is dementia and how does it affect daily life?
Dementia is a progressive brain disorder that impairs cognitive function, memory, and behaviour, presenting considerable challenges for both individuals with the condition and their caregivers.
Symptoms of dementia include memory loss, mood changes, confusion, difficulty concentrating, a decline in language and problem-solving skills, and other cognitive abilities that significantly disrupt daily activities.
How can clinical and therapeutic seating help people with Dementia?
Every three seconds, a new case of dementia is diagnosed, highlighting the urgent need to understand the effects of unsuitable seating on individuals with the condition. An inappropriate chair can exacerbate symptoms and hinder well-being. However, a chair specifically designed to support dementia patients can significantly enhance their quality of life.
Clinical seating is essential for ensuring the physical comfort of people with dementia, who often experience mobility difficulties that make maintaining proper posture or sitting for long periods challenging.
Therapeutic seating, equipped with features like adjustable lumbar support, cushioning, and armrests, offers optimal support and relieves pressure points. By tailoring clinical seating to the individual's needs, discomfort can be reduced, spine alignment improved, and the risk of musculoskeletal issues minimised.
Other benefits of clinical seating include: 
- Reducing falls and sliding.
- Reducing risk of pressure injuries, high muscle tone and contractures.
- Reducing pharmacological interventions for pain or agitation.
- Improving the patients’ function and reducing nurse or carers' input.
- Increasing time spent out of bed.
- Reducing the level of distress by reducing the frequency of transfers.
- Providing sensory information by giving proprioceptive feedback.
What are the specific benefits of the Seating Matters Atlanta 2™chair?
The Seating Matters Atlanta 2™ chair has proven to be highly effective for patients with non-cognitive symptoms of dementia. When patients feel relaxed and secure, their muscle tone decreases, which helps minimise the risk of pressure injuries and contractures. This also alleviates pain, allowing them to participate more comfortably in functional activities.
Other benefits and features of the chair include:
- Providing proprioceptive feedback for the whole body.
- Tilt and recline feature and high armrests which provide a cocooning feeling and sense of safety.
- Easy to manoeuvre, which allows users to remain more sociable and prevents them from being confined to one place at a time. Decreases frequency of transfers.
- Low seat-to-floor height reduces the risk of falls and injury in the event of a fall.
- Helps increase comfort, reduces agitation, and promotes relaxation.
The importance of therapeutic seating for individuals living with dementia can’t be overlooked.
By understanding the value of therapeutic seating and its potential impact, caregivers and healthcare professionals can integrate this crucial aspect of dementia care, ultimately improving the quality of life for both individuals with dementia and their families.