Paralympian, Mandy Slade finds shower commode with the right support
Paralympian Mandy Slade depends on specialist equipment to make daily life as easy and comfortable as possible.
She has Athetoid Cerebral Palsy and non-epileptic seizures, a head control unit is used to drive her powered wheelchair, and a communication device to articulate her thoughts.
While she has represented New Zealand in the sport of Boccia at the highest international level, taking a routine shower can be a challenging task. But in December 2020, Mandy received a RAZ tilt-in-space shower commode from Cubro which has proven to be a game-changer.
Mandy's customised configuration with headrest, lateral support and armrest
“The problem with my previous commode chair was that it had no lateral supports,” she explains. “Because I can’t keep my balance, I would fall over onto my left side. My support people had to pad the side of the chair with towels or leave me attached to the hoist to keep me upright.”
The lateral supports available on the RAZ commode have made an enormous difference for Mandy. “I am so much more comfortable now that I’m not leaning over all the time. I have full support in my sides, hips and knees.”
"I am so much more comfortable now that I’m not leaning over all the time. I have full support in my sides, hips and knees."
The 40-year-old says she loves the adjustability of the RAZ and the ability to add lateral supports for her body and legs. “It adjusts so easily if I need to lean back further and it is very lightweight to push. Cubro were able to add a head rest and a stronger foot plate for me as well.
“The seat is very comfortable to sit on which is important to me because sometimes I sit there for a long time. I now have armrests also which are easy to move away. I like them because I can rest my arms — my old commode didn’t have any,” she explains.
Mandy first saw the RAZ commode at a disability expo and spoke to Cubro Equipment Advisor Tony Osborne about the features available. After subsequent discussions with an OT from Waitakere Hospital about how her old one was performing, she knew it was a piece of equipment she needed to have.
“Cubro staff and support people have been so great with helping me to get the RAZ set up. Nothing has been too much trouble for them.
“I would recommend this shower commode to anyone, especially if they have problems with their balance. The RAZ is so comfortable, adjustable and functions really well.”
"I would recommend this shower commode to anyone, especially if they have problems with their balance."
Get in touch
If you would like to find out more about our customisable shower commodes, please get in touch with our team on 0800 656 527, or email [email protected]
Cubro case studies are based on actual testimonials provided by real customers and users of our solutions. In some testimonials to protect the identity of the users, we have changed a name and used a stock photo. Our case studies describe our past work with customers and users, and details solutions that have improved their quality of life. As each individual user has a unique set of needs and requirements, the content in these case studies should not be used as a substitute for professional advice from a registered clinician.