As an accomplished musician and music teacher, Ellie Forbes had always found dexterity and timing to come easily to her— until her health began to deteriorate in her late 50's.

“Now I have seizures and major reactions to many things in the environment, as well as an inability to position my body without help,” she explains.

“Before receiving my new equipment I was virtually trapped in bed except for 1-2 hours on a good day. I have to brace at all times to stay in conventional seats. I relied hugely on carers to correct my tilting when transferring, and my ability to shower was reduced to once or twice a week which I hated.”

The 78 year-old was unaware of the seating options and transfer aids available until she and her carers spoke with Cubro. “We didn’t know this level of aid and equipment existed and were seriously discussing how long before I had to go into care.”

After assessing her situation, Cubro’s Solutions Specialist, Sean Douchay, recommended a range of new equipment for Ellie including a Configura Comfort Rise and Recline Chair. It has been customised to her needs and the pressure cushion gives her maximum pain relief and support, allowing her to stay out of bed for much longer periods of time.

“It totally supports me and accommodates my seizures safely. Previously I had to be taken to bed mid-seizure which was very hard on all. There are multiple positions from an extremely comfortable recline to a lifted/tilt for transfers, and I can access personal activity equipment beside me easily and safely.”

Ellie says the fabric chair’s controls are very simple and give a very large range of functions. “This chair is a brilliant piece of design and engineering and has changed my life.”

Cubro also supplied an Etac Molift Raiser Pro Transfer Aid with a foot block to help Ellie stand upright safely with just one carer. It’s designed to give users the opportunity to use their own muscle power during transfers and feel completely safe and supported while doing so.

“Using the belt can help lift me if needed, but just keeping it taut guides me to push in the correct direction. In addition, it greatly reduces the disorientation and nausea I get when turning my body myself, reducing recovery time from necessary actions and giving me some sense of control and contribution.”

Finally, Cubro set Ellie up with a side sliding Multichair Free-Standing Tilt-In-Space Shower Commode which has a pressure-relieving seat and customised aperture. It’s lightweight and easy to operate, and features a chest harness and hip belt in case Ellie has a seizure while bathing.

“Since using this I have been able to shower virtually every day,” she says. “This design is far easier to balance in and the tilt feature adds safety and convenience for hair washing. The harness and belt provide safety and a sense of security. Like the other equipment, it has greatly improved the practical and psychological effect on my day. The ability to sit on it out of bed, and ride up over the bath to shower is great.”

Ellie says all the new equipment has enabled her to have an active – albeit still limited – participation in her life, instead of being ‘done to'. “This is a major extra I wasn’t expecting.”

Her caregivers are also very impressed by the difference the new equipment is making. “It has made their job easier physically and greatly reduced excess stress on their body. They have all commented on the product quality and the ease of use.”

Cubro has been on hand to offer knowledgeable and informative advice every step of the way.

“They have been excellent to deal with and their equipment lives up to the descriptions given… Having all pieces configured to me, my specific environment and other equipment makes everything highly functionable.”

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 detail 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.