DTA - an
illustration of how it can be used
The problem
Mrs J has recently had a stroke which has left her with a weakness on one side. She has limited capacity to comprehend the consequences of this weakness and falls a lot whilst trying to do normal activities. She recently fell getting out of bed on the way to the toilet at night and also in the bathroom whilst getting off the toilet. Mrs J wants to be independent and feel safer whilst undertaking her daily routines.
The solution
Mrs J was given a bed occupancy sensor, pendant, pull cord in the toilet and a smoke alarm.
Rationale behind solution
This is a simple case in many ways, the main presenting issue is that of falls as a result of weakness resulting from the stroke. If we consider DTA we can see that we are meeting the dependability criteria by offering this solution.
The problem
Mrs J has recently had a stroke which has left her with a weakness on one side. She has limited capacity to comprehend the consequences of this weakness and falls a lot whilst trying to do normal activities. She recently fell getting out of bed on the way to the toilet at night and also in the bathroom whilst getting off the toilet. Mrs J wants to be independent and feel safer whilst undertaking her daily routines.
The solution
Mrs J was given a bed occupancy sensor, pendant, pull cord in the toilet and a smoke alarm.
Rationale behind solution
This is a simple case in many ways, the main presenting issue is that of falls as a result of weakness resulting from the stroke. If we consider DTA we can see that we are meeting the dependability criteria by offering this solution.
(Click on Picture to make bigger)
The solutions provided are fit for purpose; they are portable, when necessary, comfortable, will work as expected in the appropriate manner and in the correct time. They are trustworthy as they are reliable, will promote safety and not cause danger and are simple to service and maintain. The solutions were acceptable to Mrs J who does not want to be bothered with technology but is happy to wear a pendant. The solutions are practical, require no learning apart from the pressing of the button on the pendant or pulling of the cord in the toilet; and the solutions are compatible as they are all provided from one manufacturer. Mrs J was concerned about the aesthetics of the pull cord but considered that her safety was of more importance than the look of the cord in the toilet and was happy that the placement of the cord was exactly right for her to use if she had difficulties in the toilet in the future.
This example ticks all the boxes for each product. The smoke detector was added as Mrs J could be compromised in the event of a fire in her home. She might fall whilst trying to vacate her house in an emergency situation. The replacement smoke detector replaces her current smoke detector but is positioned in the correct place in her hallway and provides an audible alert as well as alerting the response centre that there is a potential fire in Mrs J’s property.
Note: this page originally appeared on Friday, 7 August 2009 and has reappeared through demand. If you want to know more about DTA please contact Guy on gdewsbury @ yahoo.co.uk for more information.
