FUZE T20 / BENTLEY SHORT FRAME - FRAIL and WEAK INDIVIDUALS
Clinical Issue
Solution
Why PDG
Client needs adaptive positioning. A std chair or reclining chair is not acceptable since the client slides out of these types of wheelchairs. Client needs a tilt wheelchair for positioning and for long-term stability and safety. Fuze T20 or Bentley have dynamic tilt. Chair can be tilted up to 20 degrees for improved postural control and comfort. Back recline angle can be set to meet individual need. Overall client stability is improved when chair is tilted. Tilt can counteract against the tendency to slide forward and allows user to maintain corrected posture while seated in tilt position.
Client wants to maximize independence. Individual might potentially self -propel their wheelchair. Most manual tilt wheelchairs require the rear wheels to be placed too far rearward for the client to effectively reach and use. Rear wheels need to be positioned for optimal self-propelling. Adjustable rear axle location will ensure user is able to reach the push rims and propel independently Fuze T20 or Bentley rear wheels can be placed much further forward, facilitating self-propulsion. Set rear wheels rearward for maximum stability and/or attendant operation. No other manual tilt chair delivers self-propulsion functionality                     
Client is potentially able to foot propel and will benefit from tilt, especially in that tilt will help prevent sliding out.  Ideally, the user should be able to foot propel while in tilt position. When the Fuze T20 or Bentley tilts, the front of the seat does not move upward. Therefore, the user may be able to ambulate while the seat is tilted. This is a feature unique to these products. When tilted, other wheelchairs require the front of the seat to move upward, preventing foot propulsion.
Client may be able to ambulate using their feet. Existing wheelchair seat needs to be at the optimal height that is generally lower than can be achieved using a std wheelchair.. Client requires adjustable seat height so that foot propulsion can be optimized. It is also likely that as the client's needs change, the seat height will also need to change to accommodate footrests if the client is no longer able to foot propel in the future. Fuze T20 and Bentley seat height can be changed, in most cases without the client needing to purchase additional components. This ensures these wheelchairs will be able to accommodate changing needs.
Client wants to maximize independence. Individual wishes to operate tilt mechanism without assistance Tilt mechanism needs be set for attendant operated tilt or client-operated tilt Bentley tilt trigger can be placed on the armrest for user-operated tilt, on the backrest for attendant operated tilt, or both. No other manual tilt chair delivers self-tilt functionality
Client has respiratory difficulties. Postural change is needed. A tilt chair assists in trunk position, diaphragm expansion and aids in respiration. The Fuze T20 or Bentley facilitates tilt, potentially improving diaphragm efficiency.
Client lives in the community and wants to be able to navigate independently throughout their living space Frame needs to be as short as possible to navigate through living space. Fuze T20 and Bentley design have a short frame, ensuring better manoeuvrability, especially in and out of vans and getting around corners Short wheel-base is unique to Bentley.
Client needs a low seat height to aid in transfers, access to living environment, etc. Existing wheelchair seat is too high Need a wheelchair with a low seat to floor height, or adjustable seat to floor height Fuze T20 and Bentley have adjustable seat-height, allowing optimization of transfer technique and easy access to desks and tables. This extra low feature is unique to the Bentley.
Client needs to work at a computer or interact at a table while in tilt position. The chair needs to tilt in a way that the clients knees do not move upward as the chair tilts Fuze T20 and Bentley tilts from the front the seat. User's knees don't move up as the chair tilts. Bentley and Stellar are the only manual tilt chair designed so that the user can access tables while in a tilted position
Client has difficulty with feeding A tilt chair will facilitate optimal head and trunk positioning for feeding. Fuze T20 and Bentley can be tilted to facilitate improved feeding. Most importantly, these wheelchairs allow the user to sit at a table while in tilt. No other tilt chair can deliver this functionality.
Client has difficulty maintaining acceptable seated posture in existing chair. The chair will not adjust enough to meet the needs of the client. Need a chair with adjustable seat height, seat depth, tilt, back angle, etc. These components need also to be adjustable as client needs change over time. Fuze T20, Bentley, Fuze T50 and Stellar are designed to allow extensive adjustment, accommodating a wide range of needs. Will accept commercially available adaptive seating components. On-chair adjustment includes seat height, depth, back angle, pre-tilt angle, armrest height and footrest height.