Seating Patients with Complex Needs
By Martina Tierney, OT & Clinical Director of Seating Matters
The below information applies to conditions including Huntington’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, Motor Neuron/ALS, Multiple Sclerosis, Dementia & Alzheimer’s.
In daily practice, each patient we encounter is different. They have individual needs which change and evolve as their medical conditions progress. When seating patients with complex neurological disorders such as Huntington’s Disease, Motor Neuron Disease/ALS, or Parkinson’s Disease, these needs can become significantly more challenging and demanding.
Patients with such conditions often experience a range of uncontrollable symptoms, meaning they can be more challenging to seat. These symptoms may include:
- Limited mobility
- Postural instability
- Involuntary movements
- Loss of voluntary movement
- Low/high muscle tone
- Rigidity
- Muscle degeneration
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Cognitive changes or confusion
- Agitation
These symptoms require a tailored approach to ensure comfort, safety, and optimal support for each individual.
Conditions That Can Prove Challenging to Seat
Parkinson’s Disease
Individuals with Parkinson’s disease often experience tremors in the arms and legs, muscle rigidity, and pain in areas such as the back, neck, shoulders, and chest. These symptoms should be carefully considered when selecting appropriate seating and chair options.
Multiple Sclerosis / MS
Patients with MS face severe fatigue, muscle weakness, pain, and muscle spasticity, which can result in uncontrolled movements. These factors must be taken into account when choosing the right seating solution.
ALS/Motor Neuron Disease
Those living with ALS or Motor Neuron Disease frequently suffer from muscle spasticity, degeneration, and weakness, which can progress to paralysis of the limbs. Their rapidly evolving needs require a versatile seating solution, such as a multi-adjustable chair.
Huntington’s Disease
It has been said that having Huntington’s Disease feels like having ALS, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, all at the same time. One of the most significant side effects of Huntington’s Disease is involuntary movements of the trunk, arms and feet, which can increase the risk of falls and injuries. Ensuring comfort and safety is essential when selecting seating for individuals with this condition.
Dementia / Alzheimer’s
Seating individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s can be particularly challenging due to their complex needs. They often experience agitation and frequent movement while seated, which increases the risk of falls or sliding out of the chair, potentially leading to injury.
These neurological conditions present some of the most complex seating challenges due to their diverse and often progressive symptoms. Many of these patients are cared for at home by family members or full-time caregivers, making it crucial that their seating solutions are affordable, reliable, functional, and easily adjustable to adapt to their changing needs.
Tips for Families & Caregivers
Get a proper Seating Assessment
Seating Matters have dedicated Seating Specialists in NSW/ACT, VIC and QLD, and a team of trusted distributors across Australia and New Zealand. This team can support by offering a free of charge, no obligation Seating Assessment and chair trial. This Assessment can take place at a time and location that suits you and/or the patient, whether that’s a home, a hospital, or a care facility.
Make sure the patient is comfortable
It goes without saying that if the patient is not comfortable in the chair, the other functions are rendered virtually worthless.
Know your requirements
Choose a multi-adjustable chair that meets the patient’s needs. Identify which features are essential and ensure they come as standard inclusions. All Seating Matters chairs include back angle recline and a footplate as standard features.
Does the patient need postural support? Accessories such as lateral supports can aid postural deformities and can be added at a later date.
Discover the full range of Seating Matters chairs which are multi-adjustable to suit changing needs here.
Consider the level of pressure care
Ensure the chair provides effective pressure management, as patients who sit for extended periods are at risk of developing pressure ulcers. Seating Matters chairs are equipped with memory foam in the back, seat, and calf pads as standard. Tilt-in-space and back angle recline can also aid in pressure management and loading the body.
Consider chair materials and fabrics
Patients with involuntary movements or altered mental states may experience frequent repositioning, increasing the risk of falls and sliding, shear and friction, which can ultimately lead to pressure ulcers.
Seating Matters chairs feature Dartex material in all weight-bearing areas—multi-stretch, breathable, and durable to reduce moisture, enhance circulation, and minimise friction and shear.
Patient dignity
Can the person sit at the table to dine or join others in the family room? To encourage dignity and independence of patients, these are very important factors to consider when choosing your seating.
Seating Matters chairs are highly mobile within homes and care facilities, with powered adjustments for tilt-in-space and repositioning, helping patients maintain greater independence.
Seating Spotlight: The Atlanta
The Atlanta is a robust and durable chair designed to provide a safe and comfortable seating solution for individuals with vigorous involuntary movements, helping to enhance stability and minimise the risk of falls. This specialist seating has proven particularly effective for patients with Huntington’s Disease, dementia, and those at high risk of falling from their chair.
The Atlanta is one of only two chairs (the other being the Seating Matters Sorrento) to be globally recognised with an international Dementia Product Accreditation from the Dementia Services Development Centre at the University of Stirling.
How the Atlanta can Prevent Falls
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The Atlanta’s seat and back angle adjustments allow the pelvis to be positioned low down in the chair, reducing the impact of involuntary movements commonly associated with Huntington’s Disease.
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The integrated, fully padded leg rest is angle-adjustable, providing secure and comfortable positioning. It can be used in conjunction with the seat or removed when not needed, while the combination of high arms and a low seat angle enhances patient safety and security.
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Memory foam padding on the arms helps reduce the risk of injury caused by involuntary movements, offering gentle yet firm support.
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High arms provide lateral stability and support, enhancing patient comfort and minimising pressure risks.
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The Atlanta chair has been successfully used for patients with Huntington’s Disease, dementia, Parkinson’s Disease, and lower limb edema, providing tailored support to prevent falls and ensure patient safety.
Note: the purpose of this blog is to give an overview of the product with some tips to consider on its use. This is not intended to be a substitute for professional or medical advice, diagnosis, prescription or treatment and does not constitute medical or other professional advice. For advice with your personal health or that of someone in your care, consult your doctor or appropriate medical professional.