Equipment Review – RoMedic ReTurn 7500
The ReTurn 7500 is a non-mechanical standing aid that is mostly used for sit-to-stand and chair transfers. We have used it quite a lot over the past few months with different clients and it does have its advantages and disadvantages compared to other similar models on the market like the Arjo Sara Steady, Aspire Swift Patient Mover, Etac Turner Pro and the Molift Raiser Pro.
At Move Healthcare, we love to keep people moving but also understand the risks and safety concerns when prescribing manual handling equipment. There is a fine balance between trying to keep someone mobile and creating unnecessary risk. Prescribing non-mechanical standing aids is something that is completely under utilised in the residential aged care setting in our opinion. And far too often we come across personal carers struggling to assist their clients out of bed in the morning or out of their lounge chairs in the late afternoon!!!. That’s where we think non-mechanical standing aids such as the ReTurn 7500 could come in handy.
By prescribing a client with a non-mechanical standing aid over a mechanical standing aid we are potentially giving that person several more opportunities each day to use their own leg strength to get them standing. Obviously there is a lot to consider when prescribing such a piece of equipment. But I find that if someone stands reasonably well in a mechanical standing aid, then there is a good chance they could stand well in a non-mechanical standing aid!!!!
The benefits i have found of the ReTurn 7500 over some of the other types of non-mechanical standing aids on the market are:
- The base and the frame can be detached from each other, making this a standing aid that can be easily transported. It also has a travel bag for purchase should you need to pack it up during your travels
- The multiple wheels on the base make the platform turn on a sixpence. It is very easy to turn on all but the thickest of carpets
- The lower leg supports are adjustable and are soft, so it’s very good for those with skin issues around the shins
- The Romedic Return Belt is designed to be used with the ReTurn 7500. This belt comes in 6 sizes and is actually a great handling belt in its own right.
One issue that we did find with the ReTurn 7500 was that the tyres appeared to thread off the wheel with time (excuse lack of correct technical terms here!!!). This had to fixed by the equipment supplier which was a little frustrating. We would also caution against using this type of standing aid with clients whose trunk stability is not great. If trunk stability may be an issue then the Arjo Sara Steady might be a better design.