Case Study (Atlanta 2): Woman with advanced dementia in aged care facility
This Atlanta 2 case study is a real patient scenario.
Background
An elderly woman living in a long-term care home was diagnosed with advanced dementia and exhibited signs of paratonia—a condition that causes involuntary resistance to movement. While in bed, she adopted a painful fetal position with flexed legs, increasing her risk of developing fixed contractures and ongoing discomfort.
Staff noted that she frequently screamed in pain during hoist transfers, making daily care distressing for both the resident and her caregivers. Although she enjoyed spending time in the dayroom, she was unable to tolerate sitting in her previous chair for longer than an hour without significant discomfort.
Clinical Intervention & Recommendations
A qualified Occupational Therapist assessed her complex needs and implemented a targeted care plan, including:
Replacing the toileting sling with a cradle sling to ensure safer, more comfortable transfers
Introducing a sleep positioning program to help prevent the progression of contractures
Recommending the Atlanta 2 chair by Seating Matters for its cocoon-like design, sensory feedback, and integrated postural support features
About the Atlanta 2 Dementia Chair
The Atlanta 2 is clinically designed to support individuals with dementia, especially those experiencing agitation, poor proprioception, and abnormal tone or postural challenges. Its unique shape provides calming sensory feedback, and its tilt-in-space and recline functions help manage involuntary movements while improving comfort and positioning.
Atlanta 2 has been recognised with an international Dementia Product Accreditation by the Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) at the University of Stirling. It scored 95% and received a Class 1A rating.
The Results
Following the introduction of the Atlanta 2 chair and the new care strategies:
- The resident now sits comfortably for more than 6 hours a day
- Transfers are pain-free, significantly reducing distress
- Her legs are properly positioned, lowering the risk of contractures
- Overall comfort, functionality, and alertness have improved
- She now benefits from consistent 24-hour postural care—across lying, sitting, and standing
This intervention marked a profound improvement in the resident’s quality of life, offering her dignity, comfort, and increased engagement in daily living.
