“More relaxed, comfortable and settled.”
For 12-year-old Zachariah, having access to an Acheeva postural support bed at school is giving him more opportunities to find a comfortable position while staying connected to the people and activities around him.
Zachariah has complex physical needs and needs to change position regularly throughout the school day. Before the Acheeva bed was available, spending long periods in specialist seating could leave him uncomfortable and less engaged with what was happening around him.
The new bed has given Zachariah another option.
A comfortable place to take part
When using the Acheeva bed, Zachariah can spend periods of his day in a supported lying or reclined position. He can still use his iPad, take part in activities and interact with the staff around him.
And staff have noticed a clear difference in how he responds.
They have seen Zachariah visibly relax soon after being transferred onto the bed. On several occasions, he has shown his enjoyment through smiles, increased eye contact and greater engagement with the people around him.
As a member of staff at Elms Bank explained:
“Since having access to the Acheeva postural management bed, Zachariah is able to spend periods of his day in a supported lying or reclined position. Staff have noticed that he appears more relaxed, comfortable and settled when using the bed.”
More than somewhere to rest
For Zachariah, the bed isn’t simply a place to change position or take a break from his usual seating.
It gives him the comfort and support he needs to remain part of what is happening around him.
Those moments might seem small, but they are an important part of helping Zachariah experience his school day on his own terms.
Thanks to the generous support that funded the Acheeva bed, Zachariah has a new way to feel comfortable, engaged and connected at school.
