Supporting Plus Size Clients: Assessment and Equipment

Unicare Health Seminar : Defining Pressure Care Excellence

WEBINAR

Providing care for plus size clients requires thoughtful clinical assessment and an understanding of how body shape, weight distribution, functional capacity, and the care environment influence equipment selection.

This webinar will explore key clinical considerations when working with plus size clients and how these factors inform assistive technology prescription. Practical examples will be discussed across beds, seating systems, shower commodes, and hoists, linking assessment findings to equipment selection that supports comfort, positioning, and functional outcomes

Learning Objectives

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

Explore key clinical considerations when supporting plus size clients, including body shape, weight distribution, pressure care and manual handling implications
Understand key principles for prescribing beds and mattresses for clients with bariatric needs, including pressure management, sizing, safe working load, and functional features that support care and independence
Explore commode features and accessories that promote stability, comfort, safety, and dignity for plus size clients and reduce physical demands on caregivers
Understand the key factors involved in prescribing seating solutions for plus sized clients, including appropriate seat dimensions, postural support, and the promotion of functional independence.

This session is recommended for Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, and other healthcare professionals involved in assistive technology selection and prescription, who are looking to build or refresh their knowledge of equipment that supports safety, function, and independence when working with plus size clients.

Crystal Chan
Focused Educator – Bathroom Mobility Solutions

Crystal Chan, BHSc (OT), is Unicare Health’s Focused Educator in Bathroom Mobility Solutions. She delivers clinical training that empowers therapists to prescribe, script and customise equipment confidently. Crystal specialises in modifications and overcoming spatial limitations, creating practical bathroom solutions that enhance independence and support a wide range of client needs.

Ilissa Liew
Head of Clinical Eduation

Ilissa, an experienced OT, is Unicare Health’s Focused Educator in Sleep Support Surfaces. She facilitates clinical training on electric profiling beds, pressure care mattresses, and positioning aids, empowering clinicians to prescribe effective solutions for pressure injury prevention and management while improving comfort, independence, and outcomes for clients.