KIRTON Florien User Instructions

The Florien

User Instructions

Contents

1-2 Introduction to the Florien
2 The Florien Product Information
2 Questions and Concerns
2 Guidelines for Best Practice
3 The User Instructions

General Operation of the Florien:

3 Adjusting the chair for the user
3 What is Tilt-in-Space?
3 Operating the Tilt-in-Space
4 Legrest Elevation
4 Adjustable Headrest
4 Removeable Arms
5 Lateral Supports
5 Footboard
5 Headrests
6 Wheels
6 Lap-Belt
6 Service and Maintenance Indicator
7 Pelvic Positioner
7 Care and Maintenance
8 Potential Risks, Cautions and Warnings
8 Helpline

The Florien User Information

August 2011

Introduction to the Florien chair

What is the Florien?

The purpose of the Florien chair is to provide simple yet effective postural seating that can meet a

variety of user needs for those with moderate to severe seating difficulties and for those seated

for lengthy periods.

Designed to easily adjust the tilt-in-space positioning without over-exertion by the carer or indeed

the user, the Florien integrates into many caring environments.

Meeting the needs of a higher specification product than the purely foam-based chairs the Florien

offers considerable support, dynamic movement and mobility.

Page 1

Introduction to the Florien chair

Why is there a need for this type of
chair?

The ability of a seated person to function

efficiently and perform activities depends on
their ability to adopt the appropriate
posture. All activity is posture dependent.
If a person cannot move or has problems
adjusting their posture, it may be necessary
to use seating to try to provide externally
what is limited internally.

The Florien helps fulfil the need to maintain
an individual’s seated posture yet
re-orientate and redistribute pressure. This
is achieved by using the tilt-in-space and
legrest elevation properties that are key to
the functionality of the Florien chairs.

Who should consider using the
Florien?

Designed for those seated for long periods,
for the semi and non-ambulant users or for
those with neurological and postural related
problems as well as those who are able to
side transfer.

The Florien can be used within a variety of
different environments including domestic
homes, hospitals, hospices and nursing
homes.

The Florien Product Information

Range

•

The Florien chair

Options

•

Three different seat widths
(400/450/500mm)

•

Three different seat lengths
(435/460/485mm)

•

Two different rear wheel sizes
(100mm/315mm)

Pressure Relieving Seat Options

•

Intelli-Gel Seat Module

•

Transflo Gel Seat Module

•

Reflexion™ Foam Seat Module

Accessories

•

Fixed positioned, height adjustable
footboard

•

Adjustable lateral supports

•

Universal or Cushioned Headrest

•

Lap-belt and Pelvic Positioner

•

Universal Tray

Weight limit: 180kg/28 stone

Questions and Concerns

Should you experience any difficulties or
have any concerns regarding the initial
purchase or subsequently adjusting The
Florien chair or have any concerns
regarding its use or operation then
immediately contact either your Kirton
representative, distributor or our Customer
Services Team on Freephone 0800

212709 or [phone], they will

be delighted to help you.

Guidelines for Best Practice

To ensure good practice when considering
purchasing a Florien chair and effective use
post purchase we advise that the following
guidelines are considered:

1. Seek advice and input from a qualified
therapist/professional and/or Kirton
representative/distributor at the initial
prescription of the chair.

2. If unsure when ordering the chair and
any accessories contact either the
therapist involved or your Kirton
representative or distributor or our
Customer Services Team on

Freephone 0800 212709 or
[phone] to discuss

further.

3. It is recommended that following
receipt of the chair all staff members
that will be supervising the user(s)
should be trained in adjusting the chair
to ensure it is adjusted safely and
correct positioning is maintained for
the benefit of the user. This is of
particular importance where the chair
is to be used by several different
users.

4. Users of the Florien should be
supervised and checked regularly to
ensure their most appropriate position
is maintained in the chair.

Page 2

Page 3

The User Instruct

ions

The purpose of the following user
instructions is to provide a guide on how to
utilise, adjust and maintain the Florien
chair.

These instructions should be read by all
those involved with the supervision of the
user and/or the care of the chair before use.

Please retain these instructions with the
Care and Maintenance card enclosed for
future reference.

Adjusting the chair for the user

The Florien must be adjusted in terms of
the tilt-in-space, integral headrest angle
and legrest positioning for each individual
using the chair to ensure safe and
comfortable use.

In addition where lateral supports and/or a
footboard are in use these must also be
adjusted to accommodate each individual’s
seated posture as appropriate.

Most adjustments can be easily made with
the user in the chair.

What is Tilt-in-Space?

Tilt-in-space is a unique pivoting system
that provides a reclined, resting position
whilst maintaining posture and pelvic
stability.

Keeping the angle between the chair seat
and back at 110º eliminates the potential to
slide forward into an uncomfortable
position.

Weight is distributed over a larger contact
surface area, reducing the sheering forces
on the skin, making it a simple yet effective
way to combat the build up of pressure.

Key to the Florien is the ability to effect the
tilt-in-space without over exertion by the
carer or indeed the user.

Operating the Tilt

-in-

Space

•

Locate the lever on the right hand
side of the push handle at the rear of
the chair and squeeze towards the
push handle.

•

Gently apply, as appropriate, either
downward pressure on the push
handle to tilt the chair backwards or
lift the chair upwards whilst squeezing
the lever to raise the chair.

•

At any point during the upward or
downward tilt motion the lever can be
released and the chair will assume
the selected position.

•

It is always advisable to adjust the
positioning of the legrest once the tilt­in-space positioning has been chosen
to ensure that a correct and
comfortable posture is assumed.