What's New
NOVEMBER 2007 - INVEST FOR BUSINESS, STAFF AND RESIDENTS TO PROSPER
Care home owners could potentially increase their profitability whilst simultaneously
improving conditions for both residents and staff, a leading supplier of disabled
equipment is maintaining.
Total Hygiene, manufacturer of the Clos-o-Mat bidet toilet, says its research
shows there is growing demand for specialist facilities in care homes- and
many facilities, which not only improve life for residents, but for staff,
can be incorporated for minimal investment eg less than a month’s rent
for a single room.
Robin Tuffley, Total Hygiene marketing manager, elaborates, “Statistics
show 1 in 6 people in the UK have a limiting long term illness. A study by
Lancaster University shows that the number of wheelchair users alone has increased
100% in a decade. By 2020 over half the UK population will be over 50, and
facing problems of ageing- reduced mobility, dexterity.
“There is therefore a proven, growing need for care home beds, and equally,
a growing need for facilities which cater for the less able. Those facilities
can range from adaptations as little as installing grab rails through to a
purpose-built accommodation block with wide, level threshold doorways for wheelchair
access. Theoretically, if a home has specialist equipment, it increases demand
and potentially a higher rate for those rooms. Budgets are finite, but a little
analysis shows that, for example for around one room’s rent for one month,
equipment such as a bidet toilet or mobile toilet lifter can be acquired, that
would hugely improve independence and dignity for residents, and reduce pressure
off staff, freeing them to undertake other elements of their role…”
The Clos-o-Mat Palma Vita bidet toilet combines a conventional-looking WC
with douching and drying facilities. Operated by simple hand or body pressure
of the flush, it ensures the user is effectively yet gently cleansed without
the need for toilet paper or assistance. It can be installed in place of a
conventional toilet, either in individual rooms or ‘communal’ washrooms,
requiring only an additional electrical service.
Alternatively the Aerolet range of lifters encompasses 11 main units, with
three control options and a further six accessories. The units replicate the
natural motion of standing up and sitting down, gently raising and lowering
the user to position them accurately over the toilet as required whilst enabling
their feet to remain in contact with the floor and maintaining the centre of
gravity above the feet for balance. After toileting, the lift can be raised
by degrees to ease access for cleansing. Variations include the Standard (ST)
which will fit most bathrooms and higher or hanging toilet bowls, the Small
(SM) for smaller bathrooms, and the Mobile (MO) which can be moved from one
bathroom or WC to another making it ideal for nursing and care homes.
Total Hygiene offers a free toileting assessment service, balancing needs and
budgets and supported with a mobile demonstration unit, that enables care
home owners, residents and staff to see and appreciate the different options
available.
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