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JANUARY 2009 - IMPROVE COMPLIANCE WITH HUMAN RIGHTS AND DISABILITY NEEDS

Continence in Ireland

Continence is increasingly an issue for individuals, affecting approximately 100,000 people in Ireland: it affects not just self-esteem, but hygiene, and some maintain inability to toilet with dignity contravenes a person’s human rights*.

New developments by Total Hygiene aim to help both private and public organisations simultaneously meet both this need, and that of the growing number of less able, giving dignity and privacy to a basic function. Elaborates Robin Tuffley, Total Hygiene marketing manager, “Continence is a major issue for many people but one not discussed: 1 in 100 teenagers have soiling accidents, 1 in 5 of the mobile, active elderly population is affected and 1 in 6 women with only slightly fewer numbers of men are incontinent at some stage. Research by the National University of Ireland showed that 60% of people aged 40 or over with bladder problems have never discussed these with a doctor or nurse.

“Well thought-through toileting aids make a huge difference to everyone’s quality of life, be it at school, at work or out at leisure. And toileting needs are growing in profile- The 2008 Loo of the Year Awards had winners in Northern Ireland in both private and public sector, and grants are available across Ireland towards installation of appropriate toileting facilities for the less able.”

The Clos-O-Mat Lima Lift combines conventional WC with an integral douche and drier to effectively cleanse the user after toileting, with the addition of fully automatic height adjustability. This enables the wall-hung unit to be raised or lowered to each user’s personal requirements, up to a maximum height adjustment of 730mm, to make getting on, off and using the toilet as comfortable as possible.

The toilet functions as a standard toilet. Hand or body pressure on the lever triggers the flush, as usual, but also operates the warm water douching facility. Releasing of the lever starts the warm air drying process. The system means there is no need to use toilet paper to cleanse, and therefore hand/body contact is eliminated, improving hygiene and reducing risk of spread of germs.

The Clos-O-Mat Lima Lift incorporates drop-down arm supports, which can be raised prior to the Lift being actuated, or lowered with the Lift. To further assist users, the Lima Lift gives finger-tip control, being actuated by wireless remote control, enabling its use by both able-bodied and less able. A separate, discreetly located over-ride switch enables the Lift to be turned off if required, preventing unnecessary operation.

Further, as it is wall-hung, cleaning is simplified and improved, as the mop can wipe straight underneath and around, without any nooks and crannies where germs may collect.

Total Hygiene has over 30 years’ experience in toileting needs, and has the knowledge gained from 30,000+ installations throughout the UK and Ireland, to develop the most apt solution. Equipment options include automatic bidet toilets, through supports and lifters to height-adjustable basins and changing tables. To make the decision-making process as efficient and effective as possible, the company has engineered a bespoke mobile demonstration unit, which brings fully-operational versions of the Clos-o-Mat Palma, Lima Lift and Aerolet to site, so clients can see how the units work and determine the most appropriate for their needs.

Total Hygiene also offers a free survey facility, to assess the location, discuss end-user needs and advise on the most suitable solution. Full details are available by telephoning 0800 374076 or on this website.

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