The idea
The project will include a full refurbishment of the current unisex disabled toilet to aim for an ergonomically designed close coupled toilet for maximum comfort. Installation of a comfort height toilet pan with soft closing lid, approved cistern, basin, long handled lever action mono basin mixer tap to prevent scalding, high visibility grab rails with a toilet roll holder, soap dispenser and hand dryer. Back support cushion rail and a easy operational flush handle will also be installed. User safety is paramount therefore, the toilet will include an emergency light in case of emergencies such as a power cut and a red emergency pull cord with 2 rings so usable even if someone has fallen. To make it dementia friendly it will have pastel colours to distinguish the different items, a sensor light so users don't have to look for a switch. Clear signage to eliminate any confusion. The renovation will include paint, decorate, anti-slip flooring, tiling along with energy efficient lighting.
What we'll deliver
- Renovation and refurbishment of disabled toilet and baby changing facility
- Creating a dementia-friendly disabled toilet
- A more comfortable, clean, hygienic and visually pleasing disabled toilet
- Improved disabled toilet and baby changing facility for our multi-use centre
- Fully compliant and safe disabled toilet
Why it's a great idea
At our centre we have an increasing number of people visiting with a footfall of over 300 per week. We have 1500 members along with 200 volunteers. We want to be able to offer toilet facilities which enable people to maintain their dignity and make them feel like they are welcome at our centre. We know that there are people who do not use our centre, despite it being a potential line to community and support, because our facilities are not good enough. We must change that.
For many of our visitors with dementia, it can be hard to locate and use the toilet safely. We also want to be family friendly. A brand new disabled toilet with a baby changing facility that is dementia friendly for the elderly and the wider community would mean a clean, safe, comfortable and convenient facility that users should be entitled to.
Steps to get it done
- Consulting with builders and ordering items from suppliers
- Receiving items needed for new toilet
- Complete installation of fully compliant disabled toilet and baby changing facility
Just to give an overview of the current state of the toilet facilities (we just moved into a new building), the issues we are going to solve include:
- Low lighting
- wear and tear of items such as dispensers
- worn out flooring
- dull paint on bare walls with no skimming or plastering
- the ceiling is heavily stained from the heat of exposed pipework
- the tap is too stiff
- there is no toilet roll holder
- the emergency sounder is low and the lack of ventilation makes it stifling
