Christmas time and the festive season is such a busy time for all of us. Shopping, christmas markets, visiting relatives or taking a short break over the holidays all feature in our Christmas Plans. It is a hectic time for all of us but even more so for those who need extra assistance and need to plan ahead these Christmas trips.

Unfortunately standard disabled accessible toilets do not meet the needs of all people with complex disabilities. For example, individuals with conditions such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, and older people with physical disabilities may need extra equipment facilities to enable them to use the toilet, maximising independence and comfort. In some cases this prevents people who require assistance to stay at home during the festive time due to lack of suitable toilet facilities.

The number of Changing Places in Ireland has grown to 12 in 2019. With the installation of Changing Places facilities on the increase, many business owners are looking at their sites and wondering where a Changing Places facility could be included in their building. In many cases they think it may not be possible or too expensive. Although there are specific Changing Places room specifications in Ireland, there is usually a way that most buildings can accomodate a Changing Places toilet.

Adapting a Space into a Changing Places Facility – Marlay Park, Dublin.

Adaptation and upgrade of an existing disabled toilet or unused area is popular option for many of the businesses MMS Medical are working with. One of the new Changing Places registrations in 2019 was in Marlay Park in Dublin. Working with Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, MMS Medical installed the overhead ceiling hoist and an adult size height adjustable changing bench to upgrade an existing bathroom. The facility now provides park visitors with the necessary toilet and changing facility to enjoy visiting the Park and to atend the fabulous range of events run in Marlay Park over the year.  The facility was shortlisted for Excellence in Local Government Awards in the Disability Services Provision Category and is the first Changing Places facility in Ireland to be nominated for one of these prestigious awards.

If your business is considering a Changing Place installation in 2020 contact the MMS Medical team and they will advise you on how to adapt your facility to meet the Changing Places requirements. Our adaptations meet and, in most, cases exceed Changing Places requirements, that includes the equipment used in the adapted space.

Changing Places Ireland Criteria – Equipment for Accessible Bathrooms

Changing Places must meet a range of criteria in order to qualify for registration. This is achieved through a self-assessment process at Changing Places Ireland Registered Changing Places will be listed on the Changing Places Ireland map. At present there are only twelve registered facilities in Ireland.

  • Floor Area must be a minimum of 12m2 (3m x 4m ) with a ceiling height of 2.4m
  • Full Room coverage ceiling track hoist system
  • Height-Adjustable, Adult Sized Changing Bench
  • Centrally located toilet with sufficient space both sides for assistants/ transfer
  • Privacy Screen
  • Wide Paper Roll
  • Large Waste Disposal Bin
  • Washbasin

Toilet/Changing facilities which do not meet all the Changing Places Criteria may be listed as Step-Down facilities.

 

Get in Touch with MMS Medical

If you require advice or assistance on adapting an existing space to meet Changing Places Guidelines, please give the team a call on 021 4618000 or 01 4500582. You can email us your Changing Places enquiry to info@mmsmedical.ieÂ