Changing couches for Changing Places are of vital importance. Without Changing Places toilets, and without a changing table in place, the only space available for families or carers to dress or change the person with disabilities would be the toilet floor which is not only dangerous, unhygienic and undignified for any disabled child or adult, but also forces the person doing the caring to put their own health and safety at risk.
When working with a customer on Changing Places schemes, we are often asked the question “What are the changing couch options for Changing Places?” The answer is quite a lot! The final specification of the couch will depend on a number of factors, including:
What does the Changing Places campaign say about changing couches?
“A changing bench provides a comfortable, stable platform to get changed on for people who use incontinence pads or who need help undressing to use the toilet. They can also be used for showering.
Height adjustable models enable the bench level to be lowered to a suitable height for self-transfer from a wheelchair or assisted transfer using a hoist, and then raised to a working height for one or more assistants”.
(Source: http://www.changing-places.org/install_a_toilet/equipment/changing_benches.aspx)
When choosing a changing or showering bench for Changing Places, British Standards – BS8300 requires that the bench is height adjustable, at least 1800mm long and capable of lifting 125kg (19.6 stone).
All height adjustable changing benches can adjusted to an appropriate safe working height for carers., meaning that carers can work at an appropriate height reducing the strain on their backs.
Height adjustable changing benches come in a variety of types, sizes and shapes. They should always be chosen with good advice to meet your specific needs
When choosing the changing couch, the main consideration is whether a free standing (sometimes called a mobile couch) or a wall mounted version is required. Both types are available as electrically height adjustable, the free standing or mobile changing couches are also available as hydraulically height adjustable versions. Fixed height changing bench are also available, however they are not recommended by the Changing Places Consortium)
Wall mounted changing couches are stable, secure and cannot be removed. Benefits of the wall mounted version include:
Drawbacks of wall mounted changing couches include
Free standing height adjustable changing benches are easy to move around the room enabling carers to access the user from both sides, and giving the following benefits
Pros
Cons
We have a range of both wall mounted and free standing changing couches.
Mobile couches / shower trolleys
https://multicaremedical.co.uk/product-category/disabled-bathing-solutions/mobile-shower-trolley/
Wall Mounted couches
We have extensive experience in installing Changing Places and can offer professional support and advice on any project. We are also proud to have completed multiple Changing Places including one at the iconic Royal Festival Hall at Southbank Centre in London. We offer complete turn-key solutions including the installation and equipment that meets all the regulatory requirements.
Click on the links to see our Blogs on latest installations: Gloucester University / Southbank Centre / Changing Places in pre-fabricated buildings.
Contact us to discuss all your Changing Places needs – from planning to installation to training to servicing, we can help you every step of the way.
Call us today on 0800 298 6000 or email [email protected]
Form for general enquiries.
Progress House
Jacknell Road
Dodwells Bridge Industrial Estate
Hinckley
LE10 3BS
Call us 024 7647 2600
[email protected]
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Registered Office: Progress House, Jacknell Road, Dodwells Bridge Industrial Estate, Hinckley. LE10 3BS