Changing Concept

Changing Places are accessible toilets for people with complex care needs

Many people with severe disabilities cannot use standard accessible toilets. This means that they are unable to go out or take part in a lot of activities because proper toilet facilities are lacking. They need fully accessible public toilets at public places like shopping centres, sports stadiums, arts and leisure venues, hospitals and transport hubs.

Dignified toilet and changing facilities for everyone

We believe that people with disabilities should have equal access to public places. There should be changing places with sufficient space and the right equipment, so people with complex needs never have to be changed on dirty toilet floors or be trapped at home because there are not suitable toilet facilities for them.Changing Places toilets are large accessible toilets that meet the needs of people with complex care needs, for example, profound and multiple learning disabilities and people with other physical disabilities that limit mobility.A Changing Place gives them a safe, accessible, and dignified setting which enables them to visit public places.

Equipment in a Changing Place

A Changing Place is designed with sufficient space and the right equipment for a person with disabilities and up to two carers. A toilet, a hoist, a washbasin and a changing bench are necessary equipment in a Changing Place.

A fully accessible Changing Room should include:

A changing bench

An adult size, height-adjustable changing bench at least 180 cm long and able to carry a 220 kg load should be part of a Changing Place.

The ROPOX Shower/Changing Bed is an electric, height-adjustable changing and shower bench which is comfortable to the user and easy to use. 

  • Soft and comfortable slats
  • A cleaning-friendly design makes it easy to maintain a high level of hygiene
  • Electric height-adjustment from 30-100 cm
  • The minimum height enables wheelchair users to get a smooth transfer onto the bench
  • Can be folded up when not in use to create more space in the room
  • Approved to a max load of 220 kg
  • Available in several lengths (maximum length 210 cm)

A washbasin

A height-adjustable washbasin should be part of a standard Changing Place. When the washbasin is height-adjustable, both seated and standing users can use it. Furthermore, wheelchair users should have access to the washbasin, and there should be room for a wheelchair underneath the washbasin.

Both the ROPOX SlimLine and ROPOX SwingLine are height-adjustable, and both are made specifically for people with disabilities.

SlimLine washbasin 

  • Slim and elegant design
  • Height-adjustable (electric)
  • Mirror and washbasin combined in one unit
  • Integrated grabs for increased safety
  • Smooth and cleaning-friendly surface with rounded corners

SwingLine washbasin (on photo)

  • Perfect for wheelchair users and walking impaired
  • Height-adjustable (manual)
  • Plenty of legroom under the bowl
  • Movable: You can pull the washbowl towards the user, so he or she can wash hands while seated on the toilet

A toilet

In a Changing Place, there should be a toilet centrally placed in the room. There has to be generous space around the toilet to provide sufficient room for the care workers.

ROPOX Toilet Lifter helps users to get on and off the toilet. It gently lowers or raises the user.

  • Cleaning-friendly, smooth surface
  • Height adjustment range from 40,5 to 80,5 cm
  • The hand control is easy to use
  • Fits all standard wall-hung toilets
  • Approved for a maximum user load of 400 kg

Toilet support arms

A common feature in Changing Places are Support Arms by the toilet. People with disabilities may need solid grab rails to hold on to, and the ROPOX Toilet Support Arms provide the required extra support when using the toilet.

The Toilet Support Arms can be folded up to create extra room if a care worker or family member needs to support the user on the toilet.

  • Stable and reliable support next to the toilet
  • Ergonomic design gives users a comfortable and firm grip
  • Non-slip surface 
  • Height-adjustable 

Grabs and shower rails

When manoeuvring in a Changing Place, users often need grab and shower rails in the room. They serve as support points and a safety measure for users.

The ROPOX Grabs and Shower rails are solid and durable grab rails that can be placed in a Changing Place.

  • Smooth surface that is comfortable to hold on to
  • The shape allows users to get a firm grip
  • No dirt traps
  • Easy to clean
  • Can be placed vertically or horizontally

A hoist

There should also be a hoist system to provide access between changing bench, washbasin and toilet. A ceiling- or wall-mounted tracking system is preferred as it is the most comfortable solution for the user and care workers.

The Guldmann ceiling hoist system is a discreet lifting module and a perfect fit for a Changing Place.

  • Provides safe and gentle transfers and lifts
  • Healthy working conditions for the care workers
  • Full coverage in the room
  • Can be combined with a Guldmann Lifting Hanger

You can find detailed guidelines on how to install a Changing Place at www.changing-places.org.

 

Not enough room for a Changing Place? Create a Space to Change instead

A standard Changing Place requires 3 x 4 m. If you do not have the needed square metres, you can make a Space to Change instead. 

By using new and innovative solutions, you can make smaller rooms work almost just as good. It may not have the same features and space but it is without a doubt an improvement compared to standard accessible toilets.

School Hygiene Rooms 

Schools with pupils or students with mobility disabilities can install a Hygiene Room. It is a room with a toilet, changing facility and a hoist system.

Hygiene Rooms have sufficient space for care workers and are designed to cater for the needs of pupils and students with special needs. 

Who are Changing Places for?

Changing Places are used and needed by a wide range of people who have profound and multiple learning difficulties, brain injuries or age-related health issues. It includes people with muscle-wasting conditions, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy. 

The common denominator for these people is that they often need special equipment and extra space so they can be changed and use the toilet in a safe and dignified manner.

Changing Places are needed in public places

For people with complex care needs, standard accessible toilets are often not an option to use in public places. They lack the needed equipment, and the consequence is that they either have to be changed on a dirty toilet floor or they choose to stay at home. Public Changing Places provides safe and dignified facilities and enable people with severe disabilities to visit shopping centres, arts venues, sports stadiums, airports, etc.

Changing places that comply with applicable standards 

The equipment in a Changing Place should comply with the disability standards regarding access to premises and public buildings in force.

ROPOX products and the Guldmann hoist system are designed and constructed to comply with strict standards, and they are an attractive option to explore when installing a Changing Place.

This means that you can be confident that the equipment is safe, durable and reliable in use. 

Find out more

If you want more information on how to create safe, durable and reliable Changing Places please contact us info@test.test.ropox.com 

We are always ready to help you.
Send us a mail or call us.

Overview

Changing bed products