Case study: DFG-funded installation of downstairs shower toilet transforms man’s life

Paul Beasley, from Middlesbrough, who has chronic back issues, has had his life transformed and made “one hundred times better” by the installation of a downstairs shower toilet, funded by the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG).

Paul’s story

Paul has chronic back issues that cause difficulties toileting because he is unable to reach effectively to clean himself. As his main bathroom was upstairs, this caused further issues for Paul, who found it painful to navigate the stairs every time he needed the toilet. Paul felt negatively impacted by his situation and never felt that he was adequately clean after going to the toilet.

The solution

Paul was introduced to the concept of shower toilets by home improvement service Anchor Staying Put, which arranged the DFG funding needed to carry out the work in the Home Group housing association property.

The downstairs cloakroom underwent a full refurbishment by contractor Young Services, including the installation of a Geberit AquaClean Mera Care shower toilet, which enables Paul to clean himself effectively and thus regain a sense of dignity. The toilet system enables him to better meet his personal hygiene needs and improve his standard of day-to-day living.

Denis Harley from Geberit accompanied Mark Drury, Technical Officer for Staying Put Agency and Young Services, for an assessment prior to the works and demonstration to show Paul how to use the system.

Geberit AquaClean Mera Care

The AquaClean Mera Care self-cleaning toilet has been purposefully designed with independent living in mind. Stylish and functional, its design helps those with limited mobility regain independence when it comes to personal hygiene. In addition to an oscillating warm water spray arm and warm air dryer, it also boasts an automatic flush function, which is activated via user detection, remote control, programmable user profiles – for multiple users – and a continuous flow heater for constant warm water.

The future

Since the Geberit AquaCare Mera Care toilet has been installed, Paul is able to go to the toilet without having to navigate the stairs and can clean himself adequately, every time. This has had a hugely positive impact on his mental health and sense of wellbeing.

Paul said: “This toilet has made my life 100 times better and I wish I had it available to me years ago. I knew that my brother had something similar installed but I never really understood what it could do. It’s a fantastic system.

“The contractor ran me through the system quickly and then Denis from Geberit talked through everything in detail to make sure I use it correctly. It’s fairly straightforward though – very easy to use and does everything I need it to.”

Denis Harley, Area Sales Manager for AquaClean Care, said: “Regardless of the fact Paul can now go to the toilet on his own downstairs, the biggest positive impact is when he does use the toilet, he now feels clean, which he hasn’t felt for a long time. This alone has lifted his spirits and mental wellbeing immensely.”