Closomat imageAccessible toilet manufacturer Closomat is highlighting to healthcare professionals the benefits of having accessible toilet fixtures in their clients’ homes as they can help eliminate the need for care intervention, promote independence and reduce the risk of falls.

According to Closomat, the use of assistive technology in housing is receiving additional interest with the publication of new research and strategies.

In a recent case study conducted by Housing LIN, it revealed that housing developers and providers can deliver enhanced benefits for residents by constructing more housing with care type properties.

Building on this, Closomat is underlining how helpful fixtures in the home can be utilised to simultaneously deliver independent living and reduce demands on healthcare services.

Robin Tuffley, Closomat Marketing Manager, explained: “Provision of equipment such as toilet lifters and/or wash & dry (smart) toilets reduces reliance on care intervention, enabling people to undertake intimate tasks with little – or no – help. It improves hygiene and thus health. It reduces risk of falls. All are factors that would otherwise require healthcare intervention.”

The Housing LIN study quantified that for each person living in housing with care, the financial benefit to the NHS was approximately £2000 per person per annum in reduced GP visits and hospital admissions.

That saving is further amplified when the cost of care intervention versus the cost of assistive technology is factored in, Closomat adds.

“It all combines to ease the strain on our already stretched health and social care services, whilst improving a person’s independence, health & wellbeing,” Robin continued.

Closomat wash & dry toilets feature integrated douching and drying triggered by user preference. When the user remains seated and triggers the flush mechanism, the toilet flushes and simultaneously washes the user, which is followed by warm air drying.

This eliminates the need to wipe clean and all its associated considerations of dexterity, balance, hand and body contact, skin irritation caused by abrasive toilet tissue or residual dampness from wet wipes.

The Aerolet toilet lifter from Closomat is the toilet equivalent of a riser recliner chair. At the push of a button, it replicates the natural motion of sitting down and standing up, supporting and balancing the user whilst gently, automatically lowering and raising them over the toilet. This could also help remove the need for carer assistance as the toilet lifter can safely help the user sit down and stand up when using their toilet.

Closomat’s expertise represents the combined wealth of knowledge amassed from almost 60 years’ experience in helping providers meet the needs of disabled people by optimising their dignity and independence in the bathroom.

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