Closomat Palma Vita image

Thinking outside the box in delivery of the best practical solution for a client has led to a home adaptation being achieved in an unusual space – a hall cupboard.

Eddy Jarvis, 62, contracted polio as a five-year-old and lived a full life, working as a painter and decorator until four years ago when the polio returned. It limited him to a bed or wheelchair and meant he was unable to access the bedroom and bathroom upstairs in his London town house.

A short-term solution was to turn the front room into a bedroom and provide a commode to address his toilet needs.

However, optimum outcome management was achieved via assessment by his local occupational therapy team in conjunction with Closomat. This resulted in a more appropriate, long-term solution: conversion of a large cupboard in the hall into a wetroom, with a shower and Palma Vita wash & dry toilet with plinth and touch sensitive hand switch.

“Eddy has limited dexterity,” explained Closomat Product Specialist Paul Franklin. “The addition of a touch sensitive hand switch enables him to operate the Closomat without help from his wife, which is a big concern for him. Thus his clinical need was resolved, and his mental wellbeing simultaneously enhanced.”

Eddy commented: “It is the best toilet I have ever had. It makes you feel so clean. It just makes sense, that washing will be cleaner than wiping. It has been a big help: without it, I would have had to ask my wife to clean me, and that’s not fair on, or nice for, her.”

The Closomat is the only toilet of its kind manufactured in Britain and designed specifically for disabled people. The Palma Vita can be accessorised to accommodate individual needs, initially and retrospectively as needs change, so the client continues to be able to operate it, even if their dexterity and mobility declines.

Closomat can also offer in-house client care and support, both pre- and post-installation, including full service and maintenance packages. Full details of its products and services can be found on its website www.closomat.co.uk

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