progress in personal hygiene

Developments in design engineering mean that the less able now have the most flexibility in specifying toileting most suited to their specific individual needs, and which minimises- or eliminates- the need for carer assistance when using the loo.

The Clos-o-Mat Palma looks and works like a conventional WC with the added features of integral douche and drier. After toileting, the user applies hand or body pressure to the flush pad to trigger simultaneous flushing and douching, followed by warm air drying. The system eliminates wiping with toilet tissue and associated hand/body contact, making the whole process more hygienic and reducing or even eliminating the need for carer assistance. The Clos-o-Mat Palma Vita automatic bidet toilet is the only WC of its type to be developed specifically for the less able: manufacturer Total Hygiene worked with leading commercial designer David Goodwin to ensure the Palma optimises the user’s ability to toilet with little or no aid, yet simultaneously offers contemporary design to enable the unit to blend in with even the most aspirational décor.

Robin Tuffley, Total Hygiene marketing manager, elaborates, ““No two people are the same, and even if they share a disability, how it affects them will be different. It is in recognition of this we developed the Palma, building on our 40 years’ experience in provision of toileting aids, to enable as many people as possible to retain their pride, dignity and independence in a function as private as toileting.”

The Clos-o-Mat Palma features a range of accessories to enable personalisation to the individual, including moveable arm supports, body supports, soft ‘one-touch’ operating pad, plus a range of seat and douche options, enabling the unit to be adapted to all, from an infant to obese adult. It meets eligibility criteria for funding under the Disabled Facilities Grant, and can be easily installed in place of a conventional WC with provision of a suitable electrical power supply- even next to a bath or shower.

Retired watchmaker James Randall is just one person who has a Clos-o-Mat, installed at the recommendation of his Occupational Therapist. “People talk about independence, but it’s much more than that. It’s about pride, self confidence, dignity and privacy. The equipment is very efficient and so easy to use. It has turned my life around, I couldn’t cope without it,” says Mr Randall.

Total Hygiene has supplied over 40,000 Clos-o-Mats throughout the UK and Ireland, to locations from individual’s homes through hotels and shopping centres to tall ships, with some of the original units still in regular service. Full details are available @ www.clos-o-mat.com or by telephoning 0161 969 1199 or freefone 0800 374076.