PRODUCTS
BJ WALLER PROVIDES SPECIALIST IRONMONGERY TO DEMENTIA
CARE UNIT Architectural ironmonger BJ Waller has provided specialist hardware to meet the needs of the new dementia care unit at Margaret House, a residential care home in Barley, Hertfordshire.
The new 24-bed unit, designed by architect Portess and Richardson, is located in a purpose-built environment adjacent to the main house, a former rectory.
Portess and Richardson has worked closely with BJ Waller since it was founded in 1982 and commissioned the company to provide the ironmongery schedule for the 74 doors in the dementia care unit.
Paul Ingle of Portess and Richardson commented: “The key requirement was to balance the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act in terms of accessibility, with the need for effective access control for the safety of residents and staff.”
For security doors, BJ Waller provided an electronic access system requiring keypad operation.
For bedroom doors, high-quality stainless steel lever handles have been used for simple one-handed operation. This is complemented by electronic swing free door closers, allowing
TURNING DISABILITY INTO A POSITIVE
WITH CLOS-O-MAT One of Britain’s leading disabled actors is turning to assistive technology to help him retain his independence.
Mark Beer, 49, from Camden Town, London, has 2nd degree Cerebral Palsy. He has refused to let his health issues impact on his chosen career. As a result, he was the first disabled actor to have a regular leading role on TV (in the BBC’s series Specials), the first disabled children’s presenter for BBC’s Playdays, the first disabled actor to work in a mainstream pantomime, and is now able to be selective over the roles he undertakes.
As with anybody, passing years are beginning to impact, so he has taken advantage of aids at home to help retain his independence- primarily with the installation of
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a Clos-o-Mat Palma Vita wash & dry toilet.
Looking like, and capable of being used as a conventional WC, the Palma Vita has built-in douching and drying. There is no need, if preferred or required, for the user to wipe clean- or be wiped by a carer- with toilet tissue, as the toilet cleans them instead. A raft of accessories from height-adjusting plinths through seats and supports enable it to be tailored to individual requirements, when initially installed and retro-fitted as the user’s needs change.
Mark says, “I have never let my disability limit me, to the point that I worked non-stop for over 30 years! I’ve played Richard III and Romeo through drag queen Bona in Heelz on Wheels to Red Riding Hood’s father in panto. But my body isn’t as strong as it was, so I now choose a bit more what roles I play, and where.
“My spasms are getting stronger
now, and are harder to control. My Occupational Therapist suggested
people to safely enter without risk of the door slamming shut, as well as panic release locks for ease of opening in emergency situations.
Luke Piper, Managing Director of BJ Waller adds: “We have extensive experience supplying architectural ironmongery to care homes. While there are legal requirements to consider, ultimately it comes down to making sure that residents can comfortably and conveniently open doors – and that often means providing a degree of electronic assistance.
“Choosing hardware that looks as good as it performs also reinforces the high level of care and attention to detail that Margaret House offers and that residents expect from the home, so we work closely with architects to select ironmongery that suits the style of the building.”
www.bjwaller.co.uk
a Clos-o-Mat would help me remain independent at least with my personal care,” explains Mark. “The core Palma is the perfect height for me to transfer to from my wheelchair. I have always tried to turn my disability into a positive- the Clos-o-Mat means I am completely in control. I don’t need any accessories on it yet to use it easily, but have the reassurance that if my condition worsens, the Clos-o-Mat can be adapted to accommodate that.”
Details of the Palma Vita, Clos-o-mat’s additional assistive toilet technologies, plus further case studies from real-life users, can be found on Clos-o-Mat’s website
www.clos-o-mat.com.
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