CLEANING & HYGIENE Access for All


Large mirrors, conventional toilet rolls, an all-white décor – why are such features a bad idea in the care home washroom? Liam Mynes, from Tork manufacturer Essity, points out


the pitfalls of certain care home fixtures and comes up with practical, safe and user-friendly alternatives.


The bathroom is one of the most dangerous rooms in the house where thousands of injuries resulting from slips, falls and scalds occur each year.


Slippery floors and the hard, unforgiving surfaces typical of most toilets can be particularly hazardous for the elderly. The care home washroom is no exception and is oſten fraught with dangers and difficulties.


Anyone who suffers from rheumatism or arthritis, for example, might well struggle to liſt the seat, flush the toilet, access the toilet paper or turn on the taps. Frailer residents with a tendency to fall might be tempted to grab on to radiators or pipework to save themselves, incurring the risk of severe burns.


Additionally, typically harsh lighting and all-white surfaces in washrooms can make it a bewildering place for the visually impaired or for dementia sufferers.


Care home washrooms therefore need to be well thought-out so that the elderly can use them safely and with ease.


Many care home washrooms have white walls to reflect the light and provide an impression of cleanliness. But hand basins, toilets and washroom dispensers also tend to be white, which makes it difficult for the visually impaired to locate these fixtures.


Clever positioning of spotlights will draw attention to the basin and toilet to help users find them more easily, and soap and paper dispensers supplied in a contrasting colour to that of the walls will make these easier to locate as well.


Mirrors should be chosen with care since these could confuse dementia sufferers, who may not recognise their own reflection. Small, unobtrusive mirrors work better than large ones – and the mirrors could be removed altogether if this is considered appropriate.


It is all too easy for a less dexterous person to scald themselves with hot water when trying to wash their hands with a traditional mixer tap. Thermostatic taps set to a controlled temperature will help to prevent scalds and burns.


Conventional toilet rolls are oſten supplied in a care facility since these are a welcome reminder of home. But it can be difficult for the less dexterous to unwind the roll and tear off a length of paper. A dispenser that enables the user to withdraw single sheets of paper with one hand will make life considerably easier for residents suffering from arthritis or rheumatism.


Using a soap bar also requires a degree of manual dexterity, so a soap dispenser is a good option – preferably one that dispenses foam which will lather more easily than liquid alternatives. The Tork Foam Soap Dispenser works well because it requires a particularly low push force to access the soap, which makes it easier for people with weaker hands to use it.


The Department of Health recommends the use of disposable hand towels in care homes because noisy air dryers can be alarming, while textiles pose a cross-contamination risk. All towels should be sufficiently soſt to prevent any abrasion of the elderly resident’s skin and should provide easy access to the towels.


The lighting also needs to be taken into account when equipping a care home washroom. Harsh lighting that creates shadows could be distressing for dementia sufferers, so lights should be soſtened while motion sensor lighting will aid the resident when using the toilet at night.


Locks and handles should be easy to operate and allow staff immediate access in case of emergency. And all washrooms should have grab handles in case of falls as well as an accessible call system plus a door that opens outwards.


Washrooms that enable care home residents to visit the toilet unaided provide a huge boost for dignity and quality of life. So, it is important to equip care home washrooms with products that make them accessible, hygienic, easy to use, and- above all- safe.


www.tork.co.uk - 16 - www.tomorrowscare.co.uk


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