Disabled people can enjoy a holiday knowing they have those key aids they rely on at home, through a considerate approach to accommodation.
The Homelands Trust runs four luxury accessible lodges in Lundin Links, Fife, and is planning to build a further five to cope with demand- the current accommodation is almost completely booked solid for the year!
Part of the popularity of the development stems from its commitment to making people feel they can access a ‘home away from home’ as closely as possible. The commitment extends to the bathroom fixtures- two of the purpose-built, open plan, two storey lodges feature a ground floor wetroom equipped with, among other aids, a Closomat wash and dry toilet.
The Closomat shower toilets have been installed in Cardy Lodge, one of three Homelands lodges which sleep six people, and Drummochy, which sleeps eight. Each of the Closomat Palma Vita toilets offer the user the option of using the WC as a conventional loo, or to take advantage of the Closomat’s integrated douching and drying facilities. To further help users, the Closomats at Homelands can be operated by the standard flush mechanism, or via a touch sensitive pad triggered by slight pressure from hand, foot or body.
“Our ethos as a charity is to help improve the quality of life for individuals affected by disability through the provision of luxury holiday accommodation. A great deal of research went into what types of equipment we should provide within our lodges,” explains assistant manager Kim O”Brien.
“As we cater for people with a very wide range of disabilities and limiting conditions, it was felt wash & dry toilets would be of benefit, and help replicate guests’ care packages, to be as close to their normal daily routine as far as possible.
“Many of our guests have a Closomat at home, as opposed to any other type of wash & dry toilet, so it is instantly recognisable to them, and something they are familiar with. It helps people feel more at ease. We now have guests that repeatedly book Cardy and Drummochy so they can use the Closomat. Having the Closomats in two of our four lodges mean people have the choice to book whichever accommodation best suits their needs.”
