Maximising client dignity
Efficient use of Government funding has enabled one nursing home to maximise effectiveness of resources whilst optimising client dignity.
Bonaer Nursing Home in Hayle, Cornwall, has a strategic aim to optimise dignity and choice for its clients, and used a Government grant to invest in improved personal hygiene facilities, including the installation of a complete wetroom with Closomat Palma Vita automatic wash and dry toilet.
“The staff are very impressed, and the clients love it – even our most disabled! We’ve not had one complaint! I had seen literature and a demonstration on the Closomat and thought it a great idea; the grant gave us the opportunity to turn our ambition into reality,” says Tony Metalle, owner of Bonaer.
Previously, the care home for 31 residents had a conventional bathroom with a Parker bath and traditional WC. Using the grant funding, the Parker bath has been relocated to another bathroom, and a complete wetroom with wheel-in shower, bath and Closomat installed. “We’ve in effect got two new bathrooms, which improves choice for our clients, and enables them to undertake more of their personal hygiene needs in privacy,” adds Mr Metalle.
The Closomat Palma Vita combines conventional WC with an integral douche and drier. When ‘on’ the toilet, people use the toilet as normal, then trigger the strategically located flush paddles by hand or body pressure. This flushes the toilet, then operates a douche and drier to consecutively wash and dry the bottom. It thoroughly cleanses without the use of toilet paper, eliminating hand-body contact and reducing risk of germ transfer, and carer involvement in cleansing.
Manufactured in the UK by Closomat, the Closomat Palma Vita forms part of a comprehensive range of toileting aids for care and nursing homes – the Closomat Care Package – to facilitate privacy and independence in personal hygiene, including toilet and shower lifters, body driers and a raft of support accessories. The company is unique in being the only manufacturer in its sector to also offer – in-house – full design advice through to installation and maintenance for its range of equipment to optimise independence and dignity.
