Specialist palliative care is being given an extra dimension with employment of assistive technology with a difference.
Nightingale House Hospice in Wrexham’s approach has involved installation of a Closomat Palma Vita wash and dry toilet with touch sensitive switch, and height adjustable washbasin in its day unit bathroom. The move is the result of a desire to help patients, psychologically and emotionally, alongside the core physical therapy.
Explains Outpatient Services Co-ordinator Kay Ryan, “It is our mission to provide specialist, multi-disciplinary care. Having the Closomat allows our patients with complex palliative care needs to maintain a degree of independence, and retain their dignity. It means they are not dependent on their carer or family for intimate help.
“That makes a huge difference to them, to help enable them to live as well as possible. Many of our patients have one at home, and have told us about the benefits it brings to them, particularly as they lose the ability to stand, or use their hands.”
Whilst the Hospice installed the Closomat primarily for its 15 patient day care unit, the bathroom in which it is located is adjacent to the 12 bed inpatient ward, so can be used by them too if required.
Adds Lauren Tilston, Nightingale House head of fundraising, “The toilet will give an extra dimension to the support we can bring to all our patients, particularly those with limited mobility.”
