What Should Be Included In A Changing Places Facility?

Across the UK, there are over 1,300 Changing Places (CP) toilets.

CP toilets provide severely disabled people the opportunity to visit public places that they would otherwise not be able to. These toilets make a difference to the quality of life of these severely disabled individuals.

At least 250,000 UK citizens need Changing Places toilets. Where you park your car, go out to eat or shop, or travel should not be determined by a disability. The Government’s 2018 consultation intent aims to take steps to start fulfilling this.

Changing Places facilities have specific requirements so that toilet needs are being met in a dignified and safe manner.

Here’s what should be included in a Changing Places facility.

What Should Be Included?

Not only physically disabled individuals but also the needs of individuals with profound learning disabilities are met through CP toilets. These facilities provide the right equipment with a safe and clean environment.

Changing Places Size

A CP facility should be of a reasonable size so that users can be assisted by another person – a family member or caregiver. The size has to be comfortable enough for a wheelchair and movement. Users should be able to turn around, move about, and use the amenities.

Set out in BS 8300-2:2018 is a standard size of 12m². So a room that is 3m wide, 4m long (three by four), and, at the minimum, 2.4m high.

3m x 4m is a requirement as this provides ample amount of room for a wheelchair user and an assist to both move around comfortably. It’s important for wheelchair users to be able to move their wheelchair in between each piece of equipment in the facility.

There also needs to be room so that a carer can safely hoist them out of the chair and onto the apparatus.

Additionally, the door should have a 1m width at minimum upon opening. Just as it’s important to have space in the toilet, the user needs to get in there first.

CP Equipment

This is the general equipment required in a changing places toilet:

1. A height-adjustable changing bench.
2. Tracking hoist system.
3. Adequate space.
4. Peninsula toilet with room on both sides for caregivers.
5. A screen/curtain.
6. Wide, tear off paper roll.
7. Large waste bin.
8. Non-slip floor.

The height-adjustable, adult-size changing bench should be no shorter than 1.8m. This bench provides a comfortable platform for people who have incontinence pads, need help changing, or undressing to use the toilet.

The ceiling track hoist system eliminates the need to manually lift somebody – an action that can cause a risk of injury to both the caregiver and the facility user. A comfortable alternative for someone who cannot self-transfer from one apparatus to another.

A large waste bin is necessary for disposable pads and a non-slip floor is required. Non-slip floors ensure that the carer is stable on their feet and not at risk of harming themselves or the disabled individual.

The toilet should have wall-mounted grab rails as well as drop-down grab rails to help support with both transference and balance when sitting. As for the washbasin, it needs to be high enough so that a wheelchair user can place their chair under it and be able to easily reach the tap. Height adjustable is the best option so it’s suitable for all users.

Have a look here at our CP checklist.