The Many Ways CHS Healthcare Supports Changing Places

CHS Healthcare has been a key player in fitting out Changing Places facilities throughout Australia.

These facilities provide people with physical impairments and mobility issues a safe, private and sanitary place to go to the toilet and be changed by carers.  Many people with mobility issues avoid or experience difficulty accessing public toilet facilities and are sadly limited in their enjoyment of active lives due to this lack of accessibility.  Some find they have to cut days out with family and friends short to enable them to use their own toilets. Those who have chosen to use inadequate facilities have experienced a lack of privacy and hygiene, often having to be changed by a carer on the floor of an ordinary public bathroom.  The dream of the Changing Places team is to make these conditions a thing of the past.

This powerful initiative is gaining momentum as more and more Australians recognise the irrefutable need to redefine the standards for accessible public toilet facilities.

In a previous blog post, we outlined some of the key products we supply for the Changing Places design, including our Waverley Glen C450 Fixed Hoist, the Slimline Rail room coverage System and the Nivano Change Table. Now, CHS has extended our partnership with Changing Paces, providing our high quality products throughout the Changing Places design. 

The new CHS equipment and fixtures include everything from soap and toilet paper dispensers and hand dryers to more specialised products such as hand rails and back rests.  We also provide an Accessible Shower Positioning Arm, for those times where showering a person in care may be necessary - such as in Aquatic Centres.  This product  is fully compliant with AS1428.1-2009 Disability Standard (Clause 15.5.6) and allows for the easy adjustment of shower head height from a seated position.  This is a terrific addition to the existing design.

We are proud to be a part of the continual improvement and installation of these facilities - and the positive change it brings to the lives of those people who use them.

Why not take this opportunity to support the new initiative to include Changing Places in the building code of Australia?  Find a link to the proposal here: http://changingplaces.org.au/campaign-to-include-changing-places-in-the-bca/

Why You Need To Know About The Changing Places Initiative

CHS Healthcare is proud to sponsor and support the Changing Places Initiative.  Our mission is to assist people with physical impairments to have quality of life, respect and independence.  Our products help them achieve mobility in the home and in a variety of facilities - this initiative aims to help them outside in the community.

Think about the last time you spent a day out - whether it was a trip with family to the zoo, to the beach or even to the local shopping centre.  Sometimes it’s just nice to be out of the house, spending time with friends and family.  

How many times in that day did you have to visit a public toilet?

While we may all prefer our bathrooms at home, our ability to use convenient public restrooms is something we take for granted.  For many individuals who are unable to toilet themselves, using public bathrooms is a thing to be dreaded.  Some even cut short their trips out so that they can return home just to use the bathroom.  There have also been many cases in which people have refused liquids - even on scorching hot days - just to avoid having to go to the toilet.

At home, a carer can assist them with dignity and in privacy. They have the right equipment with the necessary features such as a hoist and an adult-sized changing table. Consider your last trip into the public toilets - was this crucial equipment available?  

Sadly, many carers end up having to change individuals on the floors of public or disabled restrooms.  Imagine the indignity of this - not to mention the possible hygiene issues.  This also increases the chances of an injury for the carer, as they are more likely to have to complete heavy lifting themselves.  

While the Federal Government’s National Disability Insurance Scheme provides support and funding for families and individuals, it doesn't cover the cost of these much-needed public works in community spaces. So, we are urging facilities to embrace this opportunity to change people’s lives.

The project has already experienced success in the UK, where providers in partnership with CHS Healthcare provided the hoist systems and accessories.  Now, we are doing the same in Australia.  The Changing Places design includes our Waverley Glen C450 Fixed Hoist with a safe working load of 205 kgs, the Slimline Rail room coverage System and the 200kg powered Nivano Change Table.

Help us to raise awareness of this initiative, so that we can all have equal access to the necessary facilities to enjoy those beautiful days out in the sun.  If you know someone whose quality of life would be improved by this initiative, please share this blog post.  

For more information, please see the designs on our website and download the information kit.