Celeste Pro red toilet seats used in care homes and social housing for people with dementia

(22/06/2010)

All white toilet area’s present a significant issue when dementia is a factor by rendering the toilet indistinguishable from the surrounding area and leading to confusion, lack of confidence in using the toilet, and an increased likelihood of falls in the toilet area. This can lead to a whole series of negative consequences which result in a profound deterioration in the residents self confidence, self esteem, dignity, health and quality of life.

CME responded with a bespoke red seat and one that had a myriad of other features, including a contoured design for greater user comfort, a choice of stainless steel hinges and seat locators, which prevent the seat from twisting. The seat is also easy to install, with or without the lid, to suit care home requirements.

Celmac has won a major new order to supply toilet seats for the healthcare sector. The contract with Find involves the supply of over 400 Celeste Pro seats in a bespoke Red colour, which will be used in care homes and social housing for people with dementia.

Before commissioning the Celeste Pro seats, Find studied available research and clients’ feedback on the effectiveness of using bold coloured products for people living with dementia. They concluded that red is the most effective colour for toilet seats and as a ‘theme’ colour for important items around the toilet area including signage and grab rails. The reason being that red is an attention-grabbing colour which contrasts well with the immediate environment and people with dementia retain the ability to identify red longer than most other colours.

Red toilet seats when used in a care home as part of Find’s toilet strategy have resulted in dramatic reductions in ‘incontinence’ and falls, in some cases virtually eradicating both issues as Peter Rose from Find explains:

“The Celmac red toilet seats have played a major part in improving health and well-being for residents with dementia in the care homes we have supplied. Red is the naturally the most noticeable colour and people with dementia are more able to recognize it and may be the last colour they are able to distinguish. Our studies showed that residents evidently learned to associate the colour with the toilet, and because it is a bold, high-contrast colour, they see it from farther away too. Consequently we have reports that residents readily identify the toilet and, where able, will confidently go to the toilet unassisted, even when they have commonly had regular ‘incontinent’ episodes. The response is often profound and immediate.

Peter Rose continues: “It’s hard to believe the extent of the benefits gained in managing ‘incontinence’ through residents improved independence, which so simply results in a better quality of life. Whilst on a wider level resulting in significant cost savings to the NHS, local authorities and home operators through greatly reduced material costs, workload for carers, and dramatic reductions in the use of psychotropic drugs. Celmac have been brilliant to work with on this project and we’ll work hard bring these benefits to many more dementia care settings.

Find also recommend the Celeste Pro seats in blue from Celmac, as an alternative. “There are occasions where red may be inappropriate for a minority of dementia sufferers, and the blue seats provide a very viable alternative in these situations.

Celeste Plus is part of a specialist range by CME Sanitary Systems designed for those with special needs. The thermoset material is extremely durable and features an innovative buffer that fits onto the pan, for extra stability for the user.

This range of seats also includes the Celeste Pro, which uses a special mount to raise the seat to meet a height of 480mm, as stated in Approved Document M installations. The hinge is manufactured from sturdy chrome-plated brass, which enhances its longevity.

Andy Fawcett, Sales Director at Celmac, part of CME Sanitary Systems, explains: “This range has been specifically designed for those with special needs. It has a number of features that ensure users of greater stability and visibility of the seat, making them more user-friendly and safer. We are delighted that our Celeste Pro range is having such a positive benefit for Dementia patients and care home operators and look forward to introducing further developments in the future.”

Celmac is at the forefront of innovation and development of WC seats for the healthcare, education and special needs markets. This includes a range of toilet seats that meet all the performance requirements and ensure Part M compliance. Within its extensive range, Celmac has seats that require infection control or that feature anti-vandal hinges. The company provides a simple ‘step by step’ guide to specifying the right seat to ensure accuracy in specification.

Related categories:  Toilets