Changing Places Toilets

What are Changing Places toilets and why do we need them?

A CP toilet provides sanitary accommodation for people with multiple and complex disabilities who have one or two assistants with them.

Without a suitable changing bench, many disabled people have to be laid on the floor to be changed. This is undignified, unhygienic and puts assistants at risk of injury. In the absence of a hoist, assistants are again put at risk when forced to manually transfer a disabled person who is unable to self-transfer between a wheelchair and WC.

The absence of changing facilities means that some disabled people are often limited in terms of activities available to them, or even
prevented from going out altogether. They may also find themselves compromising their health and dignity – or that of the people assisting them – by using unsuitable facilities.

CP toilets can vastly improve people’s quality of life, allowing disabled people and their assistants to stay out for longer and participate in more activities.

How is a Changing Places toilet different from an accessible WC?

A standard accessible WC is designed for independent use by an individual. Grabrails (fixed handrails) are located to the side and
rear of the WC, aiding self-transfer between a wheelchair and the WC. In some cases, a wheelchair user may be assisted, but there is usually insufficient room for assistants. Standard accessible WC’s are designed to facilitate access by a standard wheelchair but are unlikely to accommodate for example a powered wheelchair, or those fitted with additional head or leg supports. CP toilets also allow assistants to use the toilet without leaving the disabled person unattended.

CP toilets are designed for people who cannot use a standard accessible toilet. They should be provided in addition to single or
gender-neutral toilets, standard accessible toilets and baby change facilities. CP toilets are designed for people who need additional space, equipment and a carer which is not possible within the space of a standard accessible toilet.

Who uses Changing Places toilets?

There are over 11 million people with a limiting long-term illness, impairment or disability in the UK1. Research has concluded that up to a million disabled users of CP toilets. With ongoing advances in
medical science and better healthcare, the number of people who will need a CP toilet is increasing.

The range of people who might use CP toilets include:

• People with profound and multiple learning disabilities
• People with conditions that may affect their movement, including cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease
• People with head injuries or severe spinal injuries
• People living with stroke
• Older people who require assistance
• Ex-service personnel

People who are unable to transfer independently or have no sitting balance need additional facilities such as a ceiling track hoist to transfer between their wheelchair, the WC and an adult-sized
changing bench. Many people with profound and multiple learning disabilities are doubly incontinent and have total dependency on
assistants. They need access to facilities where they can be changed with dignity and where assistants are able to use a hoist and other equipment to provide appropriate and safe care

Find a changing places toilet: https://www.changing-places.org/find