Many of us take public toilets and washrooms for granted, using them when required without really thinking about it.
But, for those who suffer from incontinence, it can be a different and sometimes more unpleasant, experience.
With the condition impacting millions of people around the world, it’s important that the toilets and washroom facilities in your business cater for those who have to deal with incontinence on a daily basis. Substandard washroom services not only result in sufferers having to cope with a more traumatic experience, but it can also be embarrassing for them and less hygienic for all who use the premises.
At Envirotec Hygiene Services, we have years of experience supporting the hygiene needs of businesses across Sheffield, Nottingham and Leeds. This includes providing organisations with exceptional washroom services to support those with incontinence.
In this article, we’ll explore how your business can support those with incontinence, and how Envirotec Hygiene Services can help.
What is incontinence?
Affecting over 400 million people worldwide, incontinence is estimated to impact 12% of women and 5% of men. The condition presents itself in an unpleasant manner as it means the sufferer is unable to control their bladder and bowel.
While urinary incontinence is more common, faecal incontinence is still prevalent and is estimated to affect around 15% of elderly people.
There are three main types of incontinence. These are:
- Stress incontinence – loss of bladder or bowel control as a result of sneezing, coughing or lifting heavy objects
- Urgency incontinence – loss of bladder or bowel control that is triggered by a sudden, unexpected urge
- Mixed incontinence – loss of bladder or bowel control as a result of either of the above
Incontinence can be caused by a whole host of factors, from diseases like diabetes or Parkinsons, to changes in health like pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, surgery and more. Lifestyle factors can also trigger incontinence with smoking and obesity also known to have caused the condition.
How your business can support those with incontinence
Everyone deserves to access washroom services that meet their needs, and while most people will be content with a simple, hygienic environment where they can use the facilities and freshen up, those with incontinence require a bit more.
While it’s not a legal requirement to cater for those with incontinence, invisible disabilities and conditions have rightly gained more awareness in recent years, and many businesses have made changes to their public toilets.
At the very least, you should ensure there is more space for people with incontinence, as they will need to use the facilities more regularly and more urgently. By providing more space, such as larger cubicles, it will make the experience slightly more comfortable if people need to change incontinence pads or clothes.
You should also make sure that your toilets include incontinence pad bins in cubicles, so that people are able to hygienically dispose of these products and human-waste collection bags if necessary.
While these products are fairly commonplace in nursing homes, healthcare settings and adult day centres, they’re still absent from many public toilets – meaning people who suffer from incontinence are often left in uncomfortable situations.
Incontinence pad bins are also more likely to be found in female bathrooms, but both genders can be impacted by the condition, so you should ensure they’re included in men’s toilets, too.
Here at Envirotec Hygiene Services, our team can supply your business with incontinence bins and hygienic disposal of these units, keeping your public toilets in the very best condition. Supporting organisations in Leicestershire, Doncaster and Rotherham, contact us today to find out more.