Overcoming Challenges in Care Equipment Design & Installation

Whether it’s space, budget or time constraints, there are challenges to overcome when designing and installing specialised care equipment. That’s why organisations like us exist – to help you overcome your challenges with solutions that are not only creative but also cost-effective.

Space

One of the main challenges facilities often face when installing care equipment is space. Often, they’re being fitted retrospectively, and were therefore not fully considered when buildings were originally designed.

Eastbourne Arndale Shopping Centre is a prime example of this. They wanted to include a Changing Places facility to cater for more disabled visitors – but space was definitely an issue. No single room was large enough to be adapted into a Changing Places toilet.

It was clear that this project was as much about creating space as it was adapting space. We identified 2 adjacent rooms that could be amalgamated into one compliant room so the centre could realise their goal of having a Changing Places toilet, making it easier for disabled people and their carers to shop.

Structure

Even when there is enough space, often the building’s pre-existing structure makes fitting care equipment a challenge.

Walls, for instance, aren’t always designed to support hoists – as was the case for Foreland Fields School. They needed ceiling hoists fitting in 23 different rooms, but without putting secondary steelwork in the entire building, there was no way to install tracks in the traditional way.

These situations are where our expertise in both care equipment and the building industry is useful. By working closely with the project architect and using long-span tracking and wall post systems, we fulfilled the school’s needs and installed 28 ceiling hoists.

Knowledge

While overcoming challenges thrown up by physical buildings is a crucial part of installing care equipment, it’s also important to consider how people will actually use the equipment. It’s no use installing equipment that is too complicated for users, staff and carers to use.

That’s why we work closely with occupational therapists and facility staff to ensure the equipment we design, recommend and install is usable and fit for purpose.

Whether it’s by connecting pools to assisted changing facilities so that users can be transferred smoothly and easily from one location to another, or installing hoists with in-rail charging so that users don’t have to remember to return them to a charging station – we ensure our equipment meets every need. We also train staff on equipment use where necessary, so that they know how to safely and properly operate equipment.

Remember – there’s always more than one way to approach your project

Creativity is an important part of the process, and the ability to think out of the box is the only way to overcome the challenges you face.

If you’d like more information about how we can help you choose and install specialist care equipment, download our brochure today: