Zed's Guide to Disability Aids
Doc M Packs (Document M)
Here at PlumbNation, we provide a wide range of products that are specially designed to make life easier for people with special needs and the elderly. Document M Packs (commonly referred to as Doc M Packs) are specially designed packs, enabling easy and safe access for every day toilet use.
Approved Document M (2004) - Access to and use of buildings
Approved and issued by Secretary of State for the purpose of providing practical guidance with respect to the requirements of Schedule 1 to and regulation 7 of the Building Regulations 2000 for England and Wales.
The revised Document M gives guidance to service providers on the changes required to access and use of buildings in order for them to satisfy the provisions in the section of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, which comes into effect in October 2004.
In Section 5 it states as its primary objective that in principle suitable sanitary accommodation should be available to everybody, including wheelchair users, ambulant disabled people, people of either sex with babies and small children, or people encumbered by luggage.
Design considerations are also referred to relating to the needs of people with visual or hearing impairments, people with learning difficulties, or those who lack tactile sensitivity, and could be injured by touching hot surfaces.
A typical Doc M Pack consists of:
- Toilet Pan & Cistern
- Basin complete with Taps and Waste
- Grab Rails – Fixed and Hinged
- All necessary fixtures and fittings to complete installation
PlumbNation offer Doc M Toilet Packs and a range of various disability aids e.g. grab rails and shower seats, supplied by one of the UK’s leading manufacturers Barwood Products. All the Doc M Packs and disability aids, at PlumbNation are approved and complied to satisfy the required standards.
The full “Document M” can be downloaded and viewed here on the website.
Grab Rails
Grab Rails are designed to help situations in the property where extra support is needed, e.g. the bathroom, toilet area or stairs. Available in many different dimensions, Grab Rails can be straight or angled, providing safe and secure support that is ideal for all requirements.
Various Support Rails are also available, enabling safe, secure support and mobility for wheelchair users. Also available is a unique floor to ceiling pole, designed to give ultimate support where needed.
Shower Seating
Shower Seats are designed to provide the user with the ability to sit when showering. With simple drop down designs, they can easily be folded away, and some advanced designs are available complete with legs and arms for extra support and stability. Fabric and cushion covered shower seats are also available to provide ultimate comfort for the end user.
Care Showers
Care Showers are specifically designed showers for the elderly, visually impaired or physically disabled. The overall features of Care Showers, ensures the utmost confidence in showering safety for the end user.
Care Shower features usually include Thermostatic controls, so that the temperature is constantly regulated, push button/easily accessible controls, and adjustable time shut down, which automatically shuts the shower down after a certain time limit. Care Showers also offer longer hoses and shower rails for extra flexibility when showering. Features and benefits may vary between manufacturers, so it would be wise to ensure that the Care Shower you purchase meets all your requirements.
