The importance of Changing Places facilities
Proper bathroom and toilet facilities are a fundamental necessity for people with complex needs and their carers, enabling dignity, safety, and participation in everyday life.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 1 billion people – approximately 15% of the global population – live with some form of disability. Among these, nearly 190 million have significant difficulties in functioning and may require assistance for daily tasks, including toileting.
For individuals with complex needs, standard accessible bathrooms are often insufficient, leaving them without the means to attend to basic personal hygiene outside their homes.
Changing Places facilities provide a critical solution, ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, can access safe and appropriate toileting facilities.

Who benefits from Changing Places facilities?
Changing Places facilities are specifically designed for individuals with profound and multiple learning disabilities, motor impairments, or severe physical disabilities, as well as their carers. These facilities are invaluable for individuals with conditions such as:
- Cerebral Palsy: Many people with cerebral palsy, particularly those with severe mobility challenges, rely on carers and specialised equipment for toileting and changing.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Individuals with paraplegia or quadriplegia require the use of hoists or height-adjustable changing benches for safe transfers and personal care.
- Muscular Dystrophy: Progressive muscle weakness necessitates support for mobility and positioning, often requiring specialised facilities for hygiene tasks.
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS): As mobility and balance deteriorate, many individuals with MS benefit from the safe environment of a Changing Places facility.
- Advanced Neurodegenerative Conditions: Conditions such as motor neurone disease or Parkinson’s disease in advanced stages may require carers to assist with hygiene in spaces equipped for complex needs.
Supporting carers and relatives
Carers are indispensable in the lives of individuals with complex needs, providing essential support in daily activities, including personal hygiene. Changing Places facilities are specifically designed to support carers by offering a safe, hygienic, and dignified environment for both the caregiver and the individual they assist. Features such as ceiling hoists, height-adjustable adult-sized changing benches, and wide turning spaces help reduce the physical strain on carers, lowering the risk of injuries often associated with lifting or awkward manual handling. This ensures that carers can provide the best possible assistance without compromising their own well-being.
Proper facilities are equally important for relatives, many of whom serve as informal carers. Family members often face additional emotional and physical challenges when assisting loved ones in unsuitable environments. A well-equipped Changing Places facility not only supports them in their caregiving role but also alleviates the stress and anxiety often associated with trying to manage complex care tasks in inadequate spaces. These facilities provide a sense of relief, knowing that their loved ones’ needs can be met in a clean, safe, and comfortable environment.

Supporting Families with Proper Facilities
Beyond practicality, Changing Places facilities also enhance the overall experience for families and carers by enabling them to participate in outings and activities without worrying about a lack of appropriate amenities. This inclusivity fosters a better quality of life, helping families and carers focus on creating positive memories and shared experiences.
In short, Changing Places facilities are not just about accessibility for individuals with disabilities—they represent an inclusive approach that respects the needs of carers and relatives, ensuring dignity, safety, and a higher standard of care for everyone involved.
Please reach out if you have questions or need advice.

Meeting the needs of a diverse population
In addition to supporting individuals with specific physical conditions, Changing Places facilities cater to people with less obvious conditions at first glance. People with e.g. autism often need privacy and space as an essential to experience a calming environment.
These facilities also make it possible for families and groups to participate in social, cultural, and community activities without unnecessary restrictions.
By integrating Changing Places facilities into public and private spaces, society moves closer to a world where inclusivity and accessibility are not aspirations but standards.
At Pressalit, we are proud to contribute to this vision by designing solutions that empower people with disabilities and their carers to lead fuller lives.