Changing Places for Changing Needs

Description

Fingal County Council’s introduction of Changing Places facilities in new community centres has a profound impact on the lives of older people with complex mobility and care needs. Recognising that standard accessible toilets are not adequate for many individuals, particularly those who require assistance from carers or use mobility aids, the Council are committed to creating truly inclusive public spaces.
Changing Places facilities include specialist features such as:
• A height-adjustable adult changing bench
• A ceiling track hoist system
• Adequate space for a wheelchair user and two carers
• Privacy screens
• Accessible toilets with backrests and support rails
• Non-slip flooring and emergency alarms
By embedding these facilities in social and civic hubs, this initiative ensures that older people with higher support needs can comfortably and confidently attend public events, community groups, and social activities in the centre and nearby.
Many older people with progressive conditions such as Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and advanced arthritis who previously avoided long outings due to a lack of appropriate restroom facilities, can now avail of these facilities and continue to engage in community life. Crucially, the presence of Changing Places toilets has fostered a more inclusive community atmosphere. They support intergenerational interaction, as families with older members can now attend events together.
The facilities were developed alongside training for staff and awareness-raising within the community, ensuring respectful use and understanding of the unique needs they address. It demonstrates the importance of inclusive infrastructure in fostering social connection, independence, and dignity. By addressing a critical, yet often overlooked barrier to participation, Fingal has created a blueprint for meaningful age-friendly community centres. These facilities in the new community centre in Baldoyle is particularly important as there are a number of services for people with disabilities in the area. This facility not only allows them not only to participate in activities in the centre but also in the nearby coastal walk and cycle way and in the adjoining community garden.

Aim of Initiative

The primary aim of this initiative is to promote inclusion, dignity, and independence for anybody with complex care needs by providing fully accessible Changing Places facilities in Fingal’s community centres. For older people, these specialised restrooms enable those with significant mobility limitations, including those who use hoists, wheelchairs, or require carer assistance, to access public spaces safely and comfortably.
This initiative addresses a critical gap in accessibility that has historically excluded some of the most vulnerable older people from participating in community life. While many centres offer standard accessible toilets, these are insufficient for individuals who need additional space, equipment, or carer support. As a result, outings to public places often became impossible or highly stressful, contributing to social isolation, reduced wellbeing, and carer strain.
By installing Changing Places toilets in key community hubs, the project aims to:
 Enable greater participation of older adults with disabilities in social, recreational, and civic life
 Support carers by reducing the logistical and emotional burden of outings
 Foster inclusion and promote equal access to community services and facilities
 Align with Fingal’s Age Friendly to make Fingal a place where older people can continue to live and to participate in their communities.
Ultimately, the initiative aspires to create a more compassionate, age-friendly Fingal where no one is excluded due to the absence of essential infrastructure. It reflects a commitment to ageing with dignity and builds a more equitable, supportive environment for all residents.

Who is it aimed at

The initiative is primarily aimed at anybody with complex care needs or significant mobility challenges who require accessible toilet facilities beyond standard disabled provision. Changing Places facilities are inclusive by design and cater to a diverse range of needs. This includes those living with conditions such as advanced arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, dementia, or those recovering from strokes or surgeries that limit independence. It also supports older people who use wheelchairs, hoists, or require the assistance of carers, making it possible for them to participate in everyday community life, something many were previously excluded from due to a lack of suitable facilities.
Ultimately, the initiative is aimed at making Fingal’s community spaces more inclusive, equitable, and supportive for all, including older people who might otherwise remain isolated or unable to fully engage with public life.

3 Steps critical to success

1. Identify the Need and Build a Case:
   Research Local Demand: Determine the need for a Changing Places toilet in your community. Connect with local disability groups, occupational therapists, social services, and individuals who would benefit from such a facility.
2. Engaged with Experts: Advice was sought from architects, building surveyors, and specialist suppliers of assisted care and patient handling equipment. They advised on structural requirements, layout, and equipment specifications based on te space available at the design phase of the centre. Ensuring that the access to and from the centre meets with best practise in accessibility, from turning into the entrance right through to closing the door behind the user.
3. Registering the Changing Places toilet with the relevant national body (e.g., Changing Places Ireland) so it can be added to their official map.
   Ensure all relevant staff understand what a Changing Places toilet is, who uses it, its location, and any access arrangements (e.g., if a key is required). This is an ongoing process as staff members join or leave the team
   Implemented a rigorous cleaning schedule.
   Establish service and maintenance agreements for all specialist equipment (e.g., hoist, changing bench). Hoists require inspection every six months under Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations.

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Promotion: Reaching all relevant people and stakeholders with the information that the space is available within the community centre and can be accessed by all who require it. There is a difficult to reach cohort who would greatly avail of the space, but over time, it is hoped that word will spread across the relevant stakeholders
2. Maintenance costs and scheduling are another significant challenge. Building it into the Community Centres Planned Preventative Maintenance schedule. Beyond installation, there are recurring costs for servicing the equipment (especially hoists, which require regular legally mandated inspections), repairs, insurance, increased cleaning, and utilities.
3. The Centre needs to continually balance ease of access for legitimate users with the need to prevent misuse, vandalism, or ensure the equipment is only used by those who know how to operate it safely is a key concern. The initial decision about needed careful consideration and ongoing monitoring to ensure the levels of access are working best for the users.

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. Increased Access and Participation: The most significant outcome is enabling individuals who require these facilities, and their families/carers, to access and participate in community centre activities, events, and services for longer periods, or even for the first time. Without Changing Places, they are often restricted to very short outings or cannot leave home at all.
   Improved Quality of Life: Knowing a suitable facility is available reduces anxiety and stress associated with planning outings. It allows for more spontaneous participation in community life, improving overall well-being and reducing social isolation.
   Enhanced Dignity and Safety: Changing Places provide a safe, hygienic, and dignified environment for personal care, a stark contrast to the often unsuitable and unsafe alternatives like being changed on a public toilet floor or in the back of a vehicle.
2. It enhances the capabilities of the community centre:
   Fosters Inclusivity: Demonstrates a clear commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, positioning the community centre as a welcoming space for everyone. This will help attract more visitors, service users, and positive public perception.
   Increased Footfall and Usage: By catering to a previously excluded segment of the population, the centre hopes to see increased usage of its facilities and participation in its programmes. This can include families who previously couldn’t attend events together.
   Attraction for a Wider Range of Events and Groups: The presence of a Changing Places facility will make the community centre a more attractive venue for disability support groups, special needs organisations, and inclusive events that require such amenities
3. For Fingal County Council
   Demonstrates our continued commitment to inclusion across our facilities and initiatives. It supports the education of the wider community about the needs of people with significant disabilities, promoting empathy and understanding.