Recently, in collaboration with our Belgian dealer Arda, we supplied NOA shower/commode chairs to the new residential care center Burenhof in Leuven. This innovative care concept brings together different target groups, students, families, and older adults with care needs, under one roof. Within this project, the focus was on dignified care, safety, and reducing the physical workload for the care team.
The challenge
The care center set high requirements for the aids to be used. The occupational therapist guiding this project had extensive experience in elderly care and worked for multiple centers. His premise: residents should be able to shower and use the toilet as independently as possible, while relieving the care staff wherever possible.
Various chairs from multiple manufacturers were tested. Ultimately, the choice fell on our NOA 135, the model with a load capacity of up to 135 kg. Decisive factors were the frame made of stainless steel, which means it does not rust, even if scratched, and the combination function: a single chair residents can use both for showering and positioned over the toilet.
Tailor made solutions
To optimally align with the wishes of residential care center Burenhof, we developed several adjustments together with Arda and the facility’s occupational therapist:
Toilet sensor
The NOA can be electrically height adjusted and tilted. When used over the toilet, this can pose a risk: if the chair is lowered too far, it may bump into the toilet or tilt, endangering the resident. That is why we integrated a toilet sensor that automatically stops the chair as it approaches the toilet. This not only prevents damage but, above all, averts unsafe situations for residents.
Modified push handle
Burenhof uses a flushing system with wall mounted buttons, exactly at the height where our push handle is normally located. To prevent the handle from accidentally pressing those buttons, it was repositioned. This allows the chair to be placed closer to the wall without risk.
Splashguard
Another addition is the splashguard, which can be optionally mounted at the front of the chair. It prevents splashing when residents slide down or have difficulty directing their stream. Thanks to this feature, urine is neatly guided back into the toilet bowl or bedpan.
Safe and dignified care as the result
The combination of ceiling lifts, sit to stand lifts, and the NOA shower/commode chair enables the care team to transfer residents safely, efficiently, and without heavy physical strain. Once positioned in the chair, residents can often shower independently, making care more dignified and less burdensome.
A total of four chairs have already been delivered, and once the remaining construction phases of Burenhof are completed, three more will follow. The NOA shower/commode chair is a smart link in a room based care concept, designed for modern infrastructure with ceiling lifts and adapted toilets. The result? More efficient care moments, less physical strain, greater dignity, and more job satisfaction.
With this project, we demonstrate how our NOA chairs, through customization and close collaboration, not only fit seamlessly within innovative residential care concepts, but also truly contribute to safety, dignity, and working comfort.
Curious about the NOA or the customization options we offer? Get in touch with us.