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Porta Potty Considerations for Elderly Adults
With over 16% of the US population being 65 years or older, taking elderly adults into consideration while planning your next event is of the utmost importance.
Portable Toilets for Old People
If you’re hosting an outdoor event, the chances that there will be elderly in attendance are high. If it is a craft or music festival, many older people have the disposable income and time to attend festivals. If you’re hosting a wedding or other event, then you have to provide facilities for your elderly family members.
Those who are elderly require special considerations that don’t apply to younger people. Let’s take a look at what you will need to know to have a successful outdoor event.
Accessibility
Elderly people need special consideration when it comes to accessibility. They are not as capable of moving around obstacles and through difficult terrain as younger people. Balance and the injuries caused by falling should be taken into account.
When you place the portable toilets, make sure that you do so in an area that is easy to reach. It shouldn’t be too far from the activities, nor should there be any obstacles or level changes between the bathrooms and the guests. This will help to prevent any injuries.
Having the porta potties close will also be useful. As people age, it can become difficult for them to hold their business for very long. No one wants to be embarrassed or to have an accident while they are supposed to be having fun. Keeping the porta potties close by will solve this.
Ease of Use
Not all porta potties are designed to accommodate those with special needs. There are some, like handicap porta potties which are designed with these limitations in mind. Not having to balance, reach, or step up to use the portable toilet is important to elderly people.
One of the advantages to having handicap-accessible porta potties is that anyone with a disability will benefit from having them at your event. This will increase the amount of people that might attend, depending on the event.
Regulations
If you’re hosting a public event, one that people will pay to attend, there are some requirements. One of those requirements is that at least 5% of the porta potties at your event are handicap-accessible. Having them around and placed correctly will help keep you compliant with the law.
Failing to make accommodations for those with special needs can result in fines or penalties. Even if it doesn’t, you will put limits on who can attend your event. This will only serve to lessen the success of your event.
Consider Designs
Not all porta potties are the same. When we think of portable toilets, we often think of just plain blue or gray boxes. These are typical and most have a single receptacle for waste, such as an opening in a toilet seat configuration.
There are other options, however, which can be rented. Having larger porta potties with better accommodations will certainly help your elderly guests and customers. When you speak to the waste management company you’re using, make sure to ask about your options.
On Call Services
If you’re in need of porta potties in northern and eastern Oklahoma, On Call Services & Rentals can help. We have as many porta potties as you need. We can also help make sure that they are placed in good, serviceable locations. This will help keep your event running smoothly.
If you’re in the final stages of preparation, or still planning, On Call Services & Rentals is here for you. We don’t just handle porta potties. We can also provide dumpsters and other services. We can even provide your event with temporary fencing and other solutions.
If you have any questions about waste removal, or porta potties, please feel free to contact us.
