Institutions for persons with disabilities Hygiene rules and restrictions linked with risks For example, liquid soap and disinfectant dispensers had to be fitted in all bathrooms in the shared accommodations; the use of bars of soap was forbidden. This gave rise to dangerous situations: one resident for instance drinks all liquids compulsively and also swallowed liquid soap unobserved. Some residents are unable to distinguish the different use for liquids themselves due to their disability. Because of the liquid soap, they were motivated to wash their hands and face with disinfectant too. Others are not able to use the dispenser and require help. They were, however, able to use bars of soap on their own. A resident suffering from dementia misses his bar of soap and looks for it in vain in the bathroom every day. The facility reported these difficulties to the supervisory authority but was, however, turned down. Interference in daily routine In fact, regulations were not only limited to hygiene products. It is no longer permitted to do arts and crafts on the table in the combined kitchen/living room of the facility if the table is later used for meals. Surfaces on chests of drawers, wardrobes etc. must be kept clear and accessible at all times. This limits the scope for designing the rooms. The staff is confronted with the problem of having to enforce this rule with residents who require more space for their belongings. The supervisory authority also required the staff to inspect the standard of hygiene in all of the toilets daily; including that of residents who have cleaned their own toilets to date and perceive this kind of inspection as a constant invasion of their privacy. All of the towels and face cloths had to be labelled with the names of the residents including those in bathrooms that are used by one resident alone. No barriers to abilities in daily routine A barrier-free life is more than unimpeded access to houses and walk-in showers or baths. It often includes little things such as products for personal hygiene that increase the quality of life of persons with disabilities and allows them a selfdetermined daily routine. If personal hygiene poses a considerable challenge for those affected, Commission 5 is of the view that practical solutions must be individually developed. It is very important to elderly persons or persons with disabilities if, despite the limited ability in their daily routine, they are still not relying on the help of third parties and are independent when it comes to personal hygiene and body care. There is a wide range of aids that were specially developed or can be individually adapted to facilitate autonomous bathing/showering and using the toilet despite handicap. The NPM considers hospital-like hygiene rules for shared accommodation in which persons with disabilities have their home to be excessive. Every person has a space that they make the centre of their world and to which they can withdraw. Being able to design living space according to one’s own wishes, helps finding stability in your life. The flexible application of rules and structures of cohabitation are basic elements for dismantling institutional risk structures for violence (cf. Federal Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Health and Consumer Protection, “Experience and prevention of violence to persons with disabilities” – “Erfahrungen und Prävention von Gewalt an Menschen 99