FURNITURE & INTERIORS


temperature radiators and towel rails. AKW’s iCare electric shower ensures safe and stable temperatures and eliminates the threat of scald injuries.


Preventing falls Avoid sharp edges and take out floor- standing furniture. Remove the bath and install a level access shower. Also consider installing underfloor heating, so there are no radiators to fall against.


Memory Loss Include flood-proof plugs in the basins and opt for showers that have an auto shut-off function. AKW’s dementia- friendly iShower range of showers automatically shut down aſter 30 minutes of use if leſt running, to avoid accidental overflows.


Retro Memory A person with dementia has better longer-term memory, so incorporate traditionally designed fixtures and fittings, such as cross-headed taps and a conventional toilet flush rather than modern push-button devices.


that matches the style Beltaine Designs introduced throughout the rest of the property, and provide residents with a safer, more functional environment that allows for easy, comfortable and risk- free use of the bathroom.


THE PERSONAL TOUCH As well as issues around depth perception and a diminished sense of danger, people with dementia are twice as likely to fall than others in the same age group. Creating dementia- friendly bathrooms is straightforward and doesn’t usually cost any more than the adaptations that would be used in a standard bathroom for the elderly. However, by building dementia- friendly design into a bathroom, both carers and residents are able to use a safe environment that works with the resident’s condition, not against them.


Here are the major dementia challenges that can be overcome with good design:


Scalding Protection Include thermostatically-controlled taps and showers, minimise exposed pipework and use only low surface


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Mirror Confusion Reflections can be disorientating so include a roller blind above the sink, so the mirror can be covered when necessary.


Floor Colour Consistent flooring shades are crucial as a person with dementia can interpret a change in floor colour as a step up or down that can lead to trips or falls on a level surface.


Visual Confusion Contrasting colours can help users with dementia effectively define the shower and toilet areas. For example, contrast can differentiate a grab bar from a wall and the toilet seat from the pan.


MAKING THE MOST


OF TECHNOLOGY Guaranteeing dignity is widely recognised as one of the core principles that underpin the delivery of high quality, coordinated and compassionate care. Offering those in nursing or residential homes the privacy, freedom and independence needed to allow them to continue to live a fulfilling life not only bolsters their overall wellbeing and relationships with the healthcare


professionals supporting them, but also allows the facility to adopt a person- centred approach to their care – which is increasingly becoming considered as the gold standard in the sector.


“Creating dementia-


friendly bathrooms is straightforward and doesn’t usually cost any more than the


adaptations that would be used in a standard


bathroom for the elderly.”


In addition to what care professionals can provide, technology is beginning to play a key role in the creation of safe and inclusive washing spaces in care homes. Indeed, leading accessible bathroom and adapted living solutions manufacturers are introducing a new generation of smart electric showers that have been developed specifically to meet the requirements of the social care industry.


AKW’s launch of the world’s first Bluetooth-enabled smart electric shower has enhanced the experience of both ambulant users and those with reduced mobility. The BEAB Care and RNIB certified iCare wireless and Bluetooth smart electric shower, has proved very popular with users and carers in care homes across the UK. Settings can be personalised, saved and programmed to turn the shower on at specific times. A delayed mode has also been incorporated to enable carers to transfer special needs users out of the shower before it can be reactivated.


Although dignity must be preserved at all times to achieve best practice in a care environment, resident safety is essential. Striking a balance between the two is of equal importance. By having a focus on person-centric design and using the latest technology, such as AKW’s iCare smart electric shower, it is now possible to ensure maximum safety and comfort for residents and carers, promoting a superior quality of life and dignity.


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