FURNITURE, INTERIORS & DESIGN
RETHINKING ACCESSIBLE DESIGN
Tom Planck, MD of John Planck Ltd and sole UK distributor for bathroom specialist FROST Denmark, explores how combining accessibility, practicality and strong aesthetic appeal ensures residents feel safe, cared for and truly at home.
One of the biggest challenges for interior designers working in care environments is creating accessible spaces that are functional and safe yet still feel comfortable and visually appealing.
Unfortunately, too oſten, accessibility is viewed as a technical and compliance-led requirement, rather than a design opportunity, meaning the focus tends to be on meeting minimum Part M standards and Care Quality Commission (CQC) expectations, instead of prioritising comfort, ease of use and aesthetic design.
Although considerable effort does go into aligning tiling and colour schemes to create a familiar, domestic feel, it is the more functional elements that oſten lack cohesion and create a clinical feel. Fixtures such as grab rails, foldable seats and arm supports are typically specified with practicality as the primary focus, rather than design, resulting in the installation of products that look institutional and don’t match the aesthetics of the wider interior design scheme.
“Sleek, ergonomic foldaway seats help maximise space while enabling safer moving and handling for carers.”
A lack of availability of stylish accessible bathroom products is largely why this has been the case. Items such as grab rails, foldable seats and arm supports have historically been designed for their functional and medical purpose, with little thought given to aesthetics. However, leading bathroom product manufacturers have recognised this issue, responding with a raſt of more design conscious accessible designs.
For example, slimmer profile grab rails and arm supports are now more widely available which not only look good but are also designed for greater ergonomic comfort and use in tighter spaces. These products are also available in a variety of on-trend finishes, including matt, brushed and polished options and in black, gold, copper and steel colours, making it easier to coordinate them into any design scheme. As well as looking great, these products are also available in materials like unlacquered copper and brass, which can help to reduce the transmission of bacteria because of their antiviral properties.
Sleeker, more discreet foldaway seats are also available for shower areas and other spaces where those who may struggle to stand for extended periods need them. Designed with ergonomics in mind, they feature contoured surfaces for added comfort and are constructed from slip-resistant and easy-to-clean materials that enhance safety and hygiene. These seating solutions not only
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maximise available space but also support carers by enabling safer moving and handling, ultimately improving workflow in assisted bathing environments.
Accessible bathroom products are an essential part of the care environment. By having elements that are comfortable and easy to use, combined with a soſter, more residential aesthetic, these thoughtful design choices not only look great but can help residents feel more confident and independent in the bathroom environment, supporting dignity and overall wellbeing.
In care home settings, the importance of having a safe, practical, yet beautifully designed bathroom cannot be underestimated. Surroundings can have a major impact on resident wellbeing, cognition and behaviour – especially in dementia care – and creating spaces that feel warm, familiar and non-institutional can play an important role in reducing anxiety, promoting independence and ensuring residents really do feel at home.
https://johnplanck.co.uk www.tomorrowscare.co.uk
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