LOCATION: BATHROOMS & KITCHENS ACCESS FOR EVERYONE


Bathroom expert Victoria Plum outlines the main considerations that need to be taken when designing and tiling a bathroom to be adapted for a disabled user.


Living with a disability means facing challenges on a daily basis, often those which able-bodied people take for granted. One such challenge can be using a bathroom that is designed without that disabled person’s needs in mind.


According to Scope, a national charity which seeks to create a fair and equal world for disabled people, there are nearly 14 million disabled people living in the UK (around 21% of the total population).


Around 80% of disabled people acquire their disability at a later stage in their life, as opposed to being born with it, and 45% of all disabled people are above the state pension age. So, it is easy to see that, with an ageing population, disability may become an even greater concern as time goes on. This has certainly had an effect on bathroom retailers and designers, who are now focusing much of their attention on accessible bathrooms which allow people to live independently.


“Don’t opt for overly textured tiling or raised patterns as this will be


uncomfortable for any wheelchair user.”


Bathrooms for the Elderly


As we’ve already seen, nearly half of all disabled people are pensioners. This poses some unique challenges when adapting a bathroom which, for many people, would have been perfectly adequate up until their 60s or 70s.


Even if not registered as disabled, old age and the general wear and tear that a lifetime can bring to our bodies means that getting around the bathroom, or even cleaning, can become more difficult. This can, ultimately, lead to lapses in hygiene and, all-too-often, a lack of dignity.


Slips and falls are one of the most common causes of accidents amongst the elderly, so it pays to choose the right type of flooring for the bathroom. It’s best to avoid bath mats and other low-level accessories, which might snag and lead to an accident. Tiled surfaces are easier to clean than many other surfaces and those with a low slip rating are the best choice for this type of bathroom.


To help older people retain their independence, it is always worth designing a bathroom that is easy to maintain. A wall hung toilet and basin will help keep the floor clear, with no odd nooks and crannies where dirt can accumulate.


Bathrooms for the Blind or Partially-Sighted


According to the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), nearly 1 in 30 people suffer from some form of sight loss, with just over 350,000 being officially registered as blind or partially sighted.


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Some of the underlying issues which lead to visual impairment are illnesses such as diabetes, which can be brought on by obesity. In fact, the RNIB do expect the number of people with some form of sight loss to rise to around 2.25 million within the next decade. This means that more and more bathrooms will need to be designed with impaired vision in mind.


For anyone with a visual impairment, level access to a shower area is vital, meaning no exposed shower trays which could cause trips and falls. A wet room is usually fairly easy to fit and tiles can be laid straight over the top of specially- designed boards and trays.


For those with partial sight, high-contrast features will help that person locate different elements within the bathroom more easily. This is where tiling can really come into its own. Using different colours and textures, you can split the bathroom into different zones, creating pathways to the toilet, basin, bath or shower. Use lighter tiles around the walls and add darker fixtures, like taps and shower valves, so they stand out more.


Bathrooms for Wheelchair Users


As we have already seen, mobility issues form the most common type of disability. Whilst this can cover a wide range of afflictions and conditions, it does mean that there are around 1.2 million wheelchair users in the UK. Up to two thirds of those who use a wheelchair, rely on it every day of their life.


A wheelchair-accessible bathroom may require more significant adaptations than those bathrooms mentioned above. First off, the doorway may need widening and the door reversed, so that it swings outwards, with a bar for easy opening.


Designing a wet room bathroom with level access to the shower is something which can be done for easier use. Transfer onto the toilet or onto a shower seat is also a major consideration, with grab rails either side making life easier. The choice of toilet is key here and a Japanese style electronic toilet with self-cleaning capabilities, is a major benefit.


A wall hung basin leaves room for the wheelchair beneath the basin itself, and, as opposed to a pedestal design, the basin can be fitted at a height that is comfortable for the user.


When choosing tiles, again, one of the major considerations is a low slip rating. The wheels of the chair need to be able to grip the surface, especially when wet. Don’t opt for overly textured tiling or raised patterns as this will be uncomfortable for any wheelchair user.


With more and more homeowners seeking accessible bathrooms, it certainly pays to know how a bathroom can be adapted for disabled or elderly people.


www.victoriaplum.com www.tomorrowstileandstone.co.uk


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