Bathrooms
The importance of thermostatic technology Many risks can be found within the bathroom, but one of the most common is burning and scalding from showers, baths and taps. From 2017-18, there were 755 hospital cases of scalding from taps, which was up by nearly six per cent from the previous year. Even more worryingly, elderly people
are at a much higher risk of scalding from hot water due to having thinner skin - and this risk becomes even more prevalent if coupled with symptoms of confusion. Fortunately, this risk is preventable with
the installation of a thermostatic mixing valve (TMV) tap or shower. There are three levels of TMVs, each used for applications that have differing regulations. According to the Department of
Health and Social Care’s Performance Specification D08, any building with a vulnerable population must have TMV3 approved valves. This means that care homes should install TMV3 on all showers, baths and basins to ensure safety of residents. There is plenty of choice on the
market when it comes to choosing TMV3- accredited products to suit your style and budget. For example, Bristan’s new OPAC
Sequential Commercial TMV3 TS3650 shower, have been run through its UKAS- accredited, in-house testing facility to ensure the highest level of quality, performance and safety. For more complex needs, Bristan’s Joy Care electric shower offers thermostatic
safety while incorporating audible clicks and bleeps to denote setting changes to make it usable for those with sight loss. Endorsed by BEAB (British
Electrotechnical Approvals Board) Care and Royal National Institute for the Blind, it has an additional features that make this an ideal choice for care homes, such as a phased shutdown to help reduce limescale build up, which in turn extends the life of the shower.
Practical design It is important to incorporate accessibility within your bathroom design, as this can promote ease and independence for the user. Whether you have residents who are wheelchair users or residents with limited mobility, there are a variety of products on the market ergonomically designed for accessibility. Dexterity tends to decrease as people
get older, so installing products that are tactile and intuitively easy to use is
important. Taps and showers operated by a lever handle are great option. The broad, extended shape of levers
allow them to be controlled accurately and with ease. Levers can even be operated by elbows, if the user has little to no mobility in their hands. Another design aspect that is often
overlooked by designers is the need for familiarity within a care home. Residents usually favour design to which they are accustomed, so choosing products that are more traditional can help them feel more comfortable and at home in their environment. Crosshead taps are ideal for care
homes, featuring a traditional look and feel, simple operation, and clearly indicated hot and cold taps for safety. Some residents in care homes are
wheelchair users, meaning they may need to be assisted to and from the bathroom. Installing grab and rest rails can offer increased accessibility, offering those with restricted movement the freedom to enjoy more independent bathing. Bristan has a range of DocM packs
that meet all relevant safety standards, including DocM, LABC and Part M of the Building Regulations and the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), offering safe, flexible and durable design. Residents with visual impairments will
need strong contrasting colours in bathrooms. For example, white rails on white walls are to be avoided, so Bristan’s range comes in a variety of colours. When designing for accessibility, the
involvement of a carer also needs to be considered - whether in a simple supervisory role or with a need for intervention. A practical solution is a half- height shower door that enables the carer to supervise and prevents water from splashing too far.
Maintenance made easy Effective maintenance and servicing of bathroom products is more important than many people think; it is vital in
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www.thecarehomeenvironment.com• February 2021
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