Cover story – advertising feature
Access all areas: design trends for inclusive washrooms
With domestic design trends filtering through to non-domestic settings, specifying inclusive, safe, and hygienic washrooms in the care sector no longer means having to compromise on style, as Carole Armstrong, marketing manager at DELABIE UK, explains
Design trends from the domestic sector are gaining traction in the commercial care sector, as specifiers recognise the contribution that good design makes to the wellbeing of patients and residents. However, the challenges facing non- domestic washrooms are very different to the domestic setting. Design is only one element of the specification mix. Other considerations include intensity of use, vandal-resistance, user safety, and hygiene. Specialist products are required that will withstand intensive use and stringent cleaning routines, but that will also look good and complement their environment rather than appear too medicalised. Inclusive washroom design means the ability to accommodate any user, whether they have temporarily, partially, or permanently lost their autonomy. Often the emphasis is on compliance, rather than aesthetics. However, design, comfort, safety, and hygiene are equally important, especially for buildings that must cater for everyone, not just an individual or family group. The obvious solution is to design washrooms that are accessible to all regardless of age, level of mobility, or independence. This means creating an environment which is discreet, non-stigmatising, aesthetically pleasing, and comfortable. Every user will then feel more at ease, whether they are able-bodied, ambulant disabled, wheelchair users, or fully dependent on a carer.
Designing for shared use Product appearance is just as important as
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Be-Line® self-centring, long handled toilet brush improves the user experience
technical performance, and good, aesthetic design will remove the medicalised aspect of accessible washrooms. DELABIE now offers a complete range of grab bars, shower seats, and accessories in the Be-Line® range which not only comply with DOC M requirements, but also complement the overall decorative style. Available in metallised anthracite, matte white, and now matte black, they provide a good visual contrast with any wall finish. A further advantage of installing Be-Line® products – with their sleek, stylish lines – is that they are easy to keep clean and maintain, so they look good, and hygiene standards are maintained. Adaptability is also important for those care facilities providing short- term accommodation for people with reduced mobility. Showering and changing facilities can be designed to adapt to the user’s level of independence. For example, the Be-Line®
removable shower seats and
drop-down grab rail can be installed when required, then replaced with a utility shelf (seat) or cover plate (drop-down rail) when not required. The room can, therefore, be adapted according to demand, providing greater flexibility of use. When designing inclusive washrooms, the accessories are often overlooked. DELABIE has a complete range of matching accessible accessories that are designed for ease-of-use. For example, the electronic or soft-touch soap dispensers can be operated by any user. Ergonomics play a significant
CARE HOME
ENVIRONMENT
Access all areas: design trends for inclusive washrooms
Volume 8 Issue 5 May 2023
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com
Vegetarians and vegans in care Digital care records
part, so installing toilet brushes – with a long ergonomic handle that self-centres when replaced in the holder – can be a small detail that improves the user’s experience. Similarly, tilting mirrors that can be adjusted by wheelchair users contribute to equality of experience in the washroom. Simple touches such as matching the finish on the taps and sanitary ware to soap dispensers and toilet brush will ensure an integrated look that is inclusive, rather than a glaring mismatch that is a convenient or compliant afterthought.
Specifying for intensive use Specifying for accessibility at home is comparatively simple, as the household is relatively small, with regular but light usage. In the care sector, inclusive washrooms may be subject to heavy-handed use and even abuse. Installing commercial accessories will ensure that the washroom can withstand regular and intensive use on a daily basis.
The primary role of grab bars and shower seats is to support the static weight of any
DELABIE’s Tilting Mirror can be adjusted from a seated position
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com May 2023
THE
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