Bathrooms
Arthritis friendly bathrooms: A guide to the latest best practice for care homes
With bathrooms one of the most demanding spaces for those living with arthritis and MSK conditions, thoughtful adaptation can help reduce obstacles to use, writes Stuart Reynolds.
Over 10 million people in the UK live with arthritis and – when including broader musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions – this rises to over 20 million, according to Arthritis UK. That’s close to one in every three people based on today’s UK population. Not surprisingly, when it comes to care homes, the number with these conditions rises significantly, with an analysis of a longtitudinal study of ageing in the UK estimating 60 per cent of residents are affected. Although each care home cohort will
have their own specific mix of needs, it is safe to assume that a large proportion of residents in every care home across the country will be struggling with movement, pain and stiffness, particularly in relation to toileting, showering and bathing. With bathrooms one of the most demanding spaces for those living with arthritis and MSK conditions, thoughtful adaptation can help reduce obstacles to use. However, with arthritis symptoms specific to each user, the new guidance from Arthritis UK, The Occupational Therapy Service and AKW
gives care home providers an overview of latest best practice for bathroom adaptation to make them suitable for those experiencing the more common issues related to arthritis.
The arthritis journey Before beginning to discuss the specifics of bathroom adaptation for those living with arthritis in care homes, it’s useful to be reminded of what the condition is and how it impacts daily life. Arthritis is a progressive and often painful condition that affects joint mobility, grip strength, and endurance, and can significantly impact a resident’s day-to- day activities. It is not one single disease, but is a term that refers to the swelling, stiffness and pain in one or more joints which typically worsen with age and can have a considerable impact on a person’s ability to complete tasks and activities that bring meaning and purpose to their lives. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
are the two most common types of arthritis diagnosed in the UK according to the NHS. Osteoarthritis (OA) is caused by the mechanical demands on the joints and is often diagnosed later in life. The World Health Organisation describes osteoarthritis as ‘one of the significant contributors to years lived with disability among musculoskeletal conditions’ and recommends a package of interventions for rehabilitation, including the use of assistive products and environmental modification to promote independent living. Meanwhile, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is
an autoimmune disease in which the body’s own immune system attacks mainly the smaller joints and can be diagnosed at any
36
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com May 2026
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40
