Bathrooms
n Easing bath access – replace the bath with a level-access shower. However, if bathing is important to the resident, look at specialist options, such as a walk-in bath.
n Minimising unsafe transfers – use raised- height toilets, drop-down rails and grab rails. Our research suggests that many people prefer fluted grab rails, as they feel these offer more grip. Also consider using a rise and fall bidet, which can support heights between 410-610mm.
n Improving tap and shower control – consider the simple replacement of traditional taps with lever-operated or infrared sensor versions with clear hot and cold temperature indicators. For showers use a thermostatic care shower with easy-to-use lever operation. Some also include features that help people with cognitive and/or visual impairments.
n Promoting toilet hygiene – think about installing lever or paddle flushes rather than push buttons, as these are easier to use for people with limited dexterity. Also, if relevant, use bidets or wash/dry toilets with automated or easy-to-use controls that don’t rely on gross motor skills.
n Minimising fall risks – lay vinyl flooring with a minimum slip resistant ‘R10’ rating in domestic bathrooms, to provide a safe environment. Also consider the type of shower seat installed and its dimensions and cushioning. Our research suggest that wider, padded shower seats with backs and arms provide the greatest comfort for users with arthritis. Also position items like toiletries, toilet roll holders and towels within close proximity, to minimise over-reaching. It is also worth considering using motion-sensor lighting that will turn on and off automatically for safer use at night.
Helping those with dementia too The Alzheimers’s Society estimates that 70 per cent of care home residents in the UK are living with dementia, so it’s highly likely that many residents with arthritis and MSK conditions will also have some level of dementia. With this in mind, here is some food for thought on good dementia design
for bathrooms. n Protect against scalding – although healthcare and commercial use compliant ‘TMV3’ rated thermostatic mixer taps and temperature restricted showers have to be used in care homes as part of the present Health and Safety Executive requirements, consider including low
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www.thecarehomeenvironment.com May 2026
dirt flecks that a person with dementia may try and pick up, leading to the possibility of a fall.
surface temperature (LST) radiators or under-floor heating and box in exposed pipework.
n Fall protection – avoid sharp edges on any products installed and the use of floor-standing furniture. Look to replace any baths with level access showers and include a shower seat. Choose shower curtains with a breathable fabric or consider choosing durable glass alternative polyethylene terephthalate (PET ) plastic shower screens to lessen the risk of injury in the event of a fall.
n General confusion and memory loss – some can experience confusion when looking at their reflection, so add a roller blind or similar to the mirror, so it can be covered if needed. Also, short-term memory loss and forgetfulness can significantly increase the risk of flooding if a tap or the shower are left on after use. This risk can be mitigated by including flood-proof plugs in the basins, or no plug at all, and by fitting showers that have an auto shut-off function.
n Floor colour perception – fit consistent flooring shades and avoid very dark coloured flooring, as these can be perceived as a step up or down or a big hole. Also avoid shiny or speckled flooring which can seem wet or to have
Stuart Reynolds SCAN HERE
For more information on arthritis and accessible bathrooms.
Stuart Reynolds is the UK Marketing & Product Management Director at AKW Medi-Care Ltd – a manufacturer and supplier of accessible bathrooms and kitchens. With many years of experience working in the accessible products arena, Stuart’s knowledge of what products work best in both private and public care homes is extensive.
n Visual confusion – incorporating contrasting colours can help separate sections of the room, such as the shower and toilet areas. For example, contrast should be used to help differentiate a grab bar from a wall and the toilet seat from the pan. A minimum LRV (light reflecting value) of 30 points of difference between colours is needed. The shower curtain and shower seat need to be a different and clearly contrasting plain colour to the wall behind them, so that they are easy to locate in the showering area.
n Lighting – when it comes to planning the location of artificial light sources, mix task-specific lighting with increased overall ambient lighting to raise light levels in the bathroom to 600-700 lumens per m2
lumens per m2
for general lighting, and 700-800 for task lighting.
Lifestyle adjustments don’t need to be complicated Even the smallest adjustments can make a big difference to care home residents’ use of bathroom spaces and their ability to retain independence. As this latest guidance shows, adjustments are straightforward and can help reduce obstacles to bathroom use for people living in care homes. n
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