Washrooms
Accessible design: inclusive, aesthetic, and compliant washrooms
Designing accessible spaces in care homes is not just about wheelchair access – it means ensuring equal access for all. Carole Armstrong, senior marketing manager at DELABIE, considers the implications of designing for inclusivity in terms of spatial planning, aligning high-concept style with functionality while guaranteeing budgetary and regulatory compliance
In today’s care environments, providing accessible and dignified washroom facilities is no longer just about meeting regulatory requirements, it is about delivering compassionate, quality care. Whether in private residential care homes or publicly funded facilities, the expectations around inclusivity, hygiene, and user experience are rising. Accessibility does not have to mean clinical or institutional washroom facilities; functionality, safety, and design can – and should – coexist seamlessly. Building regulations cannot be ignored,
since key guidance such as DOC M and BS 8300 provide the framework for designing
compliant, accessible washrooms. However, user experience must also be central to the design brief – not just from the viewpoint of compliance, but from a holistic perspective of dignity, comfort, and aesthetics.
Understanding the users beyond the wheelchair When talking about accessible design in care homes, it is easy to picture wheelchair users as the primary driver. But reduced mobility encompasses a much wider range of users: elderly residents, individuals recovering from surgery, users with visual impairments, temporary injuries like a broken leg, or even
a parent navigating with a pram. Accessibility is not just about mobility
aids – itis about understanding varying physical abilities, needs, and levels of independence. One person might require a lateral transfer from a wheelchair to a toilet, while another may simply need a little extra stability when standing. Designing inclusive spaces means factoring in all these various needs. DOC M and the Equality Act (formerly
the Disability Discrimination Act 2005) emphasise the need for equal access to public buildings, including care homes, but adhering to these standards should
October 2025
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com 33
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