Washrooms
be the baseline, not the goal. Good design anticipates these diverse needs and creates spaces that integrate and empower users rather than isolate them. Accessible washroom design must
incorporate this broader definition of accessibility, providing solutions for anyone who might need extra support – whether temporarily or permanently. And, to be truly inclusive, the goal is to render the accessible aspect invisible so that facilities deliver safety, comfort, and autonomy for all, without alienating the user, whether they have reduced mobility or not.
The foundations of accessible washroom design The first step towards creating accessible washrooms is spatial planning and configuring the layout. DOC M – and its more recent companion DOC T – provides the baseline, and considered dimensional planning will ensure that washroom layouts will deliver manoeuvrability and independence. For instance, wheelchair-accessible toilets
must offer a 1.5m turning circle, either within the cubicle or just inside the door. This allows for a full U-turn in a wheelchair, supporting independence without assistance. In addition, an activity space of at least
68cm next to the WC pan is essential, allowing room for angled or lateral transfers. The toilet seat height should be 48cm from the floor, aligning with standard wheelchair seat heights. We also recommend automatic flushing systems to eliminate the need for manual contact, further supporting hygiene and ease of use. DELABIE’s electronic flush controls also feature an automatic, hygienic duty flush to flush the pipework and prevent stagnation between room occupancies. Grab rails are fundamental for providing
stability, with their location another critical consideration. These must be strong enough to support 150 kilogramme-force so that the rail will not fail when someone puts their full body weight on it, and with ergonomic profiles that can be gripped by users with reduced grip strength. According to BS 8300 and DOC M, bars should be rounded or oval (with a recommended diameter of 28–35mm), with non-slip, warm-to-the- touch finishes, and a 60–85mm clearance from the wall. Visual contrast is also essential. To
support those with visual impairments, the difference in light reflectance value (LRV) between grab bars and wall surfaces should
be at least 30 points. This principle also applies to floors and walls, creating a clear and navigable environment.
Intelligent shower design – safety and dignity in equal measure In en suite or shared care home bathrooms, accessible shower areas play a crucial role. They must cater to seated and standing users while preserving personal dignity. The specification brief for an inclusive
shower space must include a shower seat, which can be tip-up or removable – for installation as and when the user requires additional support. Contact surfaces, including the shower seat and the floor, must be non-slip and self-draining to prevent accidents. A riser rail, offering vertical support, and doubling as a slide rail for the shower head (mounted at 1200–1400mm), is also a key component. Shower controls must be accessible
from a wheelchair, positioned between 750–1000mm from the floor, and operable with a closed fist. A point-of-use sequential thermostatic mixing valve that is certified to NHS D08 standards is essential deliver
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www.thecarehomeenvironment.com October 2025
safe temperature-controlled mixed water – a critical factor for vulnerable residents and in line with HSG 274 Part 2 recommendations.
Public vs private use – why robustness matters While accessibility needs may be similar across public and private environments, the performance demands placed on products differ significantly. In a private home, installations are often customised to the individual and subject to lighter use. In care homes, particularly those with shared or public access, products must withstand more intensive use, varying user abilities, and, in some cases, accidental misuse. This is why robust construction, secure
fixings, and vandal-resistant features are not optional extras – they are essential. A grab bar that loosens after a few uses, or a tap that requires too much force, does not just fail the user – it presents a safety risk. Accessible products must be designed
with these real-world conditions in mind. Consider solutions that are developed specifically for public and semi-public buildings and tested to perform under heavy and repeated use. While many off-the-shelf solutions might look similar on the surface, they are not designed for this level of performance, and installing them in a care setting can quickly lead to premature wear, increased maintenance, and even liability issues. Functionality, hygiene, and resilience
go hand-in-hand. By investing in products intended for these environments, care home operators ensure their facilities remain safe, reliable, and compliant.
The rise of universal design – beyond compliance It is no longer enough to simply meet regulatory standards. The concept of universal design, or ‘Design for All’, is shifting the conversation from compliance to inclusion. Universal design goes beyond
accommodating wheelchair users. It considers people of all heights, ages, and physical abilities. It recognises the parent with a child, the visitor with a suitcase, or the resident recovering from surgery. It also considers sensory impairments – for example, using acoustic cues for those with hearing loss or textured, contrasting surfaces for those with visual limitations. In the context of care homes, this is
not only about accessibility. It is about creating environments that preserve
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