Bathrooms


beyond mere compliance. Together, legislative and regulatory frameworks create the conditions in which person-centred care can be delivered safely and the design of the physical environment is essential to achieving this outcome. A bathroom that enables safe movement, supports independence and accommodates different care methods gives staff the flexibility to respond to individual needs rather than forcing care to fit the environment’s limits. This is why design must be considered alongside regulation. This becomes particularly important


as residents’ needs change over time: a bathroom that works well for someone using a walking aid today may need to accommodate a shower chair in the future. Designing with this in mind allows residents to remain in familiar surroundings for longer, reduces the need for disruptive environmental changes, and supports continuity of care while maintaining regulatory compliance.


Translating regulation into practice Legislation and regulations set the minimum standards for dignified care; however, they do not explain how to design a bathroom that supports it in everyday use. Section five of Volume two of Document M (2010 Building Regulations) outlines requirements for toilets and bathrooms in non-domestic buildings. These requirements form the baseline, yet they are often treated as the benchmark for good design. In reality, they should be the starting point. Designers should go beyond them to create better bathroom design. Further guidance, including BS 8300:2018


and Health Building Note 00-02, offers more detailed support for designing bathrooms that are accessible, safe and a better working environment. When a bathroom is designed around the tasks carried out by staff and residents, it does more than meet minimum


standards, it improves workflow, reduces risk and enhances the resident’s experience of care. The following principles are intended to


help translate regulatory requirements into practical design decisions, whether you’re working on a new build or a refurbishment to an existing care home.


Space, layout and movement Bathroom space is often limited but crucial for safety. Small bathrooms restrict movement, cause awkward postures for carers, and make equipment use unsafe or difficult. Sufficient space lets residents move freely, use necessary equipment, and helps carers work safely without risking musculoskeletal issues. Important factors to consider are:


n Clear transfer routes between the toilet, basin and shower or bath areas.


n Manoeuvring space that accommodates shower chairs, wheelchairs, walking aids and manual handling equipment, reducing the risk of injury.


n Practical, predictable layouts that reduce cognitive load for people living with dementia or sensory impairments.


n Doorways wide enough to support safe entry and exit during everyday use and in emergencies.


Materials, surfaces and infection control Bathrooms in care homes are used by multiple people and must be designed to support effective cleaning and good hygiene. They must also be durable enough to withstand the demands of a high-use environment. Regulation 15 of the CQC, Fundamentals of Care requires premises to be clean and suitable, and inspectors increasingly expect materials that minimise infection risk and withstand heavy use. Design choices that support these


requirements include: n Seamless wall cladding that eliminates


grout lines, where moisture and bacteria can accumulate.


n Heat-welded, slip-resistant vinyl flooring that provides a continuous, watertight surface.


n Matte finishes that reduce glare and visual distortion for people with sensory impairments.


n Rounded edges that facilitate thorough cleaning and reduce dirt traps.


n These choices not only improve infection control but also create a more inviting space with aesthetic appeal.


Water safety and thermal comfort Bathrooms are high-risk environments, particularly because hot water is used frequently. Poorly controlled temperatures can cause avoidable scalding injuries for both residents and staff. Key design features should include:


n Thermostatically controlled water supplies, such as thermostatic mixing valves or electric showers.


n Clear, intuitive controls that support independence and reduce confusion, for example by choosing standard lever taps over sensor-operated taps.


n Ensuring consistent water pressure and flow to avoid sudden temperature changes. In older properties, electric showers can help stabilise temperature by using only a cold-water supply.


n Thermal comfort also matters. Wet skin cools quickly, and older people are often more sensitive to cold, providing additional, independently controlled heating can make the bathroom warmer and more comfortable.


Supporting choice, control and independence Bathrooms are the most personal spaces within a care home. They are also one of the few environments where many residents can


September 2026 www.thecarehomeenvironment.com 45


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  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52