Bathrooms & Wetrooms Feature
Multi-generational bathrooms
Yiota Toumba at Ideal Standard shares her thoughts on how to create residential bathrooms that cater to everyone, regardless of age or mobility
Interiors
T
he UK’s population is ageing, and around one in five people are now 65 or over. With that number expected to grow significantly over the next decade, it’s vital that the homes we’re developing today will provide
adequate support for people tomorrow. Building or upgrading bathrooms to be more accessible and comfortable for
less mobile residents is one of the most impactful steps developers and housing managers can take. Tis will both greatly improve the quality of life for residents and increase a property’s value. When it comes to adapting bathrooms for the infirm or those residents
with reduced mobility, there’s a lot to consider – from temperature to extra support, to anti-slip measures. Safety needs to be the ultimate priority, but you still need to create a space that is attractive and supports people in maintaining their independence. Tere is a range of specialised bathroom products available on the market
created for those with less mobility in mind, which can offer a sleek look and feel as well as an additional level of support.
BATHS Standing in the shower can be a difficult experience for many with less mobility, which is why baths are more likely to be an important feature in their homes. Baths that are made with lower edges than standard and come with reinforced ledges provide an additional level of support.
Tese will allow users to comfortably sit down when they need to and make it
much easier for them to get in and out of the bath as they can sit on the side and manoeuvre at their own speed.
SHOWERS At the same time, there are many who also find lying down in a bath difficult, in which case a tailored showering set-up is required. When looking for an accessible showering range, it’s important to consider the entire system to create a comfortable experience for the end-users. Tis may include systems that come with supportive rails and shower chairs built-in, allowing users to sit down and rest while they shower. Wet rooms are another option, providing easy access and usability, with
users able to get in and out without needing to overcome any height difference between the floor and a shower tray.
PREVENTING SCALDING One of the most notable and preventable dangers in bathrooms is scalding, which should always be considered when choosing fittings for homes where children, elderly or less mobile people live. One of the best ways to eliminate scalding is to make use of taps and showers
fitted with thermostats. Termostats ensure that the water exiting the fitting will not exceed a pre-set temperature. Tey work by sensing any changes
www.housingmmonline.co.uk | HMMApril/May 2022 | 35
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