24 Interiors; Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
Some people think of adaptations as needing a full-scale refurbishment however for many living with arthritis – which is a progressive condition – even the quick wins can make a big diff erence
showering and toileting easier and can be quickly incorporated. Higher impact adaptations – mobility and reach can make sinks and baths
diffi cult to use or inaccessible, so replace the bath with a level-access shower. Due to hip, knee and spine limitations, it might be necessary to install wash/dry toilets with automated or easy-to-use controls that do not rely on gross motor skills, raised-height toilets or bidets.
KITCHEN ADJUSTMENTS Once again, quick wins – similar to the bathroom, dexterity can cause major usage problems in the kitchen for those living with arthritis. Simple ‘switch outs’ can make a world of diff erence, including: D-handles on storage, which are easier to pull open compared to knobs, or cupboards that can be opened by pushing rather than pulling. When it comes to sinks and taps, single lever or touchless control taps can be benefi cial in eliminating the need to grip. Also movement around the space is key. T e kitchen can benefi t from the addition of seating/rest areas to support functioning whilst seated. Higher impact adaptations – bending and reaching are both diffi cult for those
with mobility and balance issues, so think about including height-adjustable worktops, that sinks and hobs can be fi tted into. T ese maximise accessibility, multi-user functioning, and future-proof the space to support someone with a degenerative condition such as arthritis. As well as moving worktops to a more suitable height, move kitchen equipment such as the oven to waist height. In addition, consider using heat-resistant pull-out tables to minimise the carrying
Bathrooms Feature
or moving of hot items. Also consider fi tting pull-down baskets, pull-out larders and drawers, or use solutions incorporating automated operation, to bring the contents closer to the user.
LIFESTYLE ADJUSTMENTS NEEDN’T BE COMPLICATED Some people think of adaptations as needing a full-scale refurbishment however for many living with arthritis – which is a progressive condition – even the quick wins can make a big diff erence. By adding seating or resting areas, positioning everyday objects within reach and at waist height where possible and thinking about safe transfer additions such as grab rails, a life can be transformed.
Stuart Reynolds is UK marketing & product management director at AKW AKW announces clinical adaptation service in partnership with occupational therapy service
AKW, one of the UK’s leading providers of accessible showering and kitchen solutions, has partnered with T e Occupational T erapy Service to deliver a fully integrated Clinical Adaptation Service for housing associations and local authorities. T e service combines independent occupational therapy expertise with AKW’s established design, manufacturing, surveying and supply capabilities, creating a single, coordinated pathway for housing adaptations. T e Clinical Adaptation Service enables occupational therapy assessments, adaptation specifi cations, surveying, quotation, and materials supply to be delivered through a single coordinated visit. Housing providers benefi t from a single point of contact from assessment through to specifi cation and supply, faster turnaround times, and a reduction in abortive works and re-adaptations. T e service includes independent, person-centred occupational therapy assessments, clinically led adaptation specifi cations, professional surveying and technical validation, transparent quotations with strong cost control, and high-quality, durable materials designed for long-term use. By aligning clinical assessment with technical delivery, the service reduces duplication, improves accuracy, and supports better budget predictability for commissioners and housing providers. T e partnership between AKW and T e Occupational T erapy Service provides a fully integrated, clinically led solution designed for the housing sector.
01905 823299
www.akw-ltd.co.uk New look Column radiators from Stelrad
Leading radiator manufacturer, Stelrad Radiators has introduced an Italian-designed new look, improved range of its popular Column radiators – in both its vertical and horizontal column radiator ranges. T e most obvious changes are to the design of the radiators
that will now feature
a new rounded column design. T e streamlined model range will feature 54 horizontal radiators and four vertical options with heights between 300 mm and 2,000 mm and lengths from 348 mm to 1,866 mm. T ey will feature an increased warranty – signifi cantly extended from the current fi ve years to fi ſt een years.
0800 876 6813
www.stelradprofessional.com Housing Management & Maintenance Summer 2026 Housing Management & Maintenance
T e Housing Management & Maintenance (HMM) website is an online provider of past and present news items dedicated to keep professionals within this sector updated with a wide range of topics including legislation, projects, products and more.
housingmmonline.co.uk is a one-stop source for all the latest press releases providing any visitor with access to information about products and services that they may require. From the website, you can fi nd links to digital issues that have live links to advertisers’ sites, as well as email alerts to keep you as informed as possible.
www.housingmmonline.co.uk
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