PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2026 34 AccessibleBathrooms
Life can be easier for those with arthritis
With conditions such as arthritis aff ecting millions across the UK, demand is increasing for bathrooms that better support independence and safety. Here, Stuart Reynolds from AKW outlines practical design considerations and product solutions to help specifi ers and installers meet these evolving needs.
E
very person reading this probably knows at least one person in their family or friendship circle
living with arthritis. Although there is currently no cure for the condition, it can be managed through medicine, physical therapy and lifestyle changes. The AKW guide on the subject has been developed in conjunction with Arthritis UK and The Occupational Therapy Service and is free to download for those looking for more guidance on the subject.
Best practice guidance With 20.3 million people at present living with musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis in the UK, the demand for home adaptations to help improve quality of life is on the rise. Not surprisingly, the most diffi cult room to navigate for those with the condition is the bathroom. However, with thoughtful design, product specifi cation and installation, this space can be transformed into a room that promotes independence for the end user.
Identify the challenges So, what are the key challenges faced by those with arthritis when navigating the bathroom? The more obvious ones include controls or fi xtures that are inaccessible, or that require excessive reaching, gripping or bending to use. Then there are the less obvious ones that include poor ergonomic design, the limited availability of support surfaces and the increased risk of slips, trips and falls. All of these are barriers that can stop a user feeling safe enough to access the bathroom space. However, with some simple adjustments, it can become less challenging to navigate and encourage more positive, independent user- interaction. Here are some key design
principles to consider when adapting bathroom space for those with arthritis: • Prioritise ease of access – If
The Rise & Fall Bidet addresses a variety of clinical needs by off ering a contemporary and fl exible wash/dry toileting solution
Stuart Reynolds UK marketing & product management director at AKW
With 20.3 million people living with musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis in the UK, the demand for home adaptions is on the rise
the person is using a walking aid or wheelchair, remove thresholds where possible and ensure clear, obstacle-free pathways. Also reduce fall risks with slip-resistant fl ooring, that is matt and unrefl ective in fi nish, to reduce visual instability. In addition, for those with reduced manual dexterity, add lever handle taps or D-shaped cabinet door handles for easier operation. • Promote ergonomic design and support – Raise or lower surfaces to help the user reduce bending or overreaching. A variable height surface worktop can help with this. Also, think about the strategic placement of grab rails and the promotion of seated task performance. This can be in the form of a shower seat in the bathroom or a sturdy chair or perching stool, to be used as a sitting or steadying tool as the user moves around the space. • Minimise eff ort – Choose
appliances and fi xtures with easy-to-use controls that help to reduce strain on arthritic hands, such as lever or infrared
The AKW SmartCare Lever Electric Shower is designed to make showering easier for those living with limited dexterity
taps and soft-close drawers. Also, make the most of easy pull-out or motorised rise and fall wall cupboards, to reduce the amount the user needs to bend or stretch to access the item’s contents.
Arthritis answers Going back to basics, the main challenge for specifi ers and installers bathrooms for those with arthritis is knowing what products to choose and where to put them to maximise ease of use. To facilitate this, AKW has highlighted key products that are suitable for those with arthritis in its latest arthritis guide. In the bathroom the
following products have been highlighted as suitable for those living with the condition: AKW’s SmartCare Lever Electric Shower, that can be operated using only two fi ngers if hands or wrists are aff ected and the AKW Rise & Fall Bidet hygienic toilet solution if joint pain aff ects balance or grip. Also suggested is a comfortable shower seat to relieve the pressure off knees and hips, shower enclosures with D-handles and D-latches to reduce strain on fi ngers and wrists and lever taps that can even be operated by a closed fi st or elbow.
In the kitchen These principles also apply to kitchens. For example, AKW’s Activmotion Rise & Fall Worktop surfaces that suit users with a degenerative
condition, a tall, easy side access larder unit for frequently used items, and lever taps with paddle lever handles to aid those with limited dexterity. In addition, also recommended are pull-down cupboard baskets that bring contents within reach and base unit drawers with D-handles for simpler access than traditional cupboards. As awareness of arthritis-
related accessibility needs continues to grow, thoughtful specifi cation and informed product choices play an increasingly important role in shaping functional living spaces. By combining good design principles with appropriate, user-focused solutions, bathrooms can better support long-term independence, safety and comfort for those living with the condition. ◼
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CUT TO THE CHASE
Poor ergonomics, limited support surfaces and fall risks are key barriers to independent space use
Accessible layouts should prioritise clear pathways, level thresholds and slip-resistant, non-reflective flooring
Products should minimise physical effort through lever controls, soft-close mechanisms and pull-out storage
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