With an ageing population, longer life expectancies and an increase in the number of multigenerational households, bathroom products that promote safety and help maintain independence for as long as possible are now an increasingly important consideration for homeowners. Darren Bedford, Sales Director at Lakes, looks at the increase in the demand for safe and accessible bathroom products and what merchants need to know.
It is well documented that the UK has an ageing population with the over 85s predicted to be the fastest growing UK demographic by 2035. As people age, they change physically, mentally and psychologically and this can result in impairments in eyesight, hearing, dexterity, mobility and memory — all of which impact on a person’s independence.
At the same time, there are now around 1.8 million households that span two or more generations, so the number of multigenerational homes is also on the rise. Inevitably these changing societal factors have resulted in a growing number of properties needing to be adapted to help older people live independently in their own homes for as long as possible.
Slips, trips, and falls tend to happen more frequently in bathrooms, particularly for older people or for anyone with mobility issues or disabilities. In fact, over 35% of bathroom-related injuries sustained by people above the age of 15 are caused when they are bathing or taking a shower.
So, in order to help customers futureproof their bathrooms, merchants must ensure that their range of bathroom products suit the demands of all users, including making them more accessible and inclusive for those who are older or less mobile.
There are several important things to consider when advising customers about planning accessible bathrooms. Ease of access will be the number one priority, particularly when it comes to the shower area, so it is important to factor in the specific dimensions of any walking aids or wheelchairs that might be required by less mobile or older members of the household before deciding on what type of shower enclosure is best.
A wet room is often an ideal solution for all members of the family, whatever their age or capabilities. Maximising the available space in the bathroom, a wet room tends to offer a much larger showering space than a traditional enclosure and has no shower tray threshold to manoeuvre around, avoiding trip hazards for all users.
However, if this isn’t possible due to plumbing restrictions, then a low-profile shower tray that sits at approximately 45mm high could be used instead, providing a more accessible shower entrance than standard height trays. Low threshold trays make it easy for both young and old users to access the shower, while non-slip trays are a much safer option for vulnerable age groups.
“In order to help customers futureproof their bathrooms, merchants must ensure that their range of bathroom products suit the demands of all users, including making them more accessible and inclusive for those who are older or less mobile.”
If a more traditional shower layout is preferred then outward opening doors or sliding doors are good options for accessible bathrooms, rather than bi-fold doors which may be awkward for wheelchair access.
Something else to consider is that it can become more challenging to clean the tight square footage and glass of a shower enclosure as people age or become less mobile. Advanced AllClear glass from Lakes provides the perfect solution with its stay-clean coating technology that repels water, limescale and soap scum resulting in far less cleaning in the long run.
It is also important to ensure that the glass has a suitable thickness and is made from toughened safety glass approved to BSI EN12150-1 for added protection and safety.
Additional safety measures such as handrails for added stability or a shower seat for comfort and relief from standing are also a good idea. A shower seat is a particularly advantageous feature within an accessible bathroom design, and they can be mounted on the wall and folded away when not in use.
Available in a range of sizes and finishes, grab rails can be installed horizontally, vertically or at an angle to meet the needs of the user and the layout of the bathroom. Widely available in a variety of styles and finishes, these features can be incorporated into any bathroom design, complementing the overall design scheme rather than standing out.
Finally, it is important to remember that bathrooms can be both accessible to all members of the family and still be elegant and relaxing spaces. Lakes Ambient walk-in is a stylish option for multi-generational households. Designed to offer a calming, soothing and tranquil shower experience, the unique Ambient Walk-In features a PIR motion-sensor that triggers a built-in LED lighting system along the edge of the glass panel, emitting a low-level soft glow.
By adding a low threshold, non-slip shower tray, seat and reassuring grab rails, Ambient is ideal for people of all ages and levels of mobility living within the same household.
Click here for more information on Lakes’ range of products and support services for merchants.
A version of this article appeared in the January edition of Professional Builders Merchant magazine. Click the click to read the full issue in digital format via the PBM website.
