According to the latest statistics, 3 in 5 of us will be carers for loved ones at some point in our lives, with or without the support of ‘home help’ provided by professional carers. So it makes sense when designing or adapting your bathroom at home to look at things that can make potential carer access easier too. Alan Kingdon from Living Needs explains some of the benefits of creating a carer-friendly bathroom for both care giver and receiver.
“Designing a bathroom to be practical and comfortable for carers is as important as ensuring accessibility for those who receive their care. A good design will create suitable space and circulation allowing the carer and person they assist to comfortably and safely move around the bathroom.There are now many types of devices and equipment that can improve ease and safety in the bathroom for you and your carer – all of which are increasingly being made with an eye toward aesthetics. Things like, half height shower screens or folding screens, are often used by carers for splash protection – keeping the carer dry yet enabling help with washing without having to fight with a shower curtain or screen. Folding screens can also be used if the individual is using a wheel chair for example. Folding to the wall when not in use is a great way to open up the space available and make moving around much easier too.
At Living Needs we always recommend slip resistant floors, that are easy to clean and reduce the risk of the carer or cared for injuring themselves by falling on a slippery wet floor.
Positioning the shower controls just outside the shower area enables the carer to adjust the shower temperature and spray intensity to the right level for the user before entering the shower. Digital shower controls are also great for carers and users alike as these can be operated from outside of the shower area and are simple to use.
Strategically placed grab rails will assist and aid stability and raised height toilets make moving and handling easier for the carer and individual too.”
For the same cost as a few months of residential care, you can adapt your bathroom and remain independent at home for much longer. Living Needs provide free surveys and free no obligation quotations, their specialist engineers will help advise the right mobility solution for you. With over 15 years experience in providing showering solutions Living Needs completes all installations – with all work being backed by TrustMark (The Government approved scheme).
To view an extensive range of showering and bathroom options visit the Living Needs showroom on Mill Road, near Rolle Quay, Barnstaple; open Monday to Saturday with free parking, just pop in or call 01271 374600 www.livingneeds.co.uk