The bathroom facilities are one of the most important aspects of any reputable care home, and they need to be exemplary in order to satisfy the residents and their families, as well as staff members, stakeholders, financial controllers, boards, and inspectors.
Strong bathroom design is essential to ensure the very best care for residents, as well as ensuring that carers are able to do their jobs properly, providing the requisite level of care and reducing the risk of injury.
Key features of any accessible bathroom include non-slip flooring, such as vinyl or PVC, as well as slip mats in wet rooms and shower cubicles to prevent accidents. Avoiding sharp edges can also be useful, so consider basin and drawer shapes to further reduce the risks of harm.
Taking mobility issues into account is also essential, and it is likely that you will need to install the likes of grab bars and safety rails strategically throughout the space. Suitable places include near the toilet, in the bath, and in the shower.
Space is also paramount, as it may be that there are wheelchair users in residence or people who use other assistive devices. It will be necessary to ensure that there’s sufficient room for them to maneuver in the bathroom while using their mobility aids.
It can be difficult to know where to begin with accessible bathroom design, however, so it can be useful to bring in professionals with experience in this area so you know your concerns and needs are all being met.
Care home bathrooms represent a significant investment, and as such, it’s important that you get it right at the outset to avoid any potentially expensive changes later down the line. If you’d like any further help or advice, get in touch with us today to discuss disabled wet rooms and other such facilities.
3 December,2022
