The bathroom is one of the most hard-working parts of the house and, as such, it’s essential that it continues to serve the user as best it can… which may mean making adaptations over time to account for changes in accessibility needs. Ergonomic bathrooms take user needs into account, making…
Going away on holiday can present extra challenges for disabled people, from travelling, to arranging suitable accommodation. Shockingly, disability rights campaigners say that just 16 hotels in the UK offer full disabled access. This has led to disabled guests having to sleep in their chairs, or be unable to access…
From getting washed and dressed in the morning, to looking for work and eating out, disabled people face enormous challenges to live meaningful lives, that are often overlooked by the able-bodied. The Daily Mirror has joined forces with disability rights organisations to help raise awareness of the everyday challenges life…
An accessible bathroom is one of the key features that allows people to remain living independently in their own homes. However, many people think that a functional bathroom can’t also be aesthetically pleasing, and are put off from making necessary adaptions that would make their lives much easier and safer.…
If you are finding it harder to manage the tasks of day-to-day living at home, it may be time to think about the ways you can receive more support. This could mean more assistance in your own home, through aids and adaptations, visits from a daily carer, or a complete…
Disability campaigners have strongly criticised government plans to build 17,000 new homes across England, saying that none of them will be built to adequate accessibility standards. The Disability News Service (DNS) reports that although funding for over 160 new projects has been announced, none of them will meet the M4…
Health professionals have warned that the rise in the cost of living is having a negative impact on the health of the most vulnerable people. The BBC reports that some people are not collecting their prescription medication, and are cutting back on food. The problems are also affecting health care…
A report by the County Councils Network (CCN) has warned that the true cost of social care reform has been underestimated by as much as £10bn, and there is an insufficient workforce in place to cope with the expected level of demand. Home Care Insight reports on the findings of…
A disabled woman has spoken out about becoming depressed after being placed on a waiting list for over two years for an accessible bathroom. Bernadette Moore was identified as being in need of a wet room in 2020, following a health assessment. However, the BBC reports that the work still…
Booking a holiday rental is mostly a matter of selecting the right number of bedrooms and a nice view for many of us. However, if you or a family member is a wheelchair user, or has limited mobility, there are a lot of hidden considerations to take into account. This…
As summer approaches, most of us welcome the spells of warmer weather. However, for elderly people, and those who are living with a disability, hot weather can create extra risks. Extreme heatwaves over a number of days leads to excess deaths among vulnerable groups. If you care for someone in…
It’s important to ensure that we’re able to continue living independently in our own homes for as long as possible as we get older - and the key to achieving this is to make accessibility adaptations over time, in line with our needs as they change and evolve over the…
Alongside the debate pitting baths against showers, and the benefits of whirlpool settings and other bathing solutions, arguably the biggest debate in the field of bathing is whether a cold or hot shower is better for you. Whilst the benefits of heat and cold therapy more widely have been well established and…
Disabled people are in the unfair position that they need to spend more on energy, living expenses and transport costs, while at the same time they are earning less than their non-disabled colleagues. This is the opinion of Frances O’Grady from the Trades Union Congress (TUC), commenting on figures released…
As Brits face a cost-of-living crisis due to rising fuel prices, steep bills and increasing food costs, many people are considering different ways they can save themselves money. One of these could be to reduce the amount of water they use. It has long been said that showering instead of…
Making disabled people pay for their care costs is “morally unfair”, with one charity urging the government to reconsider its terms on lifetime care expenses. MPs are preparing to debate the Health and Care Bill, which states there will be a £86,000 threshold on the amount spent on everyone’s care…
Public toilets can be extremely inaccessible for disabled people, which is why the government’s pledge of £23.5 million to improve facilities across 191 councils in England has been applauded. The Changing Places Fund will see the installation of more than 500 bathrooms at tourist attractions and public places that are…
One of the most popular bathing solutions at the moment is a high-pressure showerhead which adds a therapeutic massage effect and a satisfying geyser of water. There are several ways to get this, from more straightforward high-pressure showers, improved main units and eco-showers that provide a power shower effect but use less…
One of the biggest debates, particularly for people who love a relaxing hot bath, invigorating shower and taking full advantage of high-quality bespoke bathing solutions, is how often you should wash. Much like the choice between a shower and a bath, how often you bathe is a personal choice, with…
An industrial designer studying at Loughborough University has created a system that allows people with limited water supplies to have an unlimited high-pressure shower, revolutionising off-grid bathing solutions. Aran Kalogroulis’ Endless Shower takes up to 15 litres of water, filters and sterilises it in a closed-loop, allowing people to have…
With Britons living longer and having greater needs for mobility facilities in the home, the need for homes that are either converted or custom-built for those with disabilities, be they lifelong, age-related or the result of accidents, has never been greater. For that reason, it is always good news when…
One of the biggest myths in the world of bathing solutions is the idea that showers are always more water-efficient than baths. In the early days of showers from Dr Merry Delabost’s communal showers in the 1870s up until the 1980s, this was more likely to be the case. Water flow rates…
There are few everyday pleasures as delightful in winter as enjoying a warm bath or shower, which both makes you feel clean, refreshed and immune from the cold winter chill, at least until you get out. However, regardless of your choice of bathing solutions, some people find that after a…
The government has announced a new charter for disabled public transport passengers, in a Collaboration with charity Scope, that aims to bring improved journeys for disabled people and give them the confidence to travel, whilst making journeys easier. According to a GOV.UK press release, the new Disabled Persons Passenger Charter…
When considering accessible bathroom facilities, many people ask, what’s the difference between a walk-in shower and a wet room? They are both very popular options for those with limited mobility, and also for anyone who is seeking a stylish and spacious bathroom. Here’s an overview of the main differences. …
Personal Independence Payments (PIP), the benefit designed for those with a long-term physical or mental disability, can take up to six months to be awarded. The long wait can cause extra psychological distress for some people who are already struggling, The Mirror reports. Potential claimants are advised to apply early,…
When it comes to versatile, accessible bathing solutions, the wet room has become an increasingly popular option, especially for smaller bathrooms where space is at a premium. Whilst minimalist functionality is the main benefit of a wet room, it has increasingly become a popular renovation option, as a well-designed wet…
To coincide with the UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December, supermarket Asda’s flagship store in Stevenage was integrated into the GoodMaps smartphone app, that has been designed specifically for the blind or partially sighted. Retail Gazette reports that while the GoodMaps app provides obvious benefits to…
“I am writing to let you know how pleased I am with the completion of my new shower room. My fitters were Jim & George who were friendly and polite, I was sorry to see them go at the end of the week. They involved me at every stage and cleared up after themselves each day, they were quite frankly the best workman I have ever had in my home and I’m sure a valuable asset to your company. Very well done!”
Mr Walters – Hampshire
